• Collect sample sizes of your favorite skin care and makeup products (fragrance, too) before your trip. When you buy a beauty product, ask for samples for your travel kit. Check out drugstores for inexpensive, trial size beauty aides, such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant.

• To keep luggage as lightweight as possible, carry pills and creams in plastic containers. Count out the number of pills or capsules you will need for the days you will be away and put them in labeled containers.

• Carry your cosmetics on with you. They will keep better at board temperature than in the cargo hold where extreme cold or heat can ruin formulations. And they will be handy when you want to reapply them.

• Streamline your makeup choices with double-duty products, such as cream-to-powder base, eye shadow that pinch-hits as a liner, lip pencil that fills in like lipstick, blush that highlights eyes, too. A suntan product with aloe Vera also makes an excellent body moisturizer.

• Make sure cosmetics are “cushioned” (those plastic bags create protective pockets of air) to prevent breakage and leakage. To further safeguard against spillage from plastic bottles (shampoo, moisturizer, etc.), compress the open bottle, cover the Opening with plastic wrap and then close the top while continuing to squeeze the bottle.

• Keep sharp-edged beauty aides (razors, scissors, etc.) encased.

• For easiest access, pack all-of-a-kind essentials together, in separate bags — toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash; feminine hygiene products; shampoo, conditioner, hair spray.

Do’s and Don’ts For Travel:

DO put sunscreens, tissues, and combs in a separate soft bag so you will find them easily when you are heading for the pool or beach.

DO put all your cosmetics and hair accessories in separate, clear plastic bags so you can keep them visible and accessible in the bathroom.

DO take off metal jewelry before going through the airport metal detector. It is quicker and easier than being stopped.

DO take out contact lenses before boarding a long flight. Keep them secure, but handy.

DO board the plane early: You’ll be sure of your seat — a good start for avoiding the stress of the holiday crush — plus you’ll find more space for storage.

DO smile all the way through boarding. You’ll get into the holiday spirit sooner.

DO NOT forget a pretty scarf or hat to protect your hair from the sun. Harmful rays bleach hair and that can be . .a real headache if your hair is already colored.

DO NOT carry a lot of hand luggage, however many souvenirs you buy. Storage space on planes is scarce, and it’s often a long walk through the terminal, even if you don’t have to pass through customs.

DO NOT arrive at your destination looking ragged. Make up on the plane minutes before landing.