As well as the freebies mentioned above (from hotels/pharmacies) I also take the samples of perfumes/after-shaves from magazines.
Also the toiletry kits you sometimes get on long haul flights are worth keeping. They normally have a travel toothbrush with a tube of toothpaste small enough to keep in your carry-on luggage so you can freshen up during a long flight or while waiting for connections.

I have a terrific toiletries bag with two sections - one for "bathroom" things and the other for "nightstand" things. I pack everything I use every day (and nothing I don't) in very small containers - just large enough for the trip. (I collect all those "free" sample sizes "with purchase" and keep an eye out for nifty travel containers, such as pump bottles that lock, that are so cheap you can just dump the included product if not satisfactory). I've never had a problem with leaking (don't fill anything more than 3/4), but do put the shampoo, conditioner, body wash in a zip lock just in case. I have to bring everything because all must be fragrance-free.

Over the years, I've eliminated everything I don't use and continue to reduce the quantities. It's amazing how long one ounce of shampoo lasts if you don't use a handful (which isn't necessary). Try it at home!

I have a separate small zippered nylon bag for pharmaceuticals (just enough for the trip, or a few of things I don't generally need, but might), band-aids, moleskin, spare contact lenses, tiny sewing kit (from a hotel room), eyeglass repair kit, etc. I do include cold remedies (decongestant, cough suppressant pills) because airplanes are the perfect place to catch a cold, which I typically come down with in the middle of the night and those items can be expensive and not the brand you'd prefer, just in case.

I love the Trish McEvoy smallest planner for makeup and products, but pack a minimal amount, but include tweezers and nail scissors.

I don't pack any hair products other than shampoo and conditioner, and a pick that doesn't bend like a brush.

Sometimes I pack manicure supplies (remover in foil packets) in tiny bottles I refill.

In my tote, on the plane, I carry premoistened cloths (also great for stain removal, like the time the gent next to me dumped his orange soda in my lap), a small magnifying mirror (I wear contacts) which doubles for applying eye make-up, tissues, saline spray, prescription nasal spray, etc.

I don't use a purse, but carry a business card case with a few cards and a bit of cash in one pocket, and some cash and a pocket pill container with a few Motrin, etc., in the other.

the only thing different im taking this time to russia is a filled script of amoxil - which can be used for all sorts of infection including cystitis which is the only thing that really terrifies me if i wake up with it

i used to be afraid of getting diarrhoea and bought some travelan which is supposed to prevent the bugs from getting into your system but it was over the counter and my doctor said it probablywont work
i will take immodium but that only suppresses the runs - really it is better to just 'run out' and get something to rehydrate you - that is something i have packed a rehydrating solution

oh and the doctor prescribe me something for giardia
not that im terribly worried about this water parasite because it apparently isnt all that bad - just hideous wind ( forgive me) but the handful of pills wont do any harm if i take them anyway and it isnt giardia

hopefully i wont succumb to anything but it just feels better knowing i wont be looking for an all night chemist in a foreign city/ village ( like theres going to be an allnighter in the latter!)

I use separate makeup bags for everything. They are small, washable, waterproof, reusable and color coded.

For nail care; a 4 way buffer, tiny bottle of Emu oil and a white nail pencil do it for me. Vit E oil may be used but I think the Emu oil makes my nails stronger, although I have no proof. It’s the same kit that they try to sell at those booths in the mall for outrageous amounts of money but by buying the supplies at beauty supply store, they are infinitely cheaper.

>> A yard of duct tape can go a long way. I wrap it around a pen.

Great idea, LSky.

I love the Clinique products, and I get the gifts w/purchase whenever possible. So I have a lot of Clinique travel-sized products I take with me for makeup, face care, sunscreen, and hair care.

There are many responses here so I may have missed a prior mention of two items I always include:

1) Dr Scholl's adhesive moleskin (not the foam type) sheets for blister protection. Walgreen's also has under it's own label
2) 4" blunt Gingher scissors. For cutting above moleskin (and anything else that needs a trim). They pass security screenings and are VERY sharp.

A simple solution to taking meds with.: grab a 7 day round pill orgiziner and a sharpie. each little container screws to the next and works great to hold stuff. I keep a diffent pill in each. I carry
allergy pills (benyidryl)
gas x
advil
melitonin
niqhtquil
iron
multivitiman

-toothbrush
-tooth paste
-soap bar (I absolutely hate this trend of hotels using universal gels)
-razor
-travel shaving brush
-Q-Tips
-deodorant
-dental floss
-toothpicks
-comb
-nail trimmers
-tweezers
-condoms. lots of condoms
-lens wipes, alcohol pads, moist towelettes, and sanitary wipes
-analgesics, including bc powders, and any medication I am currently taking
-antacids chewables
-Clubman nick relief
-bandaids
-sweing kit (free from some hotel stay long ago and I hold onto it just in case)

The last few I normally don't need but if I need them, I have them.

They all go into a Lufthansa branded dopp kit that I picked up at Tchibo in 2010.

One thing I do that makes my life easier, is that I keep my travel-sized toiletries packed and ready to go.

I pack different colorful zipper bags for each group: makeup, hair care, skincare, medicines, toothpaste & toothbrush, nail care, etc.

When I get home from a trip, I replace any empties, put them back in my suitcase and leave them for my next trip.

Then I don't have to figure out toiletries I need, each time I pack.
Works for me.

Taber, I do the same thing - my toiletries are always packed and ready to go. I could be a secret agent, ready for next assignment.

One thing I do, in the 24hrs before a trip, I use the bag instead of my regular toiletry supplies...for both morning and evening routines. Quick check to be sure I remembered to replace any needed items.

And, yes, we know this is an older thread!

This subject never gets old!

I learned that trick from a great boss. She had to travel rather frequently, and at short notice.

Black electrical tape. Smaller roll than duct tape and just as useful. It does everything from lint removal to fix a ripped hem to eyeglass repair etc.

http://www.humangear.com/gotoob/

i splurged on a couple of these recently and they work like a charm.

Those look handy, suze.

Deb, I do that now, too, ever since I needed to go buy some tape to attach my hot brush back on its handle. It still works!

Tabernash, They were a tad expensive but really worked better than the little cheapie plastic bottles I've used in the past, and should last for a long time. I'm going to get a few more. The 1.25oz size is plenty large for my needs, but they do have 2.0 and 3.) sizes too.

I have certain things I take and hope I will never use, but they don't take much room to pack and are very handy to have on hand should the need arise. These include: a couple packets of AlkaSeltzer Cold Plus, Emergen-C, Advil, Immodium, safety pins, bandaids, Neosporin.

Sounds like a plan, suze. I have a collection of meds like that, too.

If I'm going overseas, I bring an extension cord. Because hotel rooms there can have very few outlets, and I don't want to hog the bathroom outlet.

Those Go Toobs suze linked to are awesome! The Container Store carries them, if you live near one and want to see them in person, but I found the best prices on Amazon.

Not only do they not leak--at least not so far--they are easy to clean because the collars come off and give you access to all the nooks and crannies. They can go in the dishwasher!

The largest size is really quite big...I use it for body/hand lotion on long trips.

I'm like some above - I've go a small bag that was given by Airfrance and another one by AirChina (better...).
Each bags holds a toothbrush, some medicine. Earplugs and in one I have a razor.

Last condoms I bought were for my daughter... just in case...