It can be difficult to travel light and to take all of the necessary personal products, especially while trying to keep it green. The key to packing light is to try to bring only the necessities. When it comes to personal products, this means opting for dual use products. Here is a list of green beauty products that I would call essential travel items and can be taken as carry-on.
1) Toothpaste – unfortunately there are not a lot of natural toothpastes that are available in travel sizes. Nature’s Gate is one of the few.
2) Deodorant – there are several natural deodorants available that come in sizes less than 100mL. Personally I like Earth Conscious as it is in a compact metal tin. It is lightweight and easy to store in any compartment in a suitcase. As it will appear on a scanner, there may be questions. Personally I have brought one as carry on twice and both times I have been asked “What is in the tin?” and the item was searched – however I have never had a problem. Hola deodorant is another natural cream deodorant that comes in a 65g glass jar. A glass jar is less likely to lead to questions, however it is a little bit heavier and it may be more awkward to fit inside the carry-on approved plastic bag. Hola does have small plastic containers for their sample sizes and what I have done is fill 1-2 of those with cream and carry them on instead of the larger jar.
I have never had a problem with loose bar deodorants from Lush either, although I have been asked about Greench powder before, without ensuing problems.
3) Delizioso Beeseline is a wonderful multi-use product, available in several scents for personal preference. Essentially it is a petroleum jelly for vegans however it can be used as an intensive mosituriser, body butter, hair gel, or a personal lubricant.
4) Facial Wipes – rather than carrying a cleanser and toner, it is easier, less cumbersome, and lighter – especially for those using a backpack. Facial wipes do create a lot of waste, so it is important to get a biodegradable one to keep to the green beauty ethos. Eco Care is organic and compostable.
5) Shampoo – most people like to bring their own shampoo and soap to hotels. many rely on what is provided, however the manufacturing of so many small bottles is not exactly eco-friendly. The compromise to this is to bring a bar of soap. There are several shampoo bars to choose from, and like many shampoos it comes down to personal taste over the scent and feeling left on the scalp. There are also several “everything bars” available. These are bars of soap that can be used as everything including: soap, shampoo, shaving foam, and a laundry soap. Plus bars do not have as much waste as bottles, just bring a container to carry it, which could be a baggie.
6) Make Up – not everyone travels with make-up. Depending on the vacation spot and purpose, I take it as an opportunity not to wear anything on my face. However if I do, I prefer to take a powder foundation in a brush combo. At this time Eminence is one of the few companies selling a lightweight, foundation combo and as a bonus it offers some sun protection.