Consider Yourself A Shopper #33: What's in my toiletry bag?
I share what’s in my toiletry bag, and I ask Tori Simokov from "Window Seat" all of my most pressing travel questions!
Before we dive into today's newsletter, a few housekeeping notes:
You can shop the full Bold Collection here! I've been practically living in this collection since my preview, and the earrings have been a crowd favorite.
Now that we're fully in fall (my favorite season, by the way), it's time to break out those cozy knits—hopefully stored away with lavender sachets! Or maybe you're browsing for new seasonal staples. As I mentioned on Sunday, I've updated my Fall Wishlist with some amazing finds like these Khaite peep-toe python pumps, this Leset deep v sweater, and this Toteme shearling pillbox hat. If you're curious about everything I'm eyeing this season, you can check it out here.
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That’s enough with the logistics let’s dive into the letter!
I’ll admit it—I’m a self-proclaimed bad packer. My style (and honestly, my entire life) is very much driven by my emotions, which makes planning outfits a challenge. As a result, I often overpack and bring along things I subconsciously know I won’t wear (like, why did I think I needed a padded silk taffeta shawl for Paris?). But because I never know what I’ll feel like wearing, I pack it anyway. That’s why I’m so excited that
has graciously agreed to share some helpful packing tips—not just for me, but for all of you too (I am also link to Jess Grave’s recent newsletter that I have bookmarked to review before my next trip.)!Tori is a talented graphic designer and creative strategist who writes the incredibly engaging Substack Window Seat, which, as the name suggests, is all about travel. She covers everything from travel hacks and product recommendations to travel guides and reviews. One of my favorite parts of her newsletter is the "Seatmates" series, where she interviews fascinating people about how travel has shaped their lives. I’m thrilled that she agreed to answer a few questions and share her valuable packing tips.
Now, while I may not be an expert at packing, there is one area where I do excel: my toiletry bag. Unlike my wardrobe, my skincare routine isn’t influenced by my emotions or creative whims. It’s more of a science, so I know exactly what I’ll be using on my face and body every day, which has helped me pack my toiletries much more efficiently. Long-time readers may remember a post I wrote a few months ago about my skincare must-haves. While some of the products have remain the same, I’ve made some updates since then!
I've been using the Away toiletry bags for about a year now, and I honestly can’t imagine traveling without them. They hold so much, even full-sized products! For my trip to Paris, I checked a bag, so I brought my full-sized essentials. But when I’m limited to just a carry-on, I usually rely on those little travel-sized bottles from Target or CVS. Recently, though, I’ve discovered more durable (and dare I say, chicer) travel bottles thanks to Tori, which are definitely a step up from the standard CVS options.
When it comes to cleansers, I tend to rotate a few, but for travel, I always pack the iS Clinical Complex Cleanser. I've been using it for two or three years now, and while I love trying new cleansers, this one remains my go-to. It’s effective at clearing away dirt and buildup without stripping my skin of moisture.
I think part of the reason I manage to fit my entire skincare routine into one bag is thanks to some advice from Sydney Uthendal, my very first Lunch Break guest. She mentioned that all you really need for your morning routine is Vitamin C, moisturizer, and sunscreen. I’ve recently switched to the Bloomeffects Royal Tulip Vitamin C Facial Oil, which I’ve been loving as the weather gets colder and drier. It’s a perfect replacement for my Timeless Vitamin C, which I recently ran out of.
Though Sydney’s advice is solid, I’ve added a fifth essential: Timeless Hyaluronic Acid.
As for SPF, I’ve been alternating between Elta MD and Lesse.
My tried-and-true moisturizer remains Cetaphil, but at night, I’ve been using the Emma Lewisham Supernatural Sleeping Mask (sometimes even in the morning if my skin needs a little extra love).
For toner, I’ve been using the Epi.Logic Even Balance this past month, including while traveling. It’s been a great addition, helping to rehydrate my skin.
I also have a bit of an obsession with eye creams. Despite being told by a facialist that they’re not really necessary, I do believe certain ones give an immediate lift and hydration. Lately, I’ve been using Tula’s Glow + Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm eye cream, which is travel-friendly with its twist-up design—much more sanitary than dipping your finger into a jar! Speaking of facials, I recently had one with Jade Haifa, and she used an eye cream that costs a whopping $668 per bottle. But I have to admit, I felt an instant difference when she applied it. She did say the bottle lasts about six months, so it works out to $100 a month—almost justifiable!
At night, I layer four serums that I’ve mentioned before: iS Clinical Active Serum (great post-shave to prevent ingrown hairs), Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Plasma, and Eighth Day Regenerative Serum. Thanks to French pharmacies, I’ve also added the famous A313 cream to my routine, and I’m not sure how I lived without it! I also picked up some Nuxe body oil and an adorable travel-sized tube of Marvis toothpaste, and now I’m kicking myself for not stocking up on more!
A true lifesaver for shaving on the go has been the Hanni Shave Pillow. It’s a gel stick in a compact tube, much more convenient than lugging around an aerosol shaving cream—or in my case a few months ago, resorting to using conditioner instead!
For my body, I’ve been using Kate McLeod’s solid body lotion bar in combination with whatever body oil I have on hand. The result? I feel like a literal, supple, glazed donut—something I never thought I’d aspire to!
On my recent six-hour flight, I regretted not bringing a face mask to combat that awful dry airplane air, but at least I remembered my lip mask. I’ve been using the YSE Beauty Like a Gloss Hydrating Lip Mask at night (and sometimes during the day when I can’t find my usual lip balm), and it’s an instant dose of hydration that leaves my lips with a glossy, lush finish.
Tori Simokov Tips on Packing!
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