Traveling safely is of the utmost importance, but the TSA’s 3-1-1 toiletry regulations can really put a damper on traveling cleanly. Nothing’s worse than being able to fit only a couple of days’ worth of face goo into a tiny bottle when you’ve got a two-week trip ahead of you. Except maybe the baggage fees you have to pay to check your bag so you can bring the whole bottle. Or perhaps, when your checked bag never arrives at your destination. To avoid all of these scenarios, here are 10 non-liquid toiletries that will get you through TSA without the hassle, and keep you looking, and feeling, great while you travel.
Photo: JR Liggett Shampoo Bar
10 Non-Liquid Toiletries That Will Get You Through TSA Stress-Free
1. Shampoo
Photo: JR Liggett Shampoo Bar
A favorite of clean freaks everywhere, shampoo bars have all of the cleansing and nice-smelling ingredients of liquid shampoo — they’re just solid. JR LIGGETT’S covers a nice range and they are easy to pack, last long, and can double as soap if yours slips away somewhere along your travels.
2. Conditioner
For those with locks that need taming, conditioner is a must. Luckily, there are solid conditioner bars out there for all types of hair. Like the shampoo bar, a conditioner bar packs all the power of regular conditioner without the liquid hassle. Lush has a great selection in various fragrances. These generally have oil in them so if they get warm they’ll melt – be sure to bring along protective packaging.
3. Face cleanser
Photo: H2O+ Beauty
Most people are married to their face-cleansing regimen but if you can bear to be separated from yours for a while there are good solid options that will keep your skin glowing. You can go back to basics with good old-fashioned face soap (Kiss My Face and Neutrogena both make travel-size bars) but if you need something fancier, H2O+ has award-winning cleansing sticks that will do the trick.
4. Makeup
Photo: Flesh Beauty
If you must have your foundation with you, opt for a stick version of your favorite shade and bring along a sponge for blending. Allure magazine recently voted Flesh stick foundations one of the best on the market. It comes in shades that will compliment all skin tones and keep any unsightly splotches covered.
5. Shaving soap
Photo: Mitchell’s Wool Fat Soap
If you aren’t interested in growing a beard or having billy goat legs while you explore, this shave soap bar from Mitchell’s Wool Fat Soap is a good option for packing. Refill pucks take less space in your carry-all and, if you’re traveling with a partner, are good for sharing.
6. Toothpaste
Photo: ArchTek
Toothpaste tablets are a TSA-friendly alternative to the tube. You just chew one up and once it gets pasty, start brushing! If you’re someone who prefers a good old minty-fresh feeling, these are as close to traditional toothpaste as you will find. Order them online from Archtek.
7. Body lotion
Photo: KORA Organics
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and may need some love when the rigors of travel — altitude, heat, cold, sun — take their toll. This little balm from KORA Organics goes a long way in keeping skin happy during flights and is perfect for hand luggage.
8. Sunscreen
Photo: Neutrogena
Whether you’re heading to the beach or the mountains, sunscreen is a must. Stick sunscreens go on like a solid deodorant so they’re easy to apply quickly, without the mess of traditional creams. Also, if you’re traveling on your own, these make it a lot less awkward to ask a relative stranger if they can get your back. Neutrogena has an extensive line and you can order them online.
9. Insect repellent
Photo: Repel
Bug bites suck no matter what but they’re even worse when you’re trying to enjoy your vacation. From sand fleas and mosquitos to ticks and Bot flies, pretty much wherever you go, there’ll be some little critter trying to get a piece of you. The experts say a good dose of DEET will deter most pests and this stick from Repel has plenty of it.
10. Laundry detergent
Photo: Travelon
Lastly, what you put on your body counts and that includes clean clothes. If you’re traveling light and know doing laundry will be on your agenda, soap sheets will be your best friend. They take up very little space, are easy to use, and save you the time of trying to track down single-use laundry soap packets. This really comes in handy when you’re traveling abroad and don’t know how to say “single load laundry soap pack” in a foreign language. Along with many other travel accessories, Travelon has these on its online store. 