Pre-Flight Checklist and Travel Essentials This isn’t an article to promote Jock Soap travel-sized products because, for the time being, we don’t have a lot of products that are made in a size to meet the TSA 3-ounce requirements. The purpose of this article is to talk about what you must have in order to keep your skin looking it’s absolute best while you are traveling away from home.

This fall I have traveled a lot more than I have this entire year and it really brought to my attention all the things I have always done to make sure I have my bases covered while I am away from home. Most of the time I travel on business, which means I have to be prepared for a variety of situations from business meetings/presentations, events and even some photo shoots and interviews. The problem I always face is that my skin is fickle most of the time, but when I travel it is ten times worse. I have to be super-cautious and pack every possible thing I may need no matter what the circumstance.

I start with a dop kit that is stocked with essential items such as:

Cotton Swabs
Pointed-nose Tweezers (for ingrown hair removal and brow maintenance)
Nail Clippers
Nail File
Cuticle Clippers (they do a great job tidying up my nails in a pinch)
Tooth Brush
Mini Toothpaste
Razor
Replacement Blades
Breath Mints

These items stay in my dop kit - no matter what. I find that if I have to remember to stock my kit for each trip, I WILL forget something. I should point out that I always check my bag. So if the TSA doesn’t allow cuticle clippers or pointed tweezers, I would have no idea. It stresses me out to not know if I can get a bag in overhead so I always check my bag. That may not be practical for you - please make sure you confirm what the TSA will allow so you don’t have to throw away an implement in the security line at the airport.

I start packing my toiletries a few days out. Basically I pull everything I think I use and pack them in my dop kit. Then as I get ready everyday, I work from my dop kit. If I need to use something I haven’t packed, I put it in the kit immediately. I know it sounds very thought out, but I created this system to keep me on track without the added pressure of running through my possible needs in my head before I go to bed at night.

I have some empty 2-ounce bottles and jars that I can fill with whatever I need to travel with which saves room even though I check my bag. It also saves me from having to buy products in full size and travel-sized versions.

Everyone has a different routine with their grooming so I won’t go through every single option, but I will share with you some items that you may use everyday or just occasionally that I recommend including in your kit regardless. Like I said, you may already use these everyday so you would have pre-packed them, but if you only use them occasionally they may not come up as you pre-pack.

These items include:

Lip Balm
Blemish Treatment (not just for acne, but for razor burn or nicks)
Sunscreen or hydrator with sunscreen (just in case an impromptu golf game arises)
Concealer that matches your skin tone…

Yes, I said it…concealer. Whether it is because you have a nasty zit that formed from drooling on the flight or your skin flared up because of the change in routine OR you partied like a rock star the night before a huge presentation. Concealer provides that extra bit of control over your appearance when you aren’t in your normal routine or surroundings. Just make sure it matches your skin color exactly. You do not want to look like a panda when trying to cover up dark circles with a product that doesn’t match you exactly.

My other piece of advice is to make sure you have an eye cream and a vitamin rich, heavyweight hydrator. Why? Because your skin gets dehydrated whether you’re traveling on planes, trains or automobiles. We are creatures of habit and I always plain for the worst when I get out of my routine on travels. Pack on the moisture before you go to bed every single day of your trip. Allow it some time to repair, heal and hydrate so it is in optimum operation. Your skin will thank you by bringing it’s A-game the next morning.

These are my tips and tricks, but I would love to hear what is a part of your travel dop kit and your pre-flight checklist. Please leave a comment and share your must-have items or tips below.

Remember, if you have any ideas or questions you would like me to discuss on my blog, let me know.

Until next time…
Take care of you.

Josh