Solid Toiletries

People often ask how I manage to travel so light - regardless the length of my trip - with carry-on only. Ever since coming close to losing my luggage before boarding a cruise (which would mean no luggage until the next port!), I have adopted a carry-on only philosophy of travel. Not only do I not have to worry about standing in long lines waiting at the luggage carousel, I can avoid costly checked baggage fees.

Obviously the most important trick to travelling light but in style is to have a capsule wardrobe! But often what people struggle the most with is toiletries, especially with the 3-1-1 rule. So how do I manage to carry-on all my toiletry essentials? SOLIDS. That's right, I have managed to find some favorites in solid form.

For example, if you can't survive without hand lotion but don't want to sacrifice a portion of your liquid allocation to this, try a balm. Burt's Bees makes a thick and nourishing Hand Salve which comes in a flat tin and can be considered a solid. Another option is Badger, well known for their various balms, they offer organic choices for all your body care needs. Examples include the original Badger Balm, an Anti-Bug Balm, Baby Balm, Foot Balm, Sore Muscle Balm and a whole slew of others. Check out their selection here.

Image via Burt's Bees

Perhaps my favorite in solid toiletries are Lush's solid shampoo and conditioner bars! All Lush's products are handmade and uses all natural ingredients. Their solid shampoos are all exquisitely scented and work as well as your regular liquid shampoo. My all time favorite is the Karma Komba Solid Shampoo, delicately scented with patchouli and citrus, it is one of Lush's most popular scents. Don't forget the conditioner! Lush also offers a solid conditioner Jungle which smells fruity and contains cocoa butter to soften your locks. 

Lush even makes a solid body lotion, so you can forget about having to lug around yet another bottle of liquid. King of Skin is made with a base of oat milk and lavender for wonderfully soft and smooth skin. Lush also offers a myriad of other creative products in solid form such as Bubble Bars - a single dose of bubble bath that will fill your tub to the brim with luxurious bubbles; Bath Melts - natural butters and essential oils are combined in solid form, just drop into your bath and watch it melt as it moisturizes your skin; solid Massage Bars - made with natural oils that melt onto warm skin; and also solid soaps, perfumes and lip balms. Check out Lush's selection of products here.

[following images via Lush]

Karma Komba Solid Shampoo

Jungle Solid Conditioner

King of Skin Solid Body Lotion

Rose Jam Bubble Bar

Friends with Benefits Massage Bar

In The Nude Bath Melt

I hope this inspires you and helps you to travel light as well. Get creative and find other solid solutions for your toiletry needs, and don't forget to drop me a line and let me know what you find!

XO, Amy