Clever packing: handy things I always have with me
20.11.2023
Translation: Eva Francis
Know those people who conjure up the most amazing things from their (teeny tiny) handbag? In the past, I used to roll my eyes at them. Today, I’m one of these people myself – thanks to my (soon-to-be not-so-little) secret toiletry bag.
I’m constantly switching between various handbags and work bags. About a year ago, I decided all that emptying my stuff out of one bag and packing it into another wasn’t working for me. I kept forgetting or – even worse – losing things and never ended up having everything I needed with me. My solution? A mini toiletry bag for all my must-haves when I’m out and about. If I need to switch handbags, all I need to do is move my toiletry bag, wallet and phone.
Source: Natalie Hemengül
Here’s what I think belongs in such a toiletry travel bag. And don’t be fooled – my list may be long, but my bag isn’t heavy at all.
Beauty products
Above all, I need a lip balm that makes my lips look full and shiny. My absolute favourite at the moment is the Moistureglow Plumping Lip Serum in the colour Pink Glow by the brand Make-up by Mario. Mario Dedivanovic, who owns the brand, is Kim Kardashian’s make-up artist. We don’t have this product in our range, so I’ve picked out an alternative from Kiko Milano that I also quite like.
An hour after styling my hair in the morning, it looks like I’ve fought my way through a dense jungle. I use a wooden comb to tame my mane without electrically charging it. The flat comb needs no space at all.
To freshen up my sun protection during the day or to apply it to the back of my hands, I use the Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sunstick by the Korean brand Isntree. Find our more about this product in my article.
A hand mirror is a must-have. I’m currently using the lid of an old face powder jar because there’s a mirror on it. Not the most elegant solution, but it works. You might think powder is one of my toiletry bag essentials, but it isn’t. To mattify my face, I prefer to use oil control paper. These small sheets of paper absorb excess sebum without ruining your make-up. And what I love most is they’re light as a feather. I also always carry a small disposable cardboard nail file (you could also just cut a large one in half), as well as lipstick and lip liner with me. Perfume creams or small samples are ideal as on-the-go fragrances. Alternatively, you could buy a travel-size diffuser and fill it with your favourite perfume.
Hygiene products
The tables on trains are often so filthy I can barely look at them – let alone place my laptop on one. My solution? Put a bit of disinfectant on a handkerchief and clean it. If I have sticky fingers, I use a single refreshing wipe. I also like having chewing gum, mints and a dental floss stick handy for after a meal.
My toiletry bag always has tampons in various sizes and a pad in it. Even if I don’t need any myself, someone’s always grateful that I have one handy. I recently added a hygiene bag to my collection of things to have with me. It serves as a mobile rubbish bag or to store something that might spill.
Source: Natalie Hemengül
Extras
When my eyes are really dry, it can happen that a contact lens falls out when I blink. I’m lost without them, so I always have a pair of replacement lenses and eye drops with me. A small pair of scissors, various medicines such as painkillers and two hair ties (lending a hair tie to someone at the gym is a great way to make new friends) and a hair clip complete my emergency kit.
Important: Your travel toiletry bag is only useful if you restock any items you’ve used or given away.
Source: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
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