This is it, dumped out onto the bed. We’ll have to buy toothpaste in Paris, where you can actually get a 3 ounce tube – big enough for more than a few days… Samples of my skin care products are very helpful; some things I only use once or twice a week.
The thing that finally got me to minimize the volume of liquids that I pack? On the first day of some month, years ago, I vowed that I was going to live ENTIRELY out of my dopp kit until it ran out. And I realized, near the END of that month (almost four weeks into my experiment) that I still had quite a bit of stuff… Since then, I’ve cut way back on quantities, and if I have to buy something, then I’ll just HAVE to shop in Paris. (oh bother)
LeBonVoyage says
October 2, 2012 at 11:26 amExactly!!! I actually skip packing soap and pack only enough hand lotion to survive the plane so I can pick up my favorites in France. Hoping you are having a GLORIOUS time.
frugalscholar says
October 2, 2012 at 11:29 amDon't forget your sunscreen (or is it there?). Another Paula fan here.
Janice says
October 7, 2012 at 12:10 amOh, it's there! The silvery tube in the top row is SPF 25, I think. I'm the girl with the divot in the tip of her nose from a close encounter of the sun damage kind…
Renee @ AddMoreChocolate says
October 2, 2012 at 1:11 pmKindred spirits! I love Paula's Choice and save the samples for trips.
Edith Scheie says
October 2, 2012 at 1:20 pmI see you're a fan of Paula's Choice … I love her BTR show, Paula and her team always have great advice!
"… then I'll just HAVE to shop in Paris." Poor you! LOL!!!
Pam says
October 2, 2012 at 1:58 pmIn a burst of travel-light enthusiasm this summer I spreadsheeted how long it took me to use up travel sized liquids. I switched from body wash to a solid pure glycerin bar and from toothpaste to tooth powder(travel only says my dentist)which accommodates a bigger volume of sunscreen. Altho shopping in Paris does sound like fun!
LeNora says
October 2, 2012 at 2:51 pmThanks for sharing.
I too love Paula's Choice. However I haven't figured out how to make the sample packs work when I travel. I tend to get several uses out of a packet and I find that I have to leave it standing upright on my counter or it will spill out (I just tear open a tiny corner). How do others handle this when you may only be staying 1-2 days in a location, or even when you have a sink situation where the packet can't be left out, but has to be put away? thanks.
Anonymous says
October 2, 2012 at 10:44 pmExtra zip lock bags
Renee @ AddMoreChocolate says
October 4, 2012 at 1:25 amUse the binder clip!
Janice says
October 2, 2012 at 6:28 pmJanice, I'm learning so much from you! I really hope you show us what wardrobe you will be traveling in and packing. I'm going on a trip to Germany for the holidays in December for 10 days. I would love to copy you as I do these days a LOT T hanks for all the inspiration.
Martha says
October 3, 2012 at 7:28 pmUse the tip of your safety pin to put a little hole in the sample packages. The contents won't ooze out as easily.
Can anyone recommend a reasonable hotel in Paris in a safe and convenient location — near shopping and museums? Thanks, Martha
Janice says
October 7, 2012 at 12:13 amHotel Jeanne d'Arc, at 3 rue de Jarente. Weird lobby decor, small rooms, but always clean and quiet. NOT where we just stayed (more on that soon) but a hotel I've been in a few times and would return to.
Anne says
October 7, 2012 at 1:33 pmI did an experiment in the same spirit once: when I started a new bottle of something, I wrote the date in sharpie on the bottom of the bottle. When I finished it, I could see how long it lasted. I was shocked to see how little shampoo, body wash, etc., I actually use and it did give me confidence to pack far less for trips.
I love multitaskers for travel, too. Paula's Choice makes a hair and body shampoo that also works as a face wash if you have normal skin. And I use Nivea cream (the German version, which they sell at Merz Apothecary) for face, heels, hands, cuticles…