The toiletries bag is a travel essential that allows you to bring makeup, skincare and other personal grooming items with you when you go out of town. Whether you need a new toiletry bag or want to upgrade your current one, there are plenty of options to choose from.

A good toiletries bag bag should be a waterproof bag with a zippered opening and durable materials, such as leather or vinyl. It should also have a hook for hanging, making it easy to access the contents of your bag. Some toiletry bags have mesh pockets for storing small bottles like lotion and cream containers, while others are designed to be transparent so you can see what’s inside at a glance.

Messenger Bags: A Classic Choice for Modern Travelers

Most toiletries bags are made to be stored in a primary bag such as a backpack or suitcase, but you can buy toiletry kits from e-commerce websites and convenience stores that are ready for travel. Originally named Dopp kits, after Charles Doppelt who designed the first leather Dopp kit in 1919, these toiletry bags became popular with military personnel during World War II. Doppelt’s company was purchased by Samsonite in the early 1970s.

A Dopp kit is a versatile and compact travel toiletry bag that’s a bit bigger than the tiny ones they hand out at airport security and often comes with compartments for smaller bottles of moisturizer, face wash, and other products. Most are also water-resistant, allowing you to pack your shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant without worrying about the contents of your toiletries bag getting wet.