20 Beauty Products That Come in Travel Sizes and Have Diehard Fan Bases
Before I was a beauty editor who had access to hundreds of products, I practically lived in the shimmering aisles of famous retailers like Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom. Or wait, perhaps I should amend that. Before I was a beauty editor who had access to hundreds of products, I practically lived in the shimmering checkout aisles of famous retailers like Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom. I have always been obsessed with beauty products (growing up I would catalog countless lists of things I wanted to try), but I definitely wasn’t in the financial position to buy any and every single thing that piqued my interest. I notoriously hate making returns, so the adorable minis and travel-size options that glinted invitingly as I waited allowed me to test-drive sought-after beauty items before sacrificing the brunt of my paycheck.
That was more than five years ago, and now, the selection of travel-size beauty products has increased dramatically. In fact, I recently searched every single item I’m currently obsessed with and found a smaller, travel-friendly size alternative for every single one. Whether your wanderlust is finally returning to normal or whether you simply want to sample a product before investing in a regular size, minis are an exceptional way to curate an ultra-luxurious beauty routine at a fraction of the price. As proof, I’m sharing 20 of my absolute favorites (which have stellar reputations and plenty of other diehard fans aside from just me) below. Keep scrolling!
Hair
Shampoo and Conditioner
Anyone who hasn't tried IGK's range of shampoos and conditioners is seriously missing out. This duo is rich and moisturizing enough to soften my dry, bleached strands without weighing down my fine texture. That said, the coupling's strategic ingredients are potent enough to penetrate thick, curly, or coarse hair, too.
Shine-Inducing + Frizz-Reducing Spray
Dry Shampoo
Living Proof's OG dry shampoo is legendary, but I have a sneaking suspicion this brand new formula will surpass its predecessor. It doesn't leave behind any residue and will trick others (and maybe even yourself!) into thinking you actually did a full shampoo and condition.
Emergency Repair Kit
Skin
Cleanser
Retinol + Lactic Acid Serum
Moisturizer
SPF
Fuzz-Removing Device
Am I the only one who has gone on vacation only to notice stubble, peach fuzz, or some errant hairs exactly where I don't want to? Anyone? This brilliant new launch is a miniature version of the original Dermaflash tool and is officially my saving grace for 24/7 smooth skin.
Makeup
IRL Skin Filter
This is one of the super-hyped makeup products on the market that is fully deserving of all of its praise. Use it as a highlighter, primer, foundation—the list goes on and on. A little goes a long way, which makes this mini bottle all the more appealing.
Foundation
Everyone has heard editors, celebs, and makeup artists wax poetic about Armani's famed foundation. But if you want one that's bite-size for your carry-on, or if you simply want to give it a test drive for a few weeks before buying a full bottle in all of its super-spendy glory, reach for this mini instead.
Lip + Cheek Balm
2-in-1 Eyeliner
Mascara
Body and Fragrance
Fragrance
Body Wash
If you're currently settling for a basic body wash that's fine, but if you're looking to elevate your shower experience anytime, anywhere, it's high time you get a luxurious whiff of this next-level formula from Oribe. Warning: You'll never want to leave the bathroom.
Body Scrub
Everyone from editors to Kim Kardashian fawn over this delicious body scrub from C The Moon. (It smells like something that quite literally transcends planet earth.) If you want to bask in luxury and enjoy the smoothest of baby-smooth skin, you need this in your next packing lineup.
Body Oil
I don't get excited about too many body oils, but this one from Mutha is truly mind-blowing. I swear one application keeps my skin supple and radiant with hydration for a full week (despite workouts and showers) sans reapplication. Therefore, investing in this smaller version will let you experience the magic for a surprisingly long time since you'll really be able to stretch your uses.
Shave Set
Am I the only one who always forgets their razor on the trips that are most important for, well, not forgetting their razor? This little set from Flamingo covers every single shaving base and is perfect for traveling. I recommend snapping up a few and just storing them indefinitely with your luggage.
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Erin has been writing a mix of beauty and wellness content forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing for over five years. Prior to that, she spent two and half years writing for Byrdie. She now calls Santa Monica home but grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and studied writing, rhetoric, and communication at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. She studied abroad in Galway, Ireland, and spent a summer in L.A. interning with the Byrdie andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing family. After graduating from UW, she spent one year in San Francisco, where she worked as a writer for Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen before moving down to L.A. to begin her career as a beauty editor.