The £9 Toiletry Bag That Revolutionises Holiday Packing
As a travel journalist constantly on the move, I have never quite mastered the elusive art of packing light. My journeys, whether for work or leisure, often involve pushing budget airline baggage limits to their maximum, far from the chic capsule wardrobe ideal for city breaks. Adding to the challenge, my perimenopausal phase means the days of tossing a few lipsticks and makeup remover pads into a bag are long gone. Now, I require an arsenal of skincare products, magnesium and collagen supplements, and industrial quantities of makeup—items that, admittedly, may not make a dramatic difference but are non-negotiable for me. A tiny makeup bag simply won't suffice.
A Game-Changing Discovery on Amazon
Last year, I stumbled upon a toiletries bag on Amazon that has since become my indispensable travel companion. Priced at just £8.99, the Chakipee Travel Hanging Toiletry Bag has earned my enthusiastic recommendation to anyone planning a trip abroad. At first glance, it appears to be an ordinary makeup bag, but its medium size—measuring 26x17x9cm—initially left me sceptical about its capacity. However, upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised by its clever design.
The bag employs a sort of sorcery in its construction, allowing it to hold a staggering amount of products. I have successfully squeezed full-size shampoo bottles into its spacious pockets, while smaller compartments securely house essentials like my toothbrush, contact lenses, and other small items I prefer not to misplace. This organisational prowess makes it a standout choice for travellers seeking efficiency.
Handy Features for Real-World Travel
Perhaps the most practical feature is its ability to unfold and hang from a hook. While I would love to claim my job always involves luxury stays in hotels with expansive marble bathrooms, the reality is often budget accommodations where bathroom space is as limited as a postage stamp. In such scenarios, simply hanging the bag from a shower rail or door hook provides easy access to all my products, transforming cramped spaces into functional areas.
For longer trips, I have managed to pack a week's worth of supplements and skincare into this bag. In one ultimate test, I even conducted an 'everything shower' in the tiny ensuite of a ferry cabin by suspending the bag on the door. When closed, it remains surprisingly compact, making it easy to stow in luggage without adding bulk.
Limitations and Alternatives
The only time this bag stays behind is during hand-luggage-only travel, due to the persistent 100ml liquid rules at many airports. Overall, product reviews for the organiser are overwhelmingly positive, with many users praising its ample pockets and compartments. A few reviews have noted issues with broken zips, but I have not encountered this problem and find the quality to be robust.
For those specifically seeking a makeup-focused bag, the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Makeup Bag also receives glowing recommendations. It boasts a Tardis-like interior capable of fitting full-sized products while remaining compact when zipped. One reviewer highlights, "Lots more room than I was expecting, can fit all my products in and love that I can organise things in the separate sections."
If travelling with hand luggage only, Charlotte Tilbury offers a range of travel-size skincare and makeup products that comply with the 100ml rules. Their Beauty Check-in Kit, currently on sale for £72, includes a mini lip kit, powder, and setting spray—perfect for a week away.
