bare necessities

As you all know by now, I've been traveling pretty regularly of late.  And since I got my amazing leather weekender bag last Christmas, I've consistently fit anything I need for these trips in the one bag - no matter the length of the trip.  It just makes me happy to travel without feeling weighed down by luggage.  I must have had a foreshadowing of this happiness when I got the bag...or I just like to christen presents by putting them on my head:

Anyway, getting over my instincts to overpack has been a process.  And as any girl knows, toiletries can easily take up as much room as clothes.  But I've narrowed them down to 4 products that I need to have with me if I want to feel like my normal self.  With these four (plus some minimal makeup), I don't feel like I look like I just got done camping in the rain for two weeks, or some other equally flattering scenario.

I'm growing my hair out [still!!], so I like the strengthening aspect of this John Frieda shampoo and conditioner.  They also make my hair feel clean and soft, and like I don't have to put anything else in it (hair spray, gel, etc. all make my feel like I need to shower again right away).

This toner is cooling and tingly and awesome.  That's all I have to say about that.

I'm a lotion addict...especially with winter coming up.  But because I use it so much, I don't want any scents - no matter how fruity and delicious the company tells me it is.  If I had to describe what this smells like, I think I'd say "green".  Yup.  That's what I'm going with.  I'm not even going to elaborate.  Also, it's obvs a pretty well-respected brand.

And I've used this lip balm countless times a day, every single day, for about 7 years.  I used to freak out that I'd use it all and not be able to find it again so I'd kind of go crazy and stock up when I saw it in a store.  I've calmed down since then, but I still usually have one on my nightstand, one in my purse, and one at work.  At least they last forever!

What are some of your staples?  I've stuck with all of these for a long time, so I might be able to be persuaded to try something new...just don't try to get me to abandon my rose salve.