The hand luggage essentials

Later this week I’m heading off on holiday and for the past two weeks (no exaggeration, I’m a planner), I’ve been whittling down what I’m going to pack in my hand luggage. I’m what you’d call an over-packer (that’s saying it lightly), so this time around I’ve been determined to be more sensible and just take the things I know I really need. I’ll be sharing some of my travelling essentials in a few days’ time, but for now, here’s what’s made the cut into my hand luggage.

The liquids bag – because I’m terrified of the airline losing my luggage, I tend to pack my makeup in my hand luggage, which means streamlining things to ensure it will all fit in that annoyingly small clear bag for security. This year I’m taking a clear wash bag with me that’s airline approved, and I’m packing in as many things as the space will allow. My must-haves are: DHC liquid liner, Max Factor Masterpiece Waterproof mascara, Smashbox BB Eyes, Nivea lip balm, Dermalogica primer, Too Faced mascara and Urban Decay lipstick. I’ve also managed to squeeze in some skincare in the shape of La Roche Posay SPF for my face, Elemis moisturiser, Dermalogica cleanser, and a must have face mist.

The ‘other’ makeup bag – luckily powders and brushes don’t have to go into the clear bag, so I’m taking another small makeup pouch with me that contains my makeup brushes, Surratt powder blusher, Burberry powder blusher/bronzer, Antipodes mineral foundation, DHC blotting papers, mirror, Kiko eye shadow palette, Invisibobbles and a YSL travel palette.

Face mist – the air on the plane is always really drying, so I’m planning to give myself a quick spritz of this Orico mist every so often throughout the flight to help stay hydrated and refreshed. It comes in a plastic 100ml bottle so is travel friendly, although I have had to cram it into the liquids bag with everything else!

Kindle – having time to sit and read for hours on end is one of my favourite parts of a holiday (along with the ice cream, ahem), so I’ve loaded up my kindle with lots of different books, ready for some serious reading by the pool.

Camera – I’m leaving my DSLR at home this holiday and relying on my trust little Nikon camera to capture some holiday memories. It’s much lighter to carry, and doesn’t take up make space, making it the perfect travelling companion.

Bikini – call me a panic packer, but I tend to always put one of my bikini’s in my hand luggage just in case (yes, I am that person). It doesn’t hurt to be prepared, right?!

Magazines/puzzle book – I tend to pick up a few magazines and a puzzle book at the airport just before we leave. The magazines are great for flicking through on the plane and the puzzle book is great for those moments when you fancy a bit of brain stimulation. Just don’t ask me to finish the cryptic crosswords alone.

Empty space – I’m leaving a little extra room for a few cheeky duty free purchases at the airport. I love the exclusive beauty sets and palettes they always have, so I’m hoping to buy one or two and tuck them away in my hand baggage.

What are your hand luggage essentials?