5 Solid Toiletries that Take the Hassle Out of Packing Your Carry-On [Review]
I love to pack light when flying overseas. Forget the hassle of checking in a bag, I always try to pack just enough to fit into a backpack and a carry-on suitcase. When it comes to clothes, I’ve almost mastered the art of packing just what I need, but packing my toiletries bag? Now that’s where I really struggle. Call me high maintenance but there are certain skincare and beauty products that I NEED to have with me to ensure a certain level of comfort while travelling. But, of course, the struggle of finding mini 100ml-sized versions of your favourite liquid toiletries can be a nightmare of note. Which is why I am currently obessed with solid toiletries. Forget living that travel-sized life, travelling with solid toiletries is pretty much the best travel hack ever! And, to help you find the best of the best in the solid toiletries world I’ve decided to share 5 solid toiletries that have changed the way I pack.
First let’s chat about why solid toiletries are the best thing ever. In addition to not having to worry about airport security scrutinizing the size of your mouth wash, solid tolietries also last longer. If I take a 100ml bottle of shampoo, it might last me one or two washes, if I’m being conservative. Whereas a 50g solid shampoo bar can last at least 6-8 weeks and won’t take up any more room than a 100ml bottle of shampoo. Of course, there’s also the benefit of not having to worry about spillage. Anyone who has ever had a bottle of face wash, shampoo, or any other liquid spill out in their luggage will know the horror I am referring to.
Solid shampoo and conditioner
Yes sure, if you’re staying in a fancy enough hotel you’ll get those mini bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your hotel room but let’s be real; those teeny tiny bottles don’t even contain enough shampoo and conditioner to wash my cat, let alone any respectable adult woman’s hair. I’m also dubious of the quality of shampoo and conditioner they shove into those tiny bottles so I always prefer to bring my own.
Lush offers an amazing range of solid shampoos and conditioners that not only keep your hair in tip-top condition while travelling but also lessen the stress of travelling with liquids when overseas. I’ve fallen head-over-heels for the Lush Soak & Float Bar (R115/55g bar). This shampoo bar suds like real shampoo, smells wonderful, and is a whizz at treating problem scalps (think psoriasis, dandruff, and eczema). It contains soothing ingredients like Cade oil and Rose oil to help bring balance to an inflamed scalp and has really helped to calm down the symptoms of my scalp psoriasis over the last few months.
Pair it with the Lush Avocado Co-Wash bar (R185/100g) for silky, hydrated hair while travelling. This conditioner-washing bar gently cleanses without stripping the hair of its naturally protective oils (so it’s great for those who love a double cleanse), and also works as a conditioner to give you the best of both worlds while you travel. Buy it on its own for an easy 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner solution while travelling or massage it into the scalp after shanpooing for a hydration boost of note.
Solid deoderant
If there’s one thing that can convince me to buy a magazine, it’s a mini travel-sized deoderant. For some reason the souls who manufacture deoderant in South Africa can’t seem to bring themselves to sell travel-sized versions of the stuff but worry not, solid deoderant is here to save the day.
I’m a big fan of the Lush Aromaco Solid Deodorant (R72/100g). Packed full of gentle, natural ingredients to keep you feeling fresh, this solid deodorant utilises the power of absorbent sodium bicarbonate and witch hazel to help you stay dry, while antibacterial chamomile vinegar and cooling, fragrant patchouli keep you smelling sweet. Think of Aromaco as a roll on deodorant without the extra packaging. Simply rub under clean, dry armpits and you’re ready to go.
Solid cleanser
No more suitcase spills or messy application, solid face washes are so easy to use you might start using them even when you’re not on the road. I always keep a face wash bar in the shower and unlike a gel or cream cleanser it last ages. Solid face wash is the ideal travel partner and you can’t go wrong with one of the many solid face wash bars from Lush.
One of my favourites from the Lush collection is the Lush Fresh Farmacy Facial Soap (R114/120g). This gentle face wash bar contains chamomile, elderflower, calamine and lavender along with beautiful essential oils: chamomile blue oil. lavender oil, tea tree oil and rose. I love this cleanser because it’s super calming on the skin and leaves your skin feeling clean, yet nourished. Follow with a lovely decadent moisteriser and you’re good to go!
Toothpaste and mouth wash tablets
Solid toothpaste is a smart and easy way to cut down on liquids in your carry-on. It might not look like traditional toothpaste, but it works. To use, simply bite one between your teeth and brush. Follow with a mouthwash tablet and you’ll be minty fresh for hours.
I love the Lush Miles for Smiles Toothpaste Tablets (R135). These minty chewables contain cleansing kaolin and a triple whammy of minty goodness to keep your teeth in mint condition. Another winner is the Crème de Menthe Mouthwash Tablets (R135/45g). After brushing your teeth with a Toothy Tab, pop one tab into your mouth and take a sip of water to start the fizz. Nibble and swish before spitting out. You can also dissolve a mouthwash tab in a small amount of water and rinse the mouth that way.
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