As a notorious overpacker, I made a deal with myself to travel as lightly as possible this year. It’s time to embrace the art of minimalism, and that starts with my toiletry bag, especially if I’m bringing a carry-on. As a beauty editor, I usually find it most challenging to pare things down in the makeup, haircare, and skincare departments when packing. The beautiful thing about these particular items, though, is that a lot of them come in adorable mini sizes.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or you simply enjoy the convenience of having your essentials like sunscreen and highlighter compact and easily at hand, packing the right toiletry beauty essentials for your carry-on or bag is essential. With ever-stricter airline regulations and limited space in your luggage, selecting effective yet efficiently sized products can leave you with more room for your clothing or souvenirs from your journey.
Keep scrolling to discover some of our favorite beauty minis in hair, makeup, skincare, and beyond. They’re perfect for travelers on the go and will seamlessly fit into your carry-on luggage.
Augustinus Bader
Mini the Cream With TFC8 Face Moisturizer
Opting for a travel-size moisturizer can save you a ton of space. This one from Augustinus Bader can help combat dryness during your flight and throughout your trip.
Moon Juice
Mini Acid Potion AHA + BHA Resurfacing Exfoliator
Toners are usually quite bulky, so if you’re only taking a carry-on, finding something under 3.4 ounces can be quite difficult. Moon Juice’s Mini Acid Potion AHA + BHA Resurfacing Exfoliator fits perfectly into a small toiletry bag. (And it will make your skin as soft and glowy as a newborn baby’s!)
Tower 28 Beauty
Mini SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Tower 28’s SOS Facial Spray is my go-to for when my skin is having a bit of an acne freak-out, which happens often on vacation. This little bottle has pH-balancing hypochlorous acid that helps reduce skin irritation and redness.
Color Wow
Mini Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment
If your hair gets frizzy in a humid environment, a beach vacation might call for an anti-frizz spray. It’s great that this beloved one from Color Wow comes in a smaller size.
The Ordinary
Mini Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
This cult-favorite toner assists in smoothing skin texture, evening skin tone, and helping with radiance—luckily it comes in a miniature size as well. It can also double as a deodorant—bonus points!
Ilia
Mini Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara
This shea butter and keratin-enriching formula incorporates beeswax and carnauba wax to gently nourish lashes without weighing them down, all in a teeny-tiny tube.
Urban Decay
Naked 2 Basics Eyeshadow Palette
This (iconic) warm, neutral palette works for simple and smoky looks alike. Urban Decay’s shadows are well known for their longevity and superior blendability.
Nécessaire
The Body Wash with Niacinamide, Vitamins + Plant Surfactants
A noncomedogenic bodywash is great for all skin types, especially if you run acne-prone or oily. Nécessaire’s daily multivitamin cleanser is made with vitamin B3 and niacinamide, so it nourishes and soothes the skin. Most hotel bodywashes are drying, so I prefer to pack my own, and this one can’t be beat.
Milk Makeup
Mini Holographic Stick
Use this Milk Makeup mini highlighter in a bright and rosy shade for your cheeks and eyes. It’s a creamy formula made with mango butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil, so it’s as hydrating as it is vibrant.
Bread Beauty Supply
Mini Everyday Hair Gloss Oil
Working this silicone-free oil hair oil through hair makes curls feel soft and silky. Perfect for any hair type, the smaller size is the only accessory you need to stash in your getaway bag.
Glow Recipe
Mini Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Designed to cater to all skin types, from normal to oily, this toner is a must-have for travelers domestic and international. The formula is amazingly lightweight and addresses common concerns like pores, dryness, and dullness. It’s also made with watermelon extract, so it hydrates while delivering essential vitamins and amino acids.
Saie
Mini Sunvisor Radiant Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 35
We said it once, and we’ll say it again: Sunscreen is absolutely necessary whenever you’re outdoors, especially if you’re traveling somewhere sunny. This one from Saie works to hydrate the skin and provide a slight tint—it’s essentially a three-in-one product.
Hourglass
Mini Veil Translucent Setting Powder
A big and bulky setting powder can take up a ton of room in your makeup bag, so when there’s a smaller version of a crowd favorite, it’s a great investment. Whether you want to take it on vacation or keep it in your purse for touch-ups, this one from Hourglass is small enough for transportation.
Shani Darden Skin Care
Mini Retinol Reform
If you’re on a retinol protocol, it’s important to keep on your schedule for the best results. This mini version of Shani Darden’s incredible formula works to minimize fine lines and wrinkles in a gentle way, so you can use it when you’re hopping from country to country.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Mini Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer
A primer is such a great hack if you’re heading somewhere warm and sunny, but full-size options are almost always over the allotted 3.4 ounces. Grabbing this favorite from Fenty Beauty in a cool 0.5 ounces will save you a ton of space in your makeup bag.
