12 Travel Minis Our Beauty Editor Swears By This Summer

With a summer full of adventures – ranging from camping in Cornwall to sun-soaked getaways on the Amalfi Coast and family time in Puglia – I’ve had to master the art of packing smart. Gone are the days of tossing a passport and a pair of pants in a bag and hoping for the best. Now, I’m all about keeping things light, especially when it comes to my beauty kit. Travel minis are my go-to: compact, convenient, and a lifesaver when space (and weight) is at a premium. Here are the 12 mini beauty essentials I’m taking with me this summer.

First, Five Things I Look For In My Minis:

• Solid Or Balm Textures: Less chance of spillages.


• Concentrated Formulas, Or Intense Pigments: A little goes a long way.


• Nourishing Ingredients: Butters, oils and hydrating formulas are top of my list, as chances are my skin and hair are going to need some extra TLC in the heat.


• Multi-Use Products: I love a multi when travelling; clever formulations that can double up and save me space in my luggage.


• Multi-Buys: Often I will buy a travel or discovery set to take away with me; a ‘capsule wardrobe’ for all my skin, fragrance, hair and body needs.

12 Summer Mini Beauty Essentials

Caudalie

Vinosun Protect Invisible Stick SPF50, £16


I love this invisible, antioxidant packed, high-protection stick that I can use to reapply to my face, ears, shoulders (all those bits that are vulnerable to burning) throughout the day.

Floral Street

Arizona Bloom, £29


This 10ml travel perfume slips perfectly into my washbag, and it is plenty for even a two-week holiday. The coconutty, salty, peppery notes make for the perfect summer holiday spritz.

Aromatherapy Associates

Mini Shower And Bath Oils, £80


I bulk-buy these mini aromatherapy oils and pick a few to take away with me on each trip for an indulgent shower, or luxuriant bath – great for everything, from helping me sleep to beating jet lag.

Colour Wow

Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, £12.50


The only thing to tame my natural curls in humidity to avoid the #monicaeffect. IYKYK.

Nuxe

Huile Prodigeuse Multi-Purpose Oil, £23


A holiday icon for a reason, I use this to tame flyaway hair, on my face as a highlighter and on my body for glowy limbs. Super hydrating but dries instantly, oh – and it smells divine.

Westman Atelier

Petite Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, £23


A creamy, multipurpose colour for cheeks, lips and lids in the prettiest petal pink.

Tan Luxe

The Face, £15


I am a SPF50/wear a hat/in the shade kinda girl when it comes to my face on holiday, so it needs a little help when it comes to getting a golden glow. A couple of drops of this gradual tanner from Tan Luxe added to my daily moisturiser is just the hint of a tint I need.

Natasha Denoma

Mini Eye Sculpt Palette, £24


I’ve raved about these mini palettes before. They’re definitely small but mighty and all the eye make-up I need in one sleek, tiny compact.

Living Proof

Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, £14


For camping trips and early flights - this high-tech dry shampoo leaves my hair feeling clean, with no chalky residue.

Luna Daily

The Everywhere Spray to Wipe, £8


This clever ‘shower in a bottle’ is great for long-haul flights, camping trips, festivals or just to help you stay feeling fresh when travelling.

Vieve

Invisiveil Setting Spray, £16


Vitamin-rich, skin-loving ingredients that keep my make-up set in place in the heat. A great 35ml size to pop in my handbag for on-the-go spritzes.

Cerave

Hydrating Cleanser, £6.50


I swear by Cerave for both mine, and my teen’s, skin. This hydrating cleanser doesn’t irritate my skin in the heat and gives it a moisture boost of essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep it hydrated after a day in the sunshine.