Solid substitutes for cosmetics you can't carry on planes

New travel rules banning liquids and gel-like substances from carry-on luggage have left travelers scratching their heads as to how to groom those heads. (And other body parts.)

Not only are the basics like shampoo and toothpaste banned after this week's foiled terrorist plot targeting flights from Britain to the United States, but the restrictions also cover cosmetics like aftershave and under-eye concealer cream.

The obvious solution is to check your luggage, since such products are allowed on checked luggage. "When in doubt, check it," said Transportation Security Administration representative Carrie Harmon.

But if you can't or choose not to, there are solid products you can substitute for liquid versions. Remember, though, that you're taking a gamble -- the ultimate judge is the safety inspector at the airport.

So that you won't slow down -- or stink up -- the lines at the airport, here are some suggestions from a client service representative from beauty retailer Sephora.com and Jane Beran, owner of Jane's Health Market in Benson. Many of these products can be found at local retailers.

The challenge: Toothpaste

The solution: Eco-denT DailyCare Toothpowder (pictured at left)

This powder uses baking soda to clean teeth and is a favorite among campers and hikers, Beran said. It comes in half-ounce containers in cinnamon and anise ($6.50) and in a 0.3-ounce travel size in mint ($5).

The challenge: Nail polish

The solution: Nail pencils and stickers

Avon's Instant Manicure Dry Nail Enamel Strips are stickers that add nail color without a mess and smudges. One packet contains 16 strips and sells for $8. Sephora's Nail Whitening Pencil ($3.50) glides underneath the edge of fingernails to give a French manicure look.

The challenge: Hairstyling products

The solution: Sticks or powders

Hair spray is a liquid -- so there really is no solution. But Aveda's Pure Abundance Hair Potion ($22; pictured at right) is a powder that becomes a lotion when rubbed between hands.

The challenge: Shampoo

The solution: Castile soap

Some people use castile soap in its liquid form as a shampoo, but it also comes in a bar, Beran said. Considered among the mildest cleansers, castile soap is made from olive oil and sodium hydroxide. Beran sells Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap, which is scented with peppermint, for $3.79 a bar.

Your best bet, though, might be using shampoo provided by the hotel or your host.

The challenge: Self-tanning lotions

The solution: Tantowel

These disposable self-tanner wipes apply color gradually over three hours ($24 for 10 towels).

The challenge: Men's aftershave or cologne

The solution: Designer deodorant sticks

Armani Code, Calvin Klein Eternity for Men and Dior Fahrenheit are just a few, with prices ranging from $16 to $22.

The challenge: Women's perfume

The solution: Perfume solids

Some women's fragrances come in small compacts in a solid form that you apply with your finger. Popular in the '70s, solid perfumes have made a resurgence in the past several years. Michael Kors' Island perfume comes in a solid ($45) in a pendant you wear around your neck, and Marc Jacobs' compact is $55.

The challenge: Moisturizing lotions

The solution: Moisture sticks

Many sunscreens come in sticks, so a sunscreen might be one option to get some moisture, even if you won't be out in the sun. The Body Shop's Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Stick ($12.50) melts at body temperature. Since facial skin can be more sensitive, some body sticks might clog pores. Go for a baby brand such as Mustela, which will be gentler. Mustela's Hydra-Stick is $12.

The challenge: Liquid concealers such as foundation or under-eye creams

The solution: Dry foundations

The big trend is mineral makeup, which is loose and comes in a powder. It's good for people with oilier skin, but women with drier skin can opt for creamy-textured solids such as Vincent Longo's Water Canvas Creme-to-Powder Foundation ($52.50). There also are stick foundations, such as Make Up For Ever's Pan Stick ($30).

The challenge: Liquid eyeliner or eye shadow, cream eye bases or lip gloss in soft tubes

The solution: Pencil eyeliner and other solids you apply with brushes

If you can't find your makeup in a stick or a pencil, try a compact case. Lip glosses in squeezable tubes aren't permitted, but a palette like Laura Mercier's the Evolution of Color ($28) is a solid you apply with a brush. To simplify, buy a palette that includes both eye and lip colors, such as Benefit's the Weather Girl ($28).