Whether you’re escaping to a warm, exotic destination this Christmas or simply travelling around the country to visit family and friends, your grooming routine shouldn’t take a backseat. Packing the right essentials in your wash bag ensures you stay fresh and well-groomed, no matter where the festive season takes you. However, when travelling, especially by air, where baggage restrictions seem to get tighter with every trip, it’s important to pack smart. Focus on the essentials to keep your wash bag lightweight and avoid carrying anything unnecessary.
With this in mind, we have created this guide to wash bag essentials. With these must-have items in your bag, you can ensure you have all the bases covered, keeping you looking, feeling and smelling your very best ensure- no matter where you’re staying this holiday season.
Keeping cool
Deodorants are a must-have for any wash bag to keep you fresh and dry throughout the day. Some antiperspirants come in pretty big cans which take up a lot of room, so try and go for a travel size (which you can also take in carry-on luggage if less than 100ml) or even a roll-on or stick, which tends to be a more manageable size.
Minty moments
Toothpaste is, of course, another absolute essential for your wash bag. Nobody likes the sensation of not having cleaned their teeth either in the morning or before bed. There’s nothing quite like a minty fresh mouth to help you feel clean and invigorated, not to mention the myriad of important health benefits of keeping your teeth and gums clean. Plus, with all the socialising you’ll be doing during the festive season, you must make sure your breath is not misbehaving.
Holiday hair care
Whether you have long luscious locks, a close crop, or even just some facial hair to maintain, you need the right hair care products to keep your mane looking its best. In general, that means taking some shampoo and conditioner to make sure your hair is clean and in good condition while you’re travelling. You may also want to take your favoured hair styling products such as pomades, waxes, gels or more. You probably needn’t worry too much about the deep treatments over the Christmas break, so you can leave those at home. But your everyday hair care essentials need a place in your wash bag.
Shaving essentials
With all the Christmas parties to attend, family to see, old friends to impress and a general whirlwind of social events over the holidays, you need to ensure your grooming routine is maintained. And that means choosing your shaving essentials very carefully. Now, packing a wash bag is, to some extent, about being efficient with space (especially if you’re packing for a flight) but you really can’t afford to cut corners with your shaving routine. Pack some cheap razors and a travel-size can of budget shaving foam and it might seem like you’re saving space but, when you find yourself suffering from sore, dry skin from using inferior products or covered in a shaving rash as you head out to a Christmas party, you’ll wish you had packed your usual.
As always, here at Blades and Whiskers, we recommend using high-quality double-edge razor blades paired with a well-made safety razor by an established brand like Merkur. Merkur believe that you shouldn't have to compromise on style and performance when you are on the move, that's why their range of safety razors includes the exceptional Merkur 46c, Merkur 933 and Merkur 985 travel razors. You’ll also need some high-quality, natural shaving soap or shaving cream like those offered by Stirling Soap Co, Moon Soaps and Zingari Man. We even offer pre-filled, shaving soap sample pots that are ideal for traveling so you can still enjoy your favourite soap or cream on the move. These high quality soaps and creams are always best applied with a shaving brush and possibly the perfect brush for all of your adventures is the Simpsons Classic 1 Platinum Synthetic Shaving Brush, supplied with its own travel tube and packed with vegan friendly super soft fibres it's the perfect addition to any wash bag. Finaly, don't forget a high-end aftershave that will help keep you clean and smelling great too.
We really don’t think you can cut corners with your shaving kit, but we also know that packing everything you use in your normal routine can take up a lot of space, so it may be a good idea to try and create a travel shaving kit. You can get some pretty compact double-edge safety razors like the once mentioned above and other accessories to help cut back on space. Browse our Gifts & Travel section to see what’s available. And, who knows, you might even find some exciting gift ideas for your nearest and dearest there too.
Seasonal skincare
As well as any pre or post-shave skincare products you might be packing, think about any other general skincare you might need. This could include hand or face moisturiser. And, if you are lucky to be jetting off somewhere exotic this Christmas, don’t forget your sunscreen. You might also need some lip balm to help you deal with the cold temperatures and biting winter winds if you’re staying in the UK.
Everyday essentials
It always pays to have some first aid essentials in your wash bag, such as plasters for any nicks or cuts you might get. And, this being the party season, some paracetamol or other painkillers might not be such a bad idea – whether to help you recover from a Christmas party or stave off a headache from all the festive socialising.
Of course, you need a good-quality wash bag with some distinct sections to help you pack and stow all of the above neatly. And always make sure that lids are firmly shut/screwed on so you don’t have any spillages. The last thing you need is to open your case and find all your Christmas outfits are covered in toothpaste. Lastly, we’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here’s hoping Santa brings you everything you asked for, and if that happens to be a brand-new DE razor or a luxurious shaving cream from Blades & Whiskers you’ll be all set for the ultimate grooming experience!