Packing For A Holiday? Top Tips To Make The Most Of Your Space.

I may have perfected the art of packing minimal clothes for a long weekend away (I've learned the hard way I don't need four pairs of shoes for three days,) but the same couldn't always be said when it comes to my beauty products. Having become accustomed to using about thirty different lotions and potions every morning, editing them down into a tiny case is somewhat of a challenge. However, after a major learning curve over the last year and a lot of hand-luggage-only trips away, I've finally perfected packing for holiday without having to scrimp on essentials. Here are some of my top tips for packing and making most of your space.

Decant & Re-Bottle
The majority of products we buy are packaged in bottles intended to provide one to three months worth of use. Unless you're planning an almighty trip, then you don't need the whole bottle. If you simply can't be without your favourite body lotion, hair serum or body scrub for more than 24hrs, decant a little into smaller containers and label them appropriately - you can pick up transparent bottles for less than a pound from Boots and Superdrug.

Stock-Up On Samples
Magazine freebies, sample sizes, trial gifts and introductory sachets - all super handy when it comes to packing a case. I collect all my minis from beauty boxes, gifts and magazines for when I need to save space; they often contain the perfect quantity for mini breaks and you can throw them away before you leave - ensuring more space for duty free on the way back!

Multi-Tasking Products
You really don't need to take five products when one will do the job. Whenever I'm going away I pack products that have multiple uses, including lip and cheek stains, makeup sticks and balms that double up as dry skin treatments. Products such as Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream and Nivea's In-Shower Moisturiser can be used in so many different ways, so it's worth packing minimally and learning to experiment.

Plan Your Looks
It may sound obvious, but if you plan what you're going to be wearing throughout your holiday then you'll have a good idea of the makeup looks you're going to be needing too. Run through your makeup routine in your head and pack as you go, only picking products you know you're going to need - you'll be surprised at how many items you leave behind.

Buy At The Airport
If you're only taking hand luggage, then your allowance of liquids and creams is somewhat limited. I can't tell you how many times I've been told off or had items confiscated when I get to the security desk! We often forget there are huge stores at the other side of the gates and that anything bought doesn't count towards an allowance, leaving us totally open to stock up on essentials. Shampoos, conditioners and sun creams are relatively inexpensive and easy to pick up in Boots, so save those purchases until after the gates.

If there are still products you can't bear to be without, why not split your products with your travel companions and use some of their unwanted space or allowance? It may be cheeky, but at least you'll feel happy and confident when you get to the other side... Do you have any other top tips for saving space when it comes to packing for holiday?