By Tara Abell, Condé Nast Traveler
We've all been there. You line up at airport security and start putting everything on the conveyor belt -- shoes, laptop, scarf -- but then realize you packed a full-sized bottle of shampoo in your carry-on. The TSA agent raises his eyebrows, so you reluctantly walk over to the garbage can, toss the bottle in, and clunk, there goes your good vacation hair. At least, that was the case until recently. Genius beauty company 3FLOZ just installed 25 vending machines filled with travel-sized beauty products -- the good stuff, including Burt's Bees and Frederic Fekkai -- in airports across the country, so you can replenish post-security. Clearly, the minds behind this invention know a thing or two about travel, so we asked 3FLOZ co-founders Alexi Mintz and Kate Duff to share their packing essentials and routines...
See Also: Expert Tips for Women Traveling Alone
What are three things that are always in your carry-on?
Alexi Mintz: Air Repair Rescue Balm, David Kirsch Raspberry Vitamins and Warby Parker Sunglasses.
Kate Duff: I never travel without my Air Repair Rescue Balm (my hands and lips are always dry when I travel), socks (keep my feet warm), and my Beats by Dre headphones (soundproof and I can listen to music or catch-up on my fave shows).
What are some of your tried and true packing strategies?
AM: Always wear your heaviest clothes on the plane and roll your clothes.
KD: [Pack] shoes first (always in bags), then toiletries, then clothes laid out flat, not folded.
Which beauty products are essential for traveling? Which can you probable leave at home?
AM: An anti-frizz hair product regardless of the destination, sunscreen serum, and a facial scrub. These days, I pack travel versions of everything I have in my bathroom. You never know what you may want at any given time.
KD: Moisturizers and sunscreens are essential for traveling. I am not one to leave any part of my regime at home. I'm high-maintenance, so I'm not the one to ask.
Which hotels have the best beauty minis in their bathrooms?
AM: I love the Morgan hotels. They carry Malin + Goetz (which we carry as well).
KD: The W hotels because they have Bliss, and I stayed at the Regency Beverly Hills Wilshire (Reg Bev Wil, if you have seen Pretty Woman) a few years ago and they had their own brand of amenities, which smelled amazing.
Why is it important to have the 3FLOZ vending machines in airports?
AM: They provide accessibility and convenience to a curated selection of products needed for travelers, right when they need them.
KD: 3FLOZ automated retail stores in airports were the logical next step for us. We are focused on helping travelers look and feel their best while on-the-go, and we can only do that if we are everywhere travelers need us to be.