The Best Beauty Minis For Summer Holidays

Image Credit @ Camilla Akrans for Elle France

As a makeup artist who is used to having a full kit with me at all times, I know the struggle of squeezing all your must-haves into one little bag! The trick? Beauty minis. Here’s my edit of what makes the cut, insider packing tips, and how to streamline your beauty routine for summer travels.

For me, beauty packing has always been about balance: looking and feeling my best while travelling light. After all, summer holidays are a great time to go for a more pared-back look, bronzed nude skin and minimal makeup. When I’m prepping for a holiday, I think about two things: skin, and multi-tasking products.

This post contains affiliate links

Skin Comes First

After a flight or a long road trip, skin is always the first thing that needs a boost. I always pack a travel-sized hydrating mist, nothing beats the instant freshness and glow it brings, especially after time in the sun. Pair that with a mini cleanser and a nourishing face cream, and your skin will thank you, wherever your destination.

Don’t forget SPF! There’s no compromise here: even if you’re tight on space, a small tube of high-protection sunscreen is non-negotiable. I look for formulas designed for face and body, ideally with a lightweight, non-greasy finish. Many brands now offer mini SPF sticks and sprays, which are perfect for top-ups on the go.

Perfect Your Base

Leave your heavy foundation at home. Instead, opt for a mini tinted moisturiser, BB cream, or a concealer stick. These are versatile, easy to apply with fingers, and give a more natural, radiant holiday look. Choose a product with added sun protection if possible. A travel-sized pot of translucent setting powder will help lock everything in and reduce shine in the heat, but make sure it’s finely milled and never chalky.

Multi-Tasking Colour

Make space for a mini cream blush that doubles as a lip tint, easy to swipe on and blend, flattering in daylight and moonlight alike. A mini bronzer or illuminating stick can give you that post-beach glow, whether you’ve managed to spend hours in the sun or not. You only need one: choose a universal shade that suits cheeks, eyes, and even shoulders.

Light Touch Eyes

A waterproof mini mascara is my go-to for summer holidays, no smudging in humidity or after a cool dip in the pool. I also love taking a mini brow gel; just a quick slick and your whole face looks more polished. For evenings, a travel-sized cream eyeshadow stick adds a touch of glamour while taking up virtually no space.

Travel Tips from My Kit

Decant your favourites. Not every product comes in a miniature; use small containers or contact lens cases for serums and creams.
Keep it clear. Transparent pouches make finding what you need a breeze, and help you stay under airport liquid limits.
Hydration heroes. Sheet masks or under-eye gels are flat, featherweight, and work wonders for tired post-travel skin.
Mile-high fixes. Pack a balm that works on lips, cuticles, and dry patches—keep it handy on the plane.

Prioritise Home Favourites

So often, people splash out on a new holiday wardrobe, but you shouldn’t do this with your entire beauty routine! Your beauty mini kit should make you feel excited to get ready, choose minis that are tried-and-tested favourites, not just random samples or new bright colours or tones. I always bring a small bottle of a favourite summer fragrance; it instantly puts me in a holiday mood.

The key to effortless holiday beauty? Curate and pare down, but don’t sacrifice those little luxuries that make you feel your best. With the right minis, you’ll have everything you need, so you can spend less time searching for products, and more time soaking up the summer.