Toiletries.

Stand in a security line at any airport in the United States and you will likely see the "3-1-1" postings and maybe even hear the "3-1-1" recordings.  If you are flying through Boston Logan you may even get the hologram explaining the "3-1-1" process.  She's really creepy. 

Her name is Carla.

"Carla"

What is the "3-1-1" business anyway??  This is your liquid allowance (3 oz), toiletries basically.  Medicines, stick deodorant, toothpaste and make up don't count towards this allowance - though it is very amusing to see how much crap people try to, and sometimes successfully do, cram into a 1 quart bag (1-1 qt bag per 1 passenger).  I still wonder if the TSA has some kind of contract with Ziploc because it seems that they hand those bags out at nearly every airport I've been in.  Anyway, this "3-1-1" limit is not unreasonable if you are on a short trip, don't mind refilling those 3oz bottles or using the supplied toiletries at your temporary abode.

 

I have learned that those little bottles of liquids have minds of their own.  If they're too hot, they explode.  Too cold, they explode.  Turbulence?  They explode.  There's nothing like getting to my hotel, opening my suitcase and discovering a mass of mystery liquid goo in that 1 quart bag.  If I wanted it all mixed together I would have just done so to begin with. 

 

I personally carry my own toiletries everywhere because I don't like to use HBA's that are tested on animals and most hotels don't provide the non-tested brands, though I am seeing more who do - including some who use Aveda (LOVE!).

 

 

After trying several variations of and much troubleshooting with the pesky bottles - I have found my travel soul mate. 

 

LUSH 

 

They have the most amazing solid personal care products!!  That's right, SOLID.  I love that I don't have to mess around with the "3-1-1" business AND I eliminate some of the potential mess factor.

 

Let's start with the hair care, shall we?  I am completely addicted to the Squeaky Green & Jumping Juniper shampoos and the Jungle conditioner.  These small rounds pack quite a punch!  Great lathering power, super cleaning and best of all - last longer than the liquid stuff I had been carrying around (maybe in part to my inevitable spillage).  LUSH does claim that one bar of shampoo lasts longer than 3 medium bottles of regular shampoo.  I use the Squeaky Green nearly every day; the one in the picture below is about 6 weeks old now.  I have a chunk of the Big Solid Conditioner, but I don't usually travel with it because I have naturally thick, curly hair and this one is meant to encourage volume and curl.  Kind of makes straightening my hair in the morning a test in patience.

 

Squeaky Green, Jumping Juniper, Jungle

 

I spend a lot of time in hot, stinky warehouses - it's a dirty job.  I leave work covered in dirt and sweat and want nothing more than to shower it all off and feel like a girl again - these hair care products completely satisfy that need.

 

Also, if I am in a rush or need a quick "clean up" I go to the No Drought dry shampoo.  This stuff smells so good.  I would say it's a bit messy to work with, but please consider that I may not be the most graceful person around.

 

 

 

 

For the face, I can't live without Coalface.  I have combination skin and after a recent surgery, my skin was freaking out a little bit.  This Coalface cleanses and leaves my skin feeling great.  A word of warning on this one though, if it's left in the heat (suitcase in car while at work 8+ hours before hotel check in, maybe?) it starts to soften and it seems to separate a little bit.

 

Coalface

 

For the body -  I am all about the Sugar Scrub.  Travels well, smells amazing and I love the way my skin seems to glow after my shower.  Do NOT put this under the running water in the shower, it will melt!!

 

Sugar Scrub

 

So there you have it.  I'm beginning to think I should have just called this my love letter to Lush.  I can't help it.  I am a die hard LUSHie.  I originally looked into them for the solid products but have fallen hopelessly in love with everything they do AND they are cruelty/testing free.  What more could a girl ask for??