I love balms that won't spill, slimline tubes and sachets and multi-use products – anything that is streamlined, both in size and formula to make my life easier and lighter. In a new series, here are my top ten travel beauty minis to pack.
AKT
The Deodorant Balm, £10
I am a die-hard fan of the full-size versions of these deodorant balms, the most effect anti-perspirant I've ever tried and smells incredible. The dinky tube is brilliant for quick trips.
Byoma
Creamy Jelly Cleanser, £5
A great gets-everything-off cleanser that leaves skin feeling fresh with no oily residue. Great post-flight when you want a deep clean.
Larry King Hair
A Social Life For Your Hair, £12
When I don't have all my hair kit with me, this little tube is great for taming frizz in humidity and creating slick 'dos, with zero effort.
Davines
More Inside Dry Shampoo, £12
No chalkiness, smells fab and it gives great root lift to revive day two hair.
Charlotte Tilbury
Collection of Emotions - Joyphoria, £20
I love a fragrance mini and this slimline spritz from Charlotte Tilbury smells like holiday in a bottle – with heady tropical flowers of tuberose and jasmine, refreshing coconut water and warm skin vanilla notes, it is the perfect beach holiday scent.
Ultra Violette
Vibrant Screen SPF50, £12
This mini bottle slots perfectly into my travel pouch and I love the satin finish and water-gel texture that lets my skin breathe, whilst giving max SPF protection.
L'Occitane
Amande Sublime Supple Skin Oil, £20
After a day of sea dips, my skin can feel extra dry. I love the instant softening effects of this sweet almond scented oil to drizzle on still damp, post-shower skin for glowy limbs.
Patchology
Serve Chilled On Ice Firming Eye Gels, £3
I pop a pair of these in my carry on to soothe itchy, tired eyes. They're also great to pop in your hotel room mini bar if you need a little pick me up after a few too many late nights.
Dr Dennis Gross
Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel, £21
These come as a five pack and I always pop one in my hand luggage to use post-flight - the two-step pads are great for resurfacing, but also hydrating.
Tan Luxe
Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum Gradual, £15
I am a self-confessed sun-worshipper (albeit an SPF50 wearing one). However, I always keep my face in the shade, so a little gradual tanner helps even up that sun-kissed glow.
FAQs: Travel Minis
What size counts as a travel mini?
For cabin luggage, liquids need to be 100ml or under, but the sweet spot is far smaller – think 5–50ml. Minis should be compact enough to earn their place, not just a shrunken version of something bulky.
What are the most useful products to prioritise?
Focus on multi-taskers and problem-solvers: a good cleanser, SPF, deodorant, a hydrating treatment, and something to revive hair. Extras like eye patches or fragrance minis are mood-lifting bonuses.
Are sachets or tubes better for travel?
Tubes tend to be more robust and less prone to leaking, but sachets are excellent for single-use treatments (like peels or masks) and keep things ultra-light.
How do you avoid leaks in your beauty bag?
Opt for balms, solids or tightly sealed tubes where possible. For liquids, keep them in a small zip pouch and avoid overfilling – air pressure changes are often the culprit.
Can you decant full-size products instead of buying minis?
Yes, and it's often more economical. Decant into good-quality travel bottles, but for formulas that are sensitive (like SPF or active skincare), it's usually better to stick with the original mini packaging.
