Whether you’re trying to pack for a weekend getaway or want to sample TikTok’s latest trend, mini beauty products . Saving space in your handbag, gym kit or suitcase, these pint-size wonders ensure your beauty regime is never interrupted – even when you’re on the go.
Paying homage to the tiny treasures, here at Cult Beauty HQ we’ve rounded-up everything you need to know about travel size saviours. Read on to discover the best minis on the market right now, how to pack your beauty products when traveling and so much more…
WHAT ARE MINI BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Doing what they say on the tin, mini beauty products are your typical skin care, make up, hair, fragrance and body essentials, but just shrunken down into smaller sizes. Slipping seamlessly into compact compartments, they come in various forms (think sample sachets or travel jars) and are easy to transport between A and B.
BENEFITS OF MINI BEAUTY PRODCUTS
While there are bountiful benefits that come with mini beauty products, there are two main gains we can’t help but shout about…
They’re teeny, tiny and travel size: let’s face it, packing your beauty products is like playing a game of Tetris – wedging your toiletries into any free space. Well, that was until we became obsessed with minis. As well as making the art of packing a whole lot easier, they also see you through your daily commute, sleepovers, evenings out and more.
They allow you to try before you buy: giving you the gift of sampling, minis are the perfect way to test out viral must-haves before fully committing. From make up must-haves to cult cosmetics, there’s no need to resist the products your friends have been raving about.
THE CHALLENGES OF TRAVEL SIZE
Even though these everyday essentials are easy and efficient, there is one downside when it comes to travel size beauty. Unfortunately, they play a big part in contributing to landfill waste. Why? Well, in short, sample size containers are non-recyclable. As a general rule, products less than two inches in size cannot be recycled, meaning that many of the tiny, single-use packets, tubes, and jars are destined for the landfill. But, fear not! This is where our Cult Conscious team comes to the rescue. Scroll down to discover how you can still put your mini’s to good use.
DISCOVER CULT CONSCIOUS >>>THE RECYCLE ME SOLUTION
Help lessen the impact of travel size beauty on the planet by adding a Recycle Me bag to your cart with your next beauty buy. While your mini’s packaging can’t be recycled into similar objects, the Cult Beauty Recycle Me project takes the materials and downcycles them, turning them into plastic boards that can be used for other things. Not only does this avoid your samples from ending up in landfill, but they’re getting a second chance of life. Want to know more? Head over to our Recycle Me page and discover everything you need to know about the scheme.
DISCOVER RECYCLE ME >>>BEST MINI BEAUTY PRODUCTS RIGHT NOW…
SKIN CARE
We can’t talk about travel size beauty without mentioning shrunken down sunscreen. Cue: Supergoop!’s Glowscreen SPF 30. Perfectly proportioned to seamlessly slip into airport security’s clear bag, this skin saviour shields you from the sun’s rays during your balmy getaway. What’s more, suitable for all skin types, it floods your complexion with moisture, courtesy of its hyaluronic acid and B5 blend.
Size: 15ml
SHOP ALL SUPERGOOP! >>> When it comes to mini skin care saviours, it’s not just formulas we can rely on – there’s certain tools that can accompany us on our travels too. A case in point? FOREO’s Luna 4 Mini. Upgrading your cleansing regime – home or away – it banishes breakouts by unclogging pores in just 30 seconds. So, whether you’re rushing to save your sun bed or make your morning yoga sessions, this device has your complexion covered.
Size: 5.2cm x 11.8cm x 4.5cm
SHOP ALL FOREO >>> Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is the mini but mighty must have that brightens and evens your skin tone on-the-glow. Don’t believe us? Add the travel size superstar to your mini repertoire to find out for yourself. Giving you a mini facial between meetings or when travelling overseas, this treasured treatment boasts an impressive 25% AHA and 2% BHA blend of glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric and salicylic acids for a deep exfoliation that provides dew-drenching results.
Size: 15ml or 50ml
SHOP ALL DRUNK ELEPHANT >>>SHOP ALL MINI SKIN CARE >>> MAKE UP
Need to lift your lashes, but not sure which formula works best for you? Why not try Hourglass’ travel size Caution Extreme Lash Mascara? Delivering the same benefits as the full size formula, it’s super buildable and primed for creating volume, length and definition. What’s more, the double-action wand has the benefits of two individual brush heads in one. Miniature and multi-functional, what more do you need?
Size: 5.5g
SHOP ALL HOURGLASS >>> When searching for mini make up marvels, you’re looking for ease, efficiency and flexibility. Featuring all the above (and a whole lot more), Westman Atelier’s Petite Face Trace Contour Stick ensuring easy and efficient contouring wherever you go. Enriched with organic jojoba oil, the travel-friendly stick not only defines youreyes, cheeks and nose, but protect against environmentalaggressors too!
Size: 2.5g
SHOP ALL WESTMAN ATELIER >>>>Shrinking the cult-classic blush into a perfectly portable compact, NARS’ Orgasm Mini Blush provides a pop of pink pigment when on the move. Instantly enlivening your complexion, the buildable hue can take you from day to dusk in just a few simple swipes.
Size: 2.5g
SHOP ALL NARS >>> SHOP ALL MINI MAKE UP >>> HAIR CARE
Looking for a hair care hero that does it all? Well, let us introduce you to Color Wow and Chris Appleton's Travel Size Money Masque. Rescuing stressed out strands that are dry and damaged, this deep conditioning treatment fuses strengthening blue sea kale with moisturising sea kelp to reveal a healthy, nourished mane. Plus, at 50ml, you can now enliven your locks wherever you’re home or away.
Size: 50ml
SHOP ALL COLOR WOW >>>Aptly named, Larry King’s A Social Life For You Hair unites a flight-friendly tube with a social climbing solution for your strands. Taming everything from a full head of curls to super-fine fly aways, this three-time nominated finishing cream is friendly to everyone’s mane. Loved worldwide, it smooths, defines and adds textures to your tresses.
Size: 30ml
SHOP ALL LARRY KING >>>Ideal for those hectically busy in between wash days, Hair by Sam McKnight’s Lazy Girl Dry Shampoo deserves prime position in your handbag. The ultra-light mist absorbs excess oil to refresh your hair from scalp to ends. What’s more, it imparts enviable body, volume and subtle texture to fool everyone into thinking that your locks are freshly washed rather than refreshed.
Size: 50ml
SHOP ALL SAM MCKNIGHT >>> SHOP ALL MINI HAIR CARE >>> BODY CARE
Now in a handy travel size, Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream transports you to the balmy beaches of Brazil, no matter where you are in the world. Enriched with a hydrating blend of cupuaçu butter, açaí, coconut oil and guarana caffeine, it stimulates your circulation, keeping your best assets feeling smooth, tight and looking their best.
Size: 75ml
SHOP ALL SOL DE JANERIO >>> Dubbed the anti-chafe champion, Megababe’s Thigh Rescue anti-friction stick can be worked over anywhere where chafing is a problem. Forming a protective barrier to provide a smooth glide, the award-winning formula prevents friction from irritating your limbs, keeping you comfortable from head to toe.
Size: 60ml
SHOP ALL MEGABABE >>>Whether you’re heading on a flight, wandering around the city or simply sitting at your desk, hand sanitisers are a must. Boasting a non-drying, alcohol-based formula, Aesop’s Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash cleanses your skin without requiring a sink. Not only does it keep the bad bacteria at bay, but it’s a pleasurable experience for your senses too – thanks to its sweet mandarin rind, rosemary leaf and cedar wood blend.
Size: 50ml
SHOP ALL AESOP >>> SHOP ALL MINI BODY & BATH >>> FRAGRANCE
Creating a fragrance wardrobe can be time-consuming and expensive. That’s why minis are ideal when searching for your new signature scent. Not only is Huda Beauty’s KAYALI Eden Sparkling Lychee Eau de Parfum perfume perfect for layering, but its pint-size proportion is super convenient for carrying with you on the go. Curbing your sweet cravings, this sumptuous smell blends juicy blackcurrant, sparkling lychee and candied violet for a tantalising finish.
Size: 10ml or 50ml
SHOP ALL HUDA BEAUTY >>> Evoking scenes of the French Riviera, Oribe’s Cote D’Azur Eau de Parfum whisks you away to sun-drenched shores (without using your air miles). Powered by the fruity notes of freshly squeezed lemon, blackcurrant, bergamot and Sicilian orange, the scent is impactful without being overpowering.
Size: 10ml
SHOP ALL ORIBE >>> Dispensing your signature scent into a perfume atomiser is one thing, but slipping a fragrance paintbrush into your bag is another. Perfect for topping up when out and about, Jo Love’s A Fragrance Paintbrush allows you to become your body’s artist as you draw on your favourite fragrances. Super speedy and easy to use, the quick-drying gel formula refreshes your scent in a matter of seconds.
Size: 7ml
SHOP ALL JO LOVES >>> SHOP ALL MINI FRAGRANCES >>> Now you have everything you need to know about mini beauty products, it’s time to fill up you bags and stay consistent with your daily regime! These travel size samplers may be miniature in, but they have maximum impact for your routine...
SHOP ALL MINI BEAUTY >>> 
