Ask Belle: Toiletry and Cosmetic Bags
Oct 9, 2014
Hi Belle,
I’m in the market for a new toiletry bag. I want something that will hold quite a bit and looks classic. Is there anything you can suggest for that? Love the blog!
Jessica
The question you need to ask yourself is whether you want a bag with compartments or one without. I like a bag without compartments because nothing ends up back where it “belongs” anyway.
For something in a medium size, TOMS has a few gorgeous canvas bags with simple prints. I love this pretty black and pink bag, and this simple black bag in a geometric print is nice too. Need something larger? ASOS offers an inexpensive dome-shaped leather bag in cobalt or bright orange. This extra-large Le Sport Sac case also caught my eye.
Prefer compartments? This Travelon toiletry case unzips to expose several compartments in a selection of sizes to suit every need. This Wallybags organizer unfolds and hangs for easy access to all of its wares.
And if you’re looking for pouches, these DvF pouches caught my eye. They’d make a great gift.
I really love Cuyana’s Travel Case set. I wasn’t sure initially if it was worth the “splurge”, but I’m really happy I purchased them.
I don’t know how big you’re looking, but Clinique’s free-gift-with-purchase time is going on now at Macy’s and that’s how I’ve gotten all of my toiletries bags.
I’ve also gotten several toiletry bags this way! If you’re going to buy clinique products anyway, you might as well buy them when you can get the free gift. I’m not a big fan of the bag design they have right now though. I’ve found that the designs for the Nordstrom bonus are much better than Macy’s so I usually wait for those.
I have the pretty pleats make up bag from Melissa Beth- cute patterns, coated material for easy clean up, and a wide opening makes it easy to find stuff. Web site below, but I found mine on One Kings Lane.
https://melissabeth.com/collections/makeup-cases-travel-toiletry-bags
Second this! I love the Melissa Beth kiss and makeup bag with the clear pouches for both toiletries and makeup
I have a ton of Stephanie Johnson bags and I love them! They are super durable and hold a lot. Plus, they are gorgeous!
I’ve had great luck with the Trina brand (sold at Walgreens on 7th and H NW as well as Nordstrom Rack) – inexpensive, cute, and very durable.
I use two bags – one for toiletries and one for makeup. Two smaller bags fit more easily in suitcase spaces than one large bag. I’ve used an inexpensive clear plastic “train case” from Target for toiletries for years. The clear plastic helps me see where things are, it’s easy to clean if a lotion or shampoo becomes uncapped or spills in the bag. Also, if something does spill, it won’t soak through a fabric bag. A more padded bag with compartments for makeup works better for me because the makeup doesn’t break! Powders, pans of eye shadow or blush, and once even a bottle of nail polish broke when in just a clear plastic case. I’ve used a mini-train case from The Container Store for years for my makeup. It’s worth browsing through their Travel section for luggage, packing accessories, jewelry packers, and mini containers.
P.S. Ulta doesn’t seem to have a category for these online, but they also have a good selection of inexpensive travel toiletry and cosmetic bags, along with Target.
I am so glad you mentioned TOMS. It’s a brand that’s often forgotten, but they offer great products and are a brand with an incredible mission (“ONE for ONE” donation for those of you who don’t know.) I feel like I rock the TOMS at least once a week on my blog.
Dresses & Denim
That’s a really smart way to figure out what you want. I’d personally go for sans compartments as well, and I love the black and pink option!
Style by Joules
LL Bean planners.
I mean toiletry cases.
I use Stella and Dot’s “Hang On” bag for travel. Don’t be fooled by the image online – this thing holds much more than a necklace! The bottom compartment is maybe 2″ or 3″ in width.
https://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/hang-on-crazy-stripe
The Sonia Kashuk makeup bags at Target are inexpensive, hold up well, and are easy to clean. I bought one for travel and loved it so much I got a bigger one to use as my main home case.