I spent $68 on a top-rated toiletry bag and now I never travel anywhere without it
- The $68 Bensen Toiletry Kit from STATE Bags has revolutionized how I travel.
- It fits my entire five-step skincare routine, eye creams, razors and blades, makeup remover, and more.
When it was time to finally throw out the cheap, plastic toiletry bag I had been traveling with for years, I knew I wanted my next one to be a major upgrade.
And after reading many "best of" lists and comparing various brands, I finally settled on the $68 "Bensen Toiletry Kit" from STATE Bags.
I've been using my new toiletry bag for the last three months and it's revolutionized how I travel, even if it's just for the weekend.
I settled on the toiletry kit from STATE Bags because it had everything I wanted: large enough to fit my extensive skincare routine, waterproof and easy to spot clean, and something that just looked fun.
The latter was one of the reasons why I chose STATE Bags instead of Away, which had similarly high reviews. The Away hanging toiletry bag (which is $75) only comes in three main colors (there's currently a limited-edition shade as well), while STATE Bags currently has 12 available in a variety of styles and prints — I opted for the metallic pink/silver bag because I love anything that shimmers.
The Bensen Toiletry Kit features three mesh compartments (the largest one zips up), as well as a detachable plastic pouch. According to the STATE Bags website, 45% of the toiletry bag is made from recycled materials. It's advertised as being able to fit toiletries including your cosmetics, medicine, travel shampoo and conditioner, and toothbrush and toothpaste.
Once I got my kit, I was truly shocked by how much it could fit. The main pouch can hold my entire skincare routine — including my cleanser, toner, acne gel, and collagen cream — as well as my eye cream, a full-sized bottle of makeup remover, and my makeup primer.
I use one of the top mesh pouches to hold my hair serum, a razor, extra blades, and two other eye serums I'm trying out. The small pocket next to it usually holds my favorite body shimmer and my tweezers.
I always pack my travel toothbrush and toothpaste in the clear pocket. Next time I fly internationally, I'll use it to hold my carry-on liquids so I don't have to switch everything into a plastic bag before going through security.
But what I love most about the Bensen Toiletry Kit is that it's truly perfect for any trip. I take it when I spend weekends at my boyfriend's house, when I go away for a few days, and on all my longer trips. Since I started using it, I've never forgotten any of my toiletries because I always know which bottle needs to be in each pouch. And it fits great in every kind of bag — whether it's a weekender, carry-on, or check-in luggage.
As someone who tends to pack last minute and is always on the go, my Bensen Toiletry Kit from STATE Bags has been an absolute lifesaver.