You can have it all - packing tips

Every woman who regularly travels struggle with what items to place in her quart size zip lock baggie and not feel like she left all of her favorites at home.  With all the traveling I did this year, I feel like I finally have it down to a science and want to share my must haves with you too.

Must haves for a weekend trip:
Shampoo - don't use the hotel "free stuff" as it will ruin your hair.  Go to your local department store and ask the beauty counter salesperson for samples of your favorite shampoo. If you're a regular customer, they will be happy to give them to you.  If they are out of stock, they can make you a sample - just the right size for travel.

• My pick - Oribe:  They have dual sample packets with shampoo & conditioner.

• My pick - Jack Black's Epic Moisture MP 10 oil.  It's multi-functional and you can get sample packets.  I have found it to be a miracle oil, why?  It can be used as hair serum, body moisturizer, shaving oil, make up remover and cuticle oil.  A little goes a long way and it smells terrific!

• My pick - Kate Somerville's sunscreen.  She has one that's made for your face, but I use it on my arms, neck and back.  It's NOT waterproof, so something to be mindful of if you plan to swim.

Hand cream - If you find the right hand cream, it can also used as a perfume.  Something that smells fresh, but not too sweet.

• My pick - Molton Brown's Ylang-Ylang Hand Cream.  

• My pick - Mabelline's classic, but always the waterproof version and in black.  If you bring the Jack Black oil, mentioned earlier, it will remove waterproof makeup.

Nail polish - No one has time for manicures on weekend trips, but travel can be rough on any manicure.  No matter how careful I am, by the time I get through security I've either chipped a nail or the polish is missing off one of the nails.  I've started traveling with just the polish for touch up's.

• My pick - Chanel's nail polishes are my favorite.  I like the neutral shades to travel with: Ballerina, Allergoria or Secret.  You can do a quick touch up in a pinch and it will blend perfectly every time and Chanel's nail polish brushes are small enough that you can get small areas.

Lotion - your skin has a tendency to get very dry with travel, not to mention the moisture zapping hotel soaps!  

Sunscreen:  I look for one that is gentle enough for my face, but can also be used on my body.  

Hairspray - for this, we must all compromise and find a non-aerosol version since TSA will not let you travel with aerosols in your carry on bags.  So, I go to my local pharmacy and grab what's cheap and available. 

Mascara - When traveling I try to find one that can work for all looks.  Most ladies use a couple of different mascara's, but when traveling you need to pick your favorite - you can't bring them all!

Lipgloss - My favorite is always Gorgio Armani lipgloss.  I have atleast a dozen colors, so the tough decision is which one to bring.  That depends on the time of year.  Most trips I go with a high gloss and neutral shade of pale pink or beige.

That's it!  You should have space in that quartz size bag to add a few more items. Remember, before you pack it, ask yourself if you really need it and can it do more than one thing? 

Happy Traveling!