Washbag dilemmas

[shovetheholly]

I am doing a positively ridiculous amount of agonizing about this. Apologies.

Basically, I go away a fair bit and I want something tough to put my bathroom kit into. It needs to be able to carry quite a few lotions and potions, medications, and some makeup. And it needs to keep them organized, because I am also sick of rummaging around in the bottom of deep, dark bags to find small things like tweezers that are easily lost.

I know that I am supposed to buy small plastic bottles and decant amounts of things like shampoo into them, but I just know that I'm not the sort of person that will ever be bothered to do this in real life.

There has to be a perfect solution - what is it, Mumsnet?

[LemonBreeland]

An old fashioned vanity case? Bulky but fits what you describe.

[lavendersun]

I have one of these which I love

www.amazon.co.uk/Reisenthel-toiletbag-XL-berry-khaki/dp/B00DOWV9G0/ref=pd_sim_194_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=5129PyfsByL&dpSrc=sims&preST=AC_UL160_SR160%2C160&refRID=082R0EE3S5WNBK583D7V&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

They come in different sizes, I have the big one and don't bother with travel sizes either if I am in the car. Has a few zipped compartments for tweezers, cotton buds etc.

[CMOTDibbler]

I travel a lot for work, and on longer trips I have a wash bag like this - 4 sections, and the top 3 are clear on mine with a larger bottom section. I keep medication/plasters in the top, hair + nail stuff in the next, makeup, then toiletries in the bottom.
Very easy to find everything and no rummaging.

[JarethTheGoblinKing]

Yep, the reisenthel ones are brilliant. Really well designed, loads of pockets and space for several bottles, hairbrush, etc

[superbfairywren]

I have a large red heart print hanging one from debenhams. Looks like they don't do it any longer but they have similar. It all folds out but when all done up it isn't too huge. It has three sections, one of which is small, i keep tweezers, hair clips and hairbands in that bit. The other two sections are zipped, clear and larger and fit everything I need in it.

[shovetheholly]

Ooooh, those Reisenthal ones look great!

I might get DH to put his stuff in one of the type lavendersun describes. Because half of the problem is to do with having to root around in his shaving stuff to find my things! Has anyone tried the Samsonite ones?

[BestBeforeDate]

I think I have the one superb describes. Really useful - you can separate everything out and see what's in each section. One of the bag sections is velcroed on, so you can remove it and use it separately (through airport security e.g.). The only problem I've ever found with the hanging ones is that there isn't always somewhere to hang it in the bathroom, and it's ended up hanging on the towel rail and a bit in the way.

[Decanter]

I just bought this and it's great. Loads of space for full size bottles, will probably manage to get ny straighteners etc in too. Sorry just a pic not a link.

[bookbook]

I bought one of the large Reisenthal ones for my DD this Christmas - it is lovely and roomy,lots of pockets/zip compartments and you can hang it on a hook as well, (she is doing a bit of globe trotting this year )

[2legit2knit]

My mum had a Samsonite hard vanity case when I was growing up, it had pockets and little trays in it and maybe even a teeny drawer? It was very big though! She didn't even wear make up so god knows what was in there

[DesertOrDessert]

I have one a bit like this and tend to segregate into all the time, makeup, and may need (so tweezers and bits like that).

But it sounds like your first step is to get DH a wash bag (or give him the current one, and buy you a new one), but separate wash bags. The only one shared in this house is the kids (who get toothpaste , 2 toothbrushes and a comb between them)

[Onlyconnect]

I don't do any decanting but I do leave a travel wash vag permanently packed. I use the small sizes you get on offer from brands like Clarins and small shampoos and body lotions I've picked up in hotels.

[Decanter]

You know, when it comes to washbags, I don't decant either .

[lavendersun]

I had a Loccitane advent calendar this year - it was fantastic for small bottles and soaps - my travel stash has about 21 things in it after December.

Hopefully my skin will like it. I remember buying their Almond body oil when we were in France one year and it made me itch!

2legit, I have got my mother's hard Samsonite vanity case, I keep it in the pantry with medicines in it! Must be ancient.

[Toffeelatteplease]

Lush solid shampoo, and conditioner. Fab stuff and you don't have to worry about it going in the clear pouch

[shovetheholly]

Brilliant suggestions, thank you so much!

I used to use the Lush solid shampoo years ago, but I stopped when I got major build-up in my hair. I bet they're much improved now, though. I liked them because I always feel guilty chucking away huge plastic shampoo bottles!!

I'm still jealous of that L'Occitane advent calendar though!!

Oh, and decanter - I laughed!!

[Decanter]

I forgot I posted that!