When it comes to packing, most of us are familiar with the old standbys for what to do with our clothes—prioritize versatile pieces, roll, don’t fold, stuff your underwear into your shoes to save room. Things become a bit more complicated, however, when toiletries come into the picture. Makeup and skincare items can take up a lot of space, and the last thing we want is to end up with a major shampoo explosion à la Ross Geller. Fortunately, we’ve discovered a few ways to make packing toiletries easier and keep the rest of our things safe from rogue moisturizer.
Downsize and Organize
Unless you’re planning to stay in your destination for several weeks or longer, you probably don’t need full-sized containers of products like lotion and shampoo. Opting for travel-sized bottles instead is an easy way to save room in your suitcase and reduce the chances that something will explode. Use a toiletry bag with compartments to keep everything organized.
Wrap it Up
Our secret for preventing spills? Plastic wrap. To keep liquid products from leaking out of their containers, just unscrew the caps, place a small piece of plastic wrap over the opening, and screw the cap back on as tightly as possible. The added layer of protection acts as a seal, providing an extra layer of protection against leaks caused by changes in cabin pressure. Alternatively, you can pack your toiletries in Ziploc bags to contain any potential spills and isolate them from your clothing.
Protect Fragile Items
Cosmetics like eyeshadows and powders can break easily, so be strategic about where and how you pack them. Keep delicate products inside a designated toiletry bag, placing soft objects such as socks or underwear between each item to act as a cushion and prevent containers from knocking together.