looking for leakproof travel containers for shampoo, etc. - YouLookFab Forum

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looking for leakproof travel containers for shampoo, etc.

Diana

Veteran

I've been traveling a lot in the past year, and lately I've been having a lot of problems with my travel containers for shampoo, conditioner, and face wash leaking in transit (particularly in checked baggage, probably because of pressure changes). They don't pop open or anything, the lids just seem to leak around the edges? I always double bag them so the liquids never get on anything, but it's nevertheless very annoying. Currently, I'm using recycled small containers either from hotel toiletries or makeup products. None of my products come in travel size containers, so I need something I can refill (i.e. with a large opening).

I'm wondering if anyone has any tried and true solutions for this. Ideally I'd want something on the small side, around 1 oz. (28 ml) for the face wash, and 2 oz (56 ml) for the shampoo and conditioner. I also need, as mentioned above, a large opening for refilling. And it should be lightweight.

TIA!

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16 replies

Latest reply was from Diana

deb

Veteran

I had trouble with my containers also. I found these a Sephora and they are the best. I think because they are pump containers.

http://www.sephora.com/deluxe-.....Id=1374867

Diana

Veteran

Oh, interesting, Deb! I hadn't even considered pump containers. They look very promising, thanks!

ETA: Did you have problems with the pumps not working? Seems like a lot of the reviewers mention it is fiddly to get them to work properly.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I got my favorite refillable containers from target a bit ago - they're 3 oz and have a flip down catch. But I haven't seen them in store recently. GoToob brand also makes nice stuff; looking someplace like REI or a similar store that caters to backpackers might be a good thought.

That Sephora set looks a little too fiddly for me but if one traveled a lot I can see how it would be worth the fuss.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I got some from the Container Store that seem to be working well in that regard. They're inexpensive so I stocked up.

ETA: I think this is the right one: http://www.containerstore.com/.....30+1000036

Diana

Veteran

Laura, REI is a good suggestion! I'll definitely take a look.

Janet: Doh! Nalgene! Of course! I feel like an idiot for not considering them! We use nalgene stuff in lab all the time. And none of my nalgene water bottles have ever leaked.

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

I have travel size containers for shampoo and conditioner that I got years ago as samples from my hairdresser. I just fill them with my regular shampoo and conditioner. For face wash, I bought a travel size Cetaphil cleanser, dumped it out, and filled with my preferred cleanser. These three always travel in the ziplock bag in my carry-on. They've never leaked.

Gaylene

Veteran

My DIL gave me a handful of Muji containers for travel a few years back. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are much easier than the Nalgene bottles (my former travel favorites) to fill and clean. I've never had a leakage problem with any of them.

Another travel tip: Use contact lens cases to hold small amounts of face creams/serums. No leakage and the cases hold enough to last at least a week. I also use the lens cases to hold small amounts of hair goop.

http://www.muji.us/store/travel/packing.html

Dee

Veteran

I have mini Nalgene bottles like Janet, thought I got mine from eBags. I have the wide and small opening kind and 've never had a problem with any of them.

deb

Veteran

Diana, I have never had problems with them and I have been using them for 2 years. I used to use the flip tops from Target and they would pop open with the pressure change on the plane. I purchased the Sephora brand to replace the flip top kind.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I use screw-top contact lens cases for things like foundation, hair oil, face wash and facial sunscreen lotion, which usually lasts 5-7 days without running out. I use one whole case (both compartments) for shampoo. I wash my hair 3x a week, and always have enough this way.

I also started packing nail polish remover wipes, because nail polish remover in a bottle always seems to leak, no matter the container. So does eyemakeup remover, so I put a bunch of flat cotton rounds in a strong ziploc snack bag, pour in just enough eyemakeup remover to get them good and wet, and that makes one less bottle to worry about leaking.

I know the Target bottles Laura is talking about, and they are great - but finding them seems to be hit-or-miss. Sometimes they have them, sometimes not.

harmonica

Veteran

I second Gaylene. Absolutely love Muji - no leaking! But flip-tops are not the best. Also their hair bands, hair clips and hair pins are the only ones that works for my hair.

Anonymous

I have been using a great set of travel containers from Target but have not seen them lately. I use some very small plastic jars with screw on lids from a craft store meant to be uses for beads for some creams and gels. They have it leaked but have always been in a carryon, not checked luggage.

abc

Veteran

I fly a ton and swear by the nalgene ones Janet linked to. No other passes snuff for me. Good luck, I hope you find a solution you like.

Sadie

We travel a lot and I have been using these for shampoo, conditioner, lotion, woolite, etc with no leak problems:
http://www.amazon.com/humangea.....rs+bottles
They are wide-mouthed so you can easily fill them, and they squeeze so you can easily use them for even viscous things like lotions. They come in 1.25, 2, and 3 oz sizes.

Carla

Veteran

Recycled sample size containers have worked for me, and I schlep gym gear daily. Like you, I use zip-lock baggies when Air travel is involved. My (ancient, but perfect) toiletries bag can be thrown in the wash when there is an incident. Though inconvenient, incidents have been few.

DH travels way more by air then I do. I got him some travel containers from a store that specialized in travel specific gear and do-dads. They were spendy, but he likes them! I think the soft body allows product to expand and contract without extruding from the tops. (Pic below) they look like (and might be) Gotubes.

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Diana

Veteran

Thanks all. I picked up some of the nalgene ones today and am hopeful that I've solved the problem. I'll let you know how it goes next time I fly.