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

by Tanya Akim
Tanya Akim is an LA-based writer who has contributed to Byrdie, Eater, and L'Officiel USA.
Updated 11/15/19

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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.

Best Overall: Augustinus Bader The Cream 15ml

Augustinus Bader The Cream 15ml

 Courtesy of Violet Grey

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.

Best Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Mini

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Mini

 Courtesy of Sephora

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.

Best Setting Spray: Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray

Courtesy of Sephora 

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.

Best Primer: Milk Hydro Grip Primer

Milk Hydro Grip Primer

 Courtesy of Milk

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.

Best Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Powder Mini

Laura Mercier Translucent Powder Mini

 Courtesy of Sephora

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.

Best Shimmer: Fenty Beauty Fairy Bomb Mini

Fenty Beauty Fairy Bomb Mini

 Courtesy of Sephora

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.

Best Concealer: Nars Mini Radiant Creamy Concealer

Nars Mini Radiant Creamy Concealer

 Courtesy of Nars

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.

Best Lash Serum: GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum

GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum

 Courtesy of Sephora

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

Best Moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait Crème

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.

Best Brow Gel: Anastasia DIPBROW Gel Mini

Anastasia DIPBROW Gel Mini

 Courtesy of Sephora

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.

Best Mascara: Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara Mini

Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara Mini

 Courtesy of Sephora

“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.

Best Lip Gloss: Pat McGrath Labs Mini LUST Gloss Trios

Pat McGrath Labs Mini LUST Gloss Trios

 Courtesy of Sephora

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.

Best Toner: Biologique Recherche P50 1970 1.7oz

Biologique Recherche P50 1970 1.7oz

Courtesy of Biologique Recherche

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).

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