5 Tips to Pack the Perfect Carry On

How To Pack a Carry On

If you've decided to travel light this Summer or you're taking a carry only, armed with all your essentials for a weekend getaway. Then hopefully I've got your covered with this simple 5 Step Guide on some of the tips and tricks I use to pack efficiently.

1. CHECK YOUR ALLOWANCE
First things first, make sure you check what you are allowed to take with you onboard, with regards to how much, size, weight and what. I would go onto to your airlines website and check cabbage bag allowance. It's also worth checking the airports website that you are flying to and from with, to find out if there are any restrictions that you may not be aware off.

We went away for a two night trip and I took this suitcase and a handbag also. However I did have to check this bag in, in the end because of new size restrictions that had come into force recently. So just make sure you check before you buy, so that you can avoid those pescy additional charges when you get to the airport!

This suitcase is from Matalan. It comes in a Small, Medium and Large Size, plus it's also a very good dupe for the popular Bric's Milano Luggage*.

2. LAY EVERYTHING OUT
I find the best way to plan outfits for your trip is to lay everything out day by day. So if you're going for say, two nights and three days, I think in sequence starting with my travel outfit and then maybe a change of clothes for that day depending on when you arrive, then I pick out outfits for each evening and so on.

Next I lay everything out that I've pulled together, so that I can see what I have and if there's anything else I need to add or takeaway. Think 'Capsule Wardrobe', which leads me on too...

3. DO I REALLY NEED THAT??
When packing light it's fundamental to ask yourself the question, do I really need that spare pair of sandals, extra lipstick or that 'just in case 2nd jacket'?

Sometimes you just have to be focused on what you REALLY need, so that you only pack those bare essentials, as chances are you probably won't wear or use absolutly everything you pack in your suitcase...

To see how and what I packed for my two night trip, don't forget to check out the according video I linked above. 

4. WRAP & ROLL...

To ensure you maximise every little bit of space in your suitcase I recommended rolling all your  clothes tightly, that way they can be tucked into awkward spaces and they can free up extra space. 

Underwear and socks can also be tucked into shoes and bags also.

I've used this trick for years now as I find it always works best, especially if you need a little extra room for gifts etc. on the way back.

5. TRAVEL TOILETRIES 

This is a tricky one if your'e only taking hand luggage, but with a little bit of planning you can have this down to a T in no time! 

Firstly, I again recommend going through and gathering together what you would normally use throughout the day and so on. Then once you have everything you think you would need, start dividing it into two piles, one for under 100ml liquids/pastes and one for non liquids. (*Always check with your airport security beforehand).

I than place all my under 100ml liquids in the required size plastic bag to check they all fit. 

If you don't have everything travel sized then you can always decant into smaller containers. I love picking up a pack of clear containers from Primark as they come with different types of bottles and pots.

 Finally I've also linked a handy travel toiletries checklist that you can pin too. 

Top 10 Travel Size Toiletries Under 100ml

Top 10 Travel Size Toiletries

I love travelling to visit different places in the world, but the whole process of getting to your destination can be stressful at times, especially with strict carry on rules and limited baggage allowance. Having done a fair few long haul flights myself, I know as a women it's important to have all your essentials in one place, so you feel at home and comfortable on the flight. But as I mentioned above, carry on restrictions are not how they used to be and that means the liquid allowance allowed is only one small bag to fill with liquids, creams and aerosols etc. Luckily I've come up with my Top 10 must-haves that hopefully cover you from top to toe, whether your going on a long haul flight or just taking hand luggage only.

Products mentioned

1. Anti Bacterial Gel - Bath & Body Works 29ml
2. Hand Lotion - Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream* 30ml
3. Cuticle Oil - Dadi Oil* 15ml
4. Skin Protectant Balm (Multi-tasker) - Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream* 30ml
5. Facial Spray - Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic 30ml
6. Face Moisturiser - Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser 15ml
If you are taking your makeup off on the plane, another suggestion would be some face wipes or a under 100ml cleanser if your doing hand luggage only.
7. Travel Size Perfume - Travalo* 9ml 
8. Toothpaste (And Toothbrush) - Colgate Max White 25ml
9. Mouth Spray - Hello Breath Spray in Mojito Mint 7ml
10. Dry Shampoo or Heat Defence Spray - Colab Dry Shampoo 50ml or Charles Worthington Heat Defence Spray 50ml - Boots In Store Only

*Some links are affiliated

What to Pack in your Travel Make-Up Bag

What's in my Travel Makeup Bag

When your as passionate about make-up like me, then it's always hard to condense down your precious stash when traveling. For me I have so many favourite items it's hard to choose what to bring! Today I thought I'd share with you what make-up I'm taking away for a weeks trip and also some tips and tricks to help you pack a little be lighter.

What's your favourite travel friendly make-up items? Tweet me or leave a comment down below.

 

I needed make-up for both day and night so this is what I decided to take:

 Products mentioned:
- Make-Up Bag - Elemis
- Make-Up Brushes - Looks out for travel sets, especially around Christmas.
- Mini Benefit Porefessional Primer
- Mini Urban Decay Primer Potion
- Sample Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Complexion Primer Potion
- Soap and Glory Archery Pencil
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pomade
- HD Brows Foxy Palette
- MAC Clear Brow Gel
- Kiko Long Lasting Shadow Stick in No5
- NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Sparkle Nude
- Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette
- Maybelline Gel Liner in Black
- MAC Eye Pencil in Blooz
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Double Ended Eye Pencil in Zero & Demolition.
- Benefit They're Real Mascara in Black
- Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua
- Sample Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation
- Urban Decay Naked Concealer
- MAC Pro-Conceal and Correct Palette
- MAC Fix +
- MAC MSF in Light Plus
- NYC Sunny Bronzer
- Benefit Rockateur Blusher
- MAC Lipsticks in Hue & Impassioned

My Top Five Tips to Packing Lightly
1. Be realistic with your packing, remember you can't take everything and chances are you probably won't end up using half the make-up you take anyway!

2. Take a make-up bag that's durable, easy to wipe clean (in case anything leaks) and is large enough to fit everything you need, so you don't end up taking extra make-up bags as

3. Look out for travel friendly make-up sample sizes. I tend to get them as a free gift when I'm buying high end make-up as well as getting them free with magazines like Glamour and Marie Claire.

4. If your a frequent flyer look out for make-up brush sets at Christmas, as these are often half the size of your regular brush and are the perfect thing for travelling.

5. If your going a trip where you need day and night products, opt for one palette that can see you through both, as well as a wearable day lipstick and brighter or darker shade for the evening.