The summer travel rush is in full force, and though jetting off to your dream destination is thrilling, the preparation? Not quite as enjoyable. Squeezing in all your favorite outfits and ensuring your beauty must-haves comply with TSA rules can feel like a job in itself. Whether you’re a notorious over-packer or constantly getting flagged for rogue liquids, we’ve gathered expert advice to ease the burden of packing. Enter Christina Zilber, the brains behind Jouer Cosmetics, a globe-trotter par excellence, and a packing ace who spends over 120 days on the road each year, visiting over 35 countries.
Although CZ considers Paris and Los Angeles her “home,” the jetsetter is on the move for approximately four months each year. Her nomadic lifestyle has even inspired her brand’s motto: “Makeup that multitasks and travels far.” She’s mastered the art of packing light—fitting an entire vacation’s worth of clothing and products into just one carry-on. To Christina, packing light is about traveling with purpose: clear emotions, minimal luggage, and a careful selection of what truly matters. Here are her strategies for shedding excess baggage.
Christina Zilber, the founder of Jouer Cosmetics, a frequent flyer, and a packing connoisseur
During your next beauty store visit, don’t forget to pick up some sample packets of skincare and hair care products. Instead of bottles, CZ opts for shampoo and conditioner sample packets. “These packets don’t spill, they’re lightweight, and they won’t leave your bag smelling like a salon,” she clarifies. “Leave the full-size items at home and travel like a pro.”
When packing, Christina suggests packing no more than four pairs of shoes. “Include a walking shoe, sneaker, heel, sandal, or boot. Four pairs. That’s it—one for walking, one for workouts, one for socializing, and one for the unpredictable weather,” she advises.
Skip packing cubes and opt to lay clothes flat instead. “While packing cubes might be cute, they take up valuable space,” CZ explains. “Flattening and folding is the way to go for less bulk, fewer wrinkles, and everything within sight.”
“Hard cases are best stored in the overhead bins, not in your suitcase,” she says. “Soft-sided toiletry bags are a packing dream as they contour to the suitcase’s corners.”
Christina adheres to the fashion rule that packing one pair of pants per day, then swapping tops and shoes at night, is a must. “Your pants don’t mind being worn twice,” she notes. “Switching your top and shoes can save space and make packing a breeze.”
A crucial tip from CZ is to “plan activities and outfits before packing.” Packing should start with your calendar, not your wardrobe. “Be aware of your daily activities and dress for them each day and night.” This method minimizes the need for extra outfits and unnecessary weight in your suitcase.
When selecting clothing to pack, go for a simple, neutral color palette, advises CZ. “A limited color selection means endless outfit combinations, as black, white, and denim go with everything and never go out of style.”
Opt for products with dual benefits. “Pack multitaskers like cheek and lip sticks,” says CZ. “A single swipe of color that works on both lips and cheeks? That’s efficiency at its finest and saving space.”
“You don’t need your entire makeup collection on vacation,” CZ asserts. “A lip oil, concealer, cheek and lip stick, hydration, and light coverage will have you looking radiant and stunning.”
