If it's been a while since your last international sojourn, you might have forgotten about the one major annoyance that sneaks up on you at the airport security check point.
I'm talking, of course, about gathering up all your carry-on toiletries and transferring them from your well-packed cosmetics bag into the sort of zip-lock contraption more commonly used to protect sandwiches in school bags.
You've got your laptop in one hand – out of its sleeve and into its own security tray, remember? – your jacket and shoes in the other; your passport and departure card between your teeth, probably. The last thing you want to do is rummage through your bags for loose lippies, hand creams and eye drops.
Between April and May this year, I took three international journeys. By the second stint at airport security, I had the routine down pat – and with no travel documents in the gob. What a proud moment that was.
My secret? A see-through beauty bag.
Look See Clutch, Nasty Gal style ($51.27 but currently sold out. Boo)
Clearly Mac nested set of three. Clearly a wise investment ($76)
Flight001's Aeronaut Quart Bag – just one of their TSA-approved bags ($22)
Forever 21's Clear Zippered Pouch. Forever a bargain ($5.90)
Now, we can't absolutely guarantee airport security will let you through with these particular totes, this is the kind of clear clutch you'll want to keep an eye out for.
Don't forget all liquids, gels and aerosols you take in the cabin on international flights must be under 100ml each.
You can find a huge range of travel-sized hairsprays, body washes and cleansers at most pharmacies and supermarkets these days.
Even your L'Occitanes and Sephoras do travel minis, including sets for men. Alternatively, you can buy empty containers and fill them with your own preferred products.
Pop larger toiletries in your checked luggage, wrapping them up in a plastic shopping bag to safeguard against major shampoo explosions. You'll be surprised how handy that shopping bag can be too, especially for sullied shoes.
Geneva shows us how to DIY at apairandasparediy.com. Thanks girl!
Tips for carry-on toiletries from Travel Secure:
- All containers must be carried in one transparent, resealable plastic bag
- The four sides of the bag's sealed area must add up to no more than 80 centimetres
- The plastic bag must be the type that can be sealed and resealed with a sealing mechanism (*I've used a zipped bag multiple times)
- Only one bag is allowed for each passenger unless you are carrying toiletries for people in your care or children travelling with you
- Containers exceeding 100ml, even if partially filled, will not be allowed through
