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What Is a Toiletry Bag Used For?
Toiletry bags are ideal for storing the hygiene and grooming items you reach for on a daily basis.
They come in various designs, but often look like a zippered pouch bag with pockets and compartments to separate your products.
Depending on your bathroom routine, you can choose from a small, simple drawstring or zippered bag to a large, robust vanity case.
What To Put in a Women’s Toiletry Bag
So,what should be in a woman's toiletry bag?
We've compiled a list of common products to choose from, according to your needs.
Hygiene
- Body wash
- Face wash
- Cleanser or makeup remover
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitiser
- Sanitary products
- Travel-size fragrance
Grooming
- Hair brush or comb
- Hair ties and clips
- Moisturiser with SPF
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunscreen
- Hair oil with UV protection
- Skin care serums and lotions
- Razor
- Shaving foam
- Makeup
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Mini mirror
What To Put in a Women’s Toiletry Bag
So,what should be in a woman's toiletry bag?
We've compiled a list of common products to choose from, according to your needs.
Hygiene
- Body wash
- Face wash
- Cleanser or makeup remover
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitiser
- Sanitary products
- Travel-size fragrance
Grooming
- Hair brush or comb
- Hair ties and clips
- Moisturiser with SPF
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunscreen
- Hair oil with UV protection
- Skin care serums and lotions
- Razor
- Shaving foam
- Makeup
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Mini mirror
What To Put in a Men’s Toiletry Bag
Stuck on what toiletries to take to the office, gym or away with you on holiday?
Don't sweat it. Use our men's toiletry packing list as a checklist to avoid forgetting the items you need for your on-the-road routine.
Hygiene
- Body wash
- Face wash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitiser
- Travel-size cologne
Grooming
- Hair brush or comb
- Hair gel, wax or pomade
- Beard brush, oil and/or styling product
- Hair trimmer for ears and nose
- Moisturiser with SPF
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunscreen
- Skin care serums and lotions
- Razor
- Shaving foam or gel
- Aftershave
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Mini mirror
Optional Extras while Travelling
If you’re packing a toiletry bag to take abroad, you might also want to include some medical items, such as:
- Prescribed medication
- After sun or aloe vera
- Mosquito repellent
- Bite and sting relief cream
- Painkillers
- Vitamins
- First aid kit supplies such as plasters, wound dressings etc.
Travellers also find certain day-to-day items come in handy while they’re away, too, such as a small bottle of laundry detergent and pegs for washing and hanging clothes, and a mini sewing kit for minor repairs.
What You Don’t Need To Pack in a Toiletry Bag
When you’re travelling, smart toiletry packing means prioritising the items you need the most. With limited space available, you can leave some products at home or swap out big, bulky bottles.
Buy travel-sized alternatives or decant your liquids and creams from large bottles into mini travel bottles to save space and prevent weighing down your bag.
Remember that many hotels provide the basics, such as shampoo and soap, for those staying in rooms with an en-suite bathroom.
Some even provide cotton wool pads, shower caps and lotions. If you’re unsure, why not call or email your accommodation to check. That way, you can leave these items at home.
What To Put in a Toiletry Bag for School or Work
If your daily routine consists of commuting to school, uni or work, you can pack your toiletry bag to prepare for whatever the day might have in store.
You won't need the full kit as you're only leaving the house for several hours or the full day. But there are a few hygiene must-haves that will keep you feeling and looking fresh between lessons, lectures or meetings. Stash them in your bag before you leave for the day.
When Do You Need a Toiletry Bag?
Whenever you think you might need to wash or have a quick refresh, it’s a great idea to have a toiletry bag to hand. They’re also the first line of defence against leaky containers, as all those lotions, serums, creams, and other greasy or waxy products can make a real mess in your bag.
Many people use toiletry bags to organise their essentials when bathroom storage and countertop space are limited. Even in larger bathrooms, some people prefer the peace of mind of knowing their must-have items are all in one place, so they don’t have to rummage through drawers.
Living in a house share or dormitory with a communal bathroom? This setup means you need to take extra care to keep the space uncluttered, out of consideration for your housemates. Stash your stuff in a toiletry bag instead of leaving it in the shared space and shower. Doing this will also prevent other people from using your products without asking!
At work or school
Keep a well-stocked toiletry bag with you for freshening up throughout the day and getting ready for after-work or school events. If you're heading to an after-hours social or teambuilding activity, a bathroom refresh can help you feel and look good after a long day of working or studying.
At the gym
If going to the gym is part of your routine, you can bring a toiletry bag to freshen up after your workout. Some gym facilities provide plenty of toiletries, including hair styling products, lotions and deodorant, while others supply only basic shower gel. If your gym showers are well-equipped, you'll likely only need personal items that are specific to you.
On holiday
Planning a holiday or dreaming of a spontaneous getaway?
There's nothing worse than arriving at your destination and forgetting your favourite beauty product or something essential to your daily comfort like contact lens solution. Depending on where you travel to, you might not be able to find the exact item in local shops. You can avoid this happening with a suitable, fully stocked toiletry bag. In the run-up to your holiday, take notice of what you regularly use in the bathroom to understand what toiletries to take on holiday with you.
