These 35 travel minis are the perfect stocking fillers for this holiday season (2024)

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.

Many 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 yourwash bag – think 10ml serum bottles, multipurpose balms and teeny-tiny mascaras. These ranges not only save space in your bag but are also an excellent 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 and some brilliant limited edition festive gift sets. Plus, they make the perfect stocking fillers, too. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our travel gift ideas for Christmas 2024.

In-flight beauty 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 overhydrate with a moisturising mask and apply SPF, especially if you are sitting in a window seat.

Ultimate skincare minis

Embrace the essence of effortless beauty with a streamlined skincare routine featuring a gentle cleanser and a nourishing moisturiser. These kits not only include essential products that seamlessly complement one another, but they are also expertly designed for an effective in-flight regime. You can also pick from the best solo minis to curate your own mini skincare edit for wherever your adventures take you.

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, and now many even come in mini sizes which are ideal for hand luggage only or just to keep in your handbag or pocket for on-the-go sun protection.

Travel-friendly makeup

Not all makeup needs to take up precious space in your clear wash bag. These travel friendly beauty buys punch above their luggage weight in terms of uses, ideal for adding a pop of colour to cheeks, eyes and even lips. Pick from liquid-free powders, solid formulas, mini products that go the extra mile, excellent palettes and mini brushes that take up very little space..

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. Holidays are also a place to relax and forget about styling, but often, just a spritz of a good-quality light texturising spray is all you need. To keep your strands 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 fragrance application: just twist and squeeze onto your skin. But there’s also merit in taking a scent selection with you to boost your mood and take you from a day at the beach to an evening of dancing.

Travel-sized body care

Like hair products, shower gels and body lotions 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 to soften and hydrate your skin.

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.