Forget baggage claim – use carry-on-friendly toiletries

We’ve all been there. You get off the plane and steel yourself for the unpleasantness of the baggage claim, crossing your fingers in hopes that the airline didn’t lose your unmentionables.

Then you seethe with envy at the woman who effortlessly heads out the door, carry-on trailing behind her. And you vow that next time, you’ll cram everything you need for the weekend into that teeny-tiny bag.

Then you survey your collection of cosmetics and think, “I can’t even get my shampoo in that little plastic bag.”

So what to do? Find a loophole. These products will help you breeze through the airport without making a stop at baggage claim. They’re all carry-on safe, and none of them have to fit in a Ziploc.

Solid shampoo and conditioner: Solid shampoo and conditioners work like bar soap for your hair. Just wet them and rub against wet hair. Before repacking, set them out to dry.

Flat, round discs (and occasional squares) made by Lush Cosmetics leave hair soft, shiny and smelling great. The conditioner works the same way. ($8.75-$14.50 for 1.9-3.5 ounces at usa.lush.com).

Texas-based Susan’s Soaps & More also sells 4-ounce shampoo bars in scents such as Bay Rum and Texas Hill Country. They leave hair soft and shiny. Get them for $5.50 each, plus shipping and handling, at www.susansoaps.com.

Toothpaste powder: Toothfresh toothpaste powder, $5.95 at www.amazon.com, tastes a little funky – sort of like a salty Splenda. But it left teeth feeling smooth. You can get it a small bottle or in a plastic pouch for easy packing.

Mineral makeup: For lighter coverage, Sephora ( www.sephora.com) and Ulta ( www.ulta.com) sell several types of mineral makeup for $10 to $25, and Target sells several brands for $10 to $15.

Women who find that mineral makeup doesn’t cover patchy skin or blemishes can try a pressed-powdered version by Me’Roz Cosmetics. The compact, which includes an application sponge, is $32.50, and it evens out skin tone as well as a liquid foundation. Get it at online at www.merozcosmetics.com.