Guide

Clever packing: handy things I always have with me

Natalie Hemengül
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.

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.

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.

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.

Header image: Natalie Hemengül

115 people like this article


User Avatar
User Avatar

As 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
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Guide

Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

  • Guide

    Relax from the get-go: lightweight luggage for your yoga trip

    by Anika Schulz

  • Guide

    5 UV sticks tested: which are best for a sun protection quickie?

    by Natalie Hemengül

  • Guide

    These 9 gifts for fashion lovers are both beautiful and useful

    by Stephanie Vinzens