The 13 Best Mini-Sized Beauty Products, According to a Beauty Writer Who Travels All the Time

By
Tanya Akim
byrdie writer tanya akim holding kitten
Tanya Akim
Tanya Akim is an LA-based writer who has contributed to Byrdie, Eater, and L'Officiel USA.
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Updated on Nov 18, 2021
Reviewed by
Rhea Souhleris Grous
Rhea_Souhleris_Grous
Reviewed by Rhea Souhleris Grous
Rhea Souhleris Grous is the founder of La Suite Skincare and an aesthetics specialist with more than two decades of skincare experience.
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Minis are really cute; whether it’s a toy car, a baby animal, or a doll-sized kitchen set, miniature items have a way of melting my heart every time. My favorite category of all within the “mini” genre is probably a dead-giveaway: makeup. I’ve spent hours in those dangerous check-out lanes of Sephora where exclusively-made miniature skincare, makeup, brushes, and sponges have been placed (brilliantly) for customers awaiting check-out. On several occasions, I’ve gone in for literally only one item, and ended up leaving with dozens of others because of a long check-out line; I just kept finding more of my favorite products in travel sizes.

Because I travel a lot, I dedicate a good amount of time to strategically packing. I usually bring an entire pharmacy with me because I never know what to expect from a foreign country’s drugstores or local shopping, lest I forget something. There’s also nothing worse for me than re-purchasing something I know that I already have at home. If you’re like me and you belong to the COO club (carry-on only), you’ve had your fair share of experiences with an overstuffed bag. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve had to sit on my Rimowa luggage, praying it doesn’t crack, just so that I could zip it into something shaped like an Oreo cookie (the fabric space-expanders spilling out everywhere).

After finding out that many brands make miniature versions of their beloved products, I started researching to see what else was out there. Since switching exclusively to minis for travel, my bags have gotten a lot lighter.

With travel season upon us, I decided to round up all of the best mini products. So, whether you’re packing for your trip to Mallorca, you want to try something new with less cost commitment, or you just love how cute miniature makeup looks on your vanity, I’ve rounded up all the fan-favorites here.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Augustinus Bader The Cream at Sephora
Best Foundation:
Giorgio Armani Foundation Mini at Sephora
Best Setting Spray:
Urban Decay Setting Spray at Sephora
Best Primer:
Milk Hydro Grip Primer at Sephora
Best Powder:
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder Mini at Sephora
Best Shimmer:
Fenty Beauty Fairy Bomb Mini at Sephora
Best Concealer:
Nars Creamy Concealer at Sephora
Best Lash Serum:
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum at Sephora
Best Moisturizer:
Embryolisse Lait Crème at Amazon
Best Brow Gel:
Anastasia DIPBROW Gel Mini at Sephora

Best Overall: Augustinus Bader The Cream

4
AUGUSTINUS BADER THE CREAM
View On Sephora View On Nordstrom View On Revolve
What We Like

  • Hydrates

  • Researched-backed claims

  • Pump bottle

What We Don't Like

  • Pricey

Augustinus Bader’s The Cream Immediately Made My Skin Silky Smooth

Whether you’ve heard the wonders of this product and you want to give it a try, or you’re addicted to it and won’t let it leave your size, this is the cult cream size for you.

Active Ingredients: TFC8 Technology, vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin B5 (panthenol), hydrolyzed rice protein, aloe leaf juice, shea butter | Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone | Size: 0.5 fl. oz., 1 fl. oz., or 1.7 fl. oz. | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

augustinus bader the cream

Byrdie / Joline Buscemi

What Our Testers Say

"Despite trying out many moisturizers, this was the first time I was actually noticeably shocked at the immediate difference in my skin." — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester

Best Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Mini

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Mini

 Courtesy of Sephora
View On Sephora
What We Like

  • Buildable

  • Boosts radiance

  • Travel-friendly

What We Don't Like

  • Can settle into fine lines

A favorite foundation of Meghan Markle, Kylie Jenner, and pretty much every beauty editor, this mini makes traveling so much easier, especially because the full-size version is a pretty hefty glass jar.

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 40 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.6 oz. or 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Setting Spray: Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

Courtesy of Sephora 
View On Sephora
What We Like

  • Fine mist

  • Vegan

  • Award-winning

What We Don't Like

  • Feels sticky right after application

Not only is this setting spray perfect for traveling, but you can also stick it in your purse on a date night. Your makeup look will last so much longer with this staple from Urban Decay.

Size: 1 oz. or 4 oz. | Finish: Natural | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Primer: Milk Hydro Grip Primer Mini

Milk Hydro Grip Primer

 Courtesy of Milk
View On Sephora
What We Like

  • Minimizes pores

  • Pump bottle

  • Vegan

What We Don't Like

  • Can be hard to spread

A new creation from Milk, this primer is silicone-free and perfectly tacky. I love how makeup sticks to this primer and gives a poreless look, free of dimethicone and guilt.

Active Ingredients: Blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, niacinamide, aloe water | Skin Type: All | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps | Size: 0.33 fl. oz., 1.52 fl. oz., or 5.28 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Powder Mini

Laura Mercier Translucent Powder Mini

 Courtesy of Sephora
View On Sephora
What We Like

  • Oil-free

  • Long-lasting

  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like

  • Can be drying

This powder is so perfect for touch-ups on-the-go. Pro tip: use this translucent powder as an alternative to cornstarch before putting on a piece of latex clothing.

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C and E powders, botanical blurring powder | Shades: 3 | Finish: Soft matte | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Shimmer: Fenty Beauty Fairy Bomb Mini

Fenty Beauty Fairy Bomb Mini

 Courtesy of Sephora
View On Sephora
What We Like

  • Boosts radiance

  • Non-sticky

  • Can use on face and body

What We Don't Like

  • Only available online

This little puff packs a glittery punch. The full-size Fairy Bomb is a fan favorite among Fenty Beauty lovers for its stickiness-free face and body shimmer, so the mini version is a dream come true.

Type: Powder | Shades: 2 | Finish: Shimmer | Size: 0.13 oz. or 0.21 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Concealer: Nars Mini Radiant Creamy Concealer

Nars Mini Radiant Creamy Concealer

 Courtesy of Nars
View On Sephora
What We Like

  • Lightweight

  • Boosts radiance

  • Hydrates

What We Don't Like

  • Can settle into fine lines

The only concealer you’ll ever need comes in tiny form too. Fun fact: Pete Davidson strutted down the Alexander Wang runway this month wearing this ride-or-die concealer. Welcome to the fan club, Pete.

Coverage Level: Medium to full | Finish: Radiant | Shades: 30 | Size: 0.05 oz. or 0.22 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Lash Serum: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum

4.9
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum
View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Macy's
What We Like

  • Easy to apply

  • Noticeable results

What We Don't Like

  • Results can take longer than five weeks

Get used to saying, “They’re real”." This lash enhancer is the best one out there by far. Simply put: This really works.

Active Ingredients: Amino Acids (L-Proline), hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate), vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate) | Benefits: Lengthens, thickens, strengthens | Application Method: Brush wand | Size: 0.03 oz., 0.06 oz., or 0.13 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait Crème

Lait Creme Concentre

Courtesy of Dermstore

View On Amazon View On Dermstore
What We Like

  • Hydrating

  • Removes tough makeup

  • Multi-purpose product

What We Don't Like

  • Leaves a greasy feeling

Gwyneth Paltrow has long professed her love of this O.G. cult primer/moisturizer/makeup remover. Luckily, it’s no longer exclusive to just France.

Active Ingredients: Shea butter, soy proteins | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2.54 fl. oz. | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Brow Gel: Anastasia DIPBROW Gel Mini

Anastasia DIPBROW Gel Mini

 Courtesy of Sephora
View On Sephora
What We Like

  • Great color payoff

  • Long-lasting

  • Easy to apply

What We Don't Like

  • Can clump

Highly pigmented and super long-lasting, this brow gel cuts my routine down by a lot. The cone-shaped brush wisps through the hairs so well; a light hand is all you need for a full day of wear.

Type: Pomade gel | Shades: 11 | Size: 0.078 oz. or 0.155 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Mascara: Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara Mini

Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara Mini

 Courtesy of Sephora
View On Sephora
What We Like

  • Long-lasting

  • Coats every lash

  • Doesn't clump

What We Don't Like

  • Can flake

“Are those your lashes?” is usually the thing I hear most when I’m wearing this mascara. Pro tip: Google how to use an S-shaped mascara wand for the best results with this cult product.

Benefits: Lengthens | Size: 0.067 oz. or 0.22 oz. | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Lip Gloss: Pat McGrath Labs Mini LUST Gloss Trios

Pat McGrath Labs Mini LUST Gloss Trios

 Courtesy of Sephora
View On Sephora
What We Like

  • Comfortable wear

  • Non-sticky

  • Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

  • Reviewers note the applicator could be better

Like all of Pat McGrath’s products, these glosses are divine. It’s a comfortable, thick formula that smooths and makes lips feel hydrated. It doesn’t get sticky or tight, and the shine really lasts…not to mention, these glosses smell amazing.

Shades: 3 3-shade kits | Size: 0.05 oz. each | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Toner: Biologique Recherche P50 1970 1.7oz

Biologique Recherche P50 1970 1.7oz

Courtesy of Biologique Recherche
View On Shoprescuespa.com
What We Like

  • Exfoliates

  • Balances pH

  • Hydrates

What We Don't Like

  • Not readily available in stores

This Cult-Fave Skin Product Smells Like Hot Garbage, But It's Life-Changing

The heavily lauded “Jesus in a bottle” comes in a travel size, too. Now, you can chemically exfoliate on-the-go (also known as my version of an extreme sport).

Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Vitamins, active botanical extracts | Size: 1.7 fl. oz., 5.1 fl. oz., or 8.4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

We're giving top honors to the Augustinus Bader The Cream. Its innovative formula is packed with natural amino acids, vitamins, and molecules to help regenerate your body's own stem cells. It's also packed with great hydrating ingredients like aloe leaf, avocado, shea butter, and more, so it certainly lives up to its claim of replacing every skin product you need after cleansing.

Looking to cover up while you're on the go? Try the Nars Mini Radiant Creamy Concealer. It's great for adding highlight, contour, or medium to full coverage concealing without dryness or creasing.

What to Look for in Travel Size Beauty Products

Packaging materials

Whether you're just tossing it in your bag for touchups or traveling on a plane, you'll want to make sure the product you're buying is made of up durable materials. It shouldn't pop open or break and spill all over your bag.

Application

While minis are compact and easy to pack when you need to travel light, always consider the product's application. If you have to pack extra tools for it, then it takes up more space than its cute small size. If you aren't positive what more will be needed for products, reference all-in-one makeup kits to review what you need to accompany assorted products.

Basics

You might find yourself distracted by the shiniest and most exciting products, but don't forget to purchase and pack the everyday items you need, too. Whether your staples include brow gel, sunscreen, or lip gloss, you'll want to have a mini-version of the things you rely on the most, not just the fun extras.

FAQ
  • What is the travel size for cosmetics?

    When looking to travel by air, you'll need to adhere to the TSA rules for carry-on cosmetics. You're allowed to bring a total of one quart-sized clear, resealable bag filled with products. Inside this bag, each item needs to be 3.4 ounces or less.

  • Are travel-size products worth it?

    Provided you will use up whatever is contained in your travel-size toiletries, they are worth it. That's because you were able to carry them on rather than pay extra for a checked bag, which costs more. You'll want to recycle them instead of putting them in the trash to reduce your carbon footprint.

  • How long does travel-size mascara last?

    Travel-size toiletries last about the same amount of time as their full-size counterparts; it's dependent on how long that specific product lasts. Mascara can get dried out and exposed to bacteria, and should be replaced every few months.

  • What counts as liquid on a plane?

    The TSA is pretty strict about traveling with liquids, and because of that, its rules about what counts as a liquid err on the, well, solid side. Aerosols, pastes, creams, and gels are all liquids, so makeup products like mascara, foundation, eyeliner, moisturizer, and perfume are all considered liquid.

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