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Accidentally packing your favourite full-size face cleanser in your carry-on luggage is a very sad mistake to make. Watching the security officer at Heathrow Airport toss the key-to-keeping-my-skin-sane-in-35-degree-heat in the bin is an image that still haunts me to this day. Since then, I've learned my lesson and have become an avid fan of the travel-sized beauty buy, not just in terms of hand-luggage practicality, but as a way to pack light wherever I'm going, from fitting more into my check-in suitcase to a weekend break or even a morning gym class.
Much of the world's best beauty brands have answered the desperate call for toiletries under 100ml and easy-to-pack products that take up less space in your wash bag – think 10ml serum bottles, multipurpose balms and teeny-tiny mascaras. These ranges not only mean less space in your bag but are a great way to properly test new products before committing to the full size.
But which ones to take on holiday? Granted, you could probably purchase your whole skincare and makeup routine in miniature form, but for products that keep things simple and summer-weather approved, these are the travel-sized toiletries worth packing on your next trip, including some of the tried and tested winners from our travel beauty awards.
The in-flight essentials
Even if you're travelling with check-in luggage, a couple of beauty products stashed in your hand luggage can make all the difference to your comfort during a flight. Air travel can play havoc on your skin, causing what many refer to as ‘plane face’ due to the quality of the air we’re breathing which tends to be dry and has a humidity of 10-20 per cent compared to around 40-60 per cent on land. That difference is colossal; the Sahara desert has a humidity of 25 per cent for context. To take care of your skin on a flight, aim to over-hydrate with a moisturising mask and apply SPF, especially if you are sitting in a window seat.
The skincare travel kits
Keep skincare simple with a gentle cleanser and moisturiser routine for a summer holiday full of sun, sea and warm days. If you're in the market for both, consider an easy-to-follow skincare travel kit with additional steps designed to complement each other. Both of these kits are also perfect for an effective in-flight skincare routine.
The travel-sized SPF
As an essential not just for a holiday but also the flight (yes, really), I always take a travel-sized suncream in my carry-on. If, like me, you find the regular cream formulas too heavy and greasy, try a lighter fluid formula like the cult favourite La Rochey-Posay fluid SPF50+, or the brightening Mecca Cosmetica SPF50+ serum.
The travel-sized skincare
A summer holiday or flight isn't the time to start testing a new high-strength retinol or chemical exfoliator. Instead, stick to gentle serums and nourishing creams that will nurture skin, particularly after a dehydrating flight. These travel-sized products are also a great way to test these cult-beauty buys without having to commit to the full-sized price.
The liquid-free makeup
Not all makeup needs to take up precious space in your clear wash bag. From powders to balms, these liquid-free beauty buys punch above their luggage weight in terms of uses, ideal for adding a pop of colour to cheeks, eyes and even lips.
The travel-sized lip balms
A lip balm is another item I always take on a flight. To protect your lips and save space, swap out solid lipsticks and lip liners for a nourishing tinted lip balm that adds a touch of sheer colour.
The travel-sized hair care
While there are exceptions, most of the shampoos and conditioners provided by hotels are no match for the sun and saltwater damage your hair undergoes on holiday. To keep it in good condition, consider packing some quality travel-sized options, as well as a leave-in treatment or mask.
Travel-sized fragrances
Avoid unnecessarily heavy glass bottles or risky leaks with these dedicated travel-sized fragrances. We particularly love the Marc Jacobs Daisy drops for their innovative and travel-friendly product design – each biodegradable capsule holds one application of fragrance: just twist and squeeze onto your skin.
Travel-sized body care
Like hair products, the shower gels and body lotions found in hotel bathrooms are typically very scented and can do more harm than good, especially if you have sensitive skin. Skip the hotel lotions and bring your body wash and cream. These kits make packing the essentials easy and focus on nourishing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil.
The wash bags
Keep your minis secure and organised in a dedicated travel wash bag. If you're travelling with hand luggage only, a clear wash bag avoids unpacking your products into a flimsy plastic bag at the airport. Opt for a hanging wash bag for long trips that keeps everything organised and easily accessible without unpacking.
