Mini Adventure: Travel Size Toiletries for Holiday

Jet-setting on your next adventure, or celebrating summer with your very own staycation? Wherever you go, travel minis are a sure staple in any washbag. And you've come to the best place to buy travel size toiletries. From bite-size beauty to pint-size perfumes, we’ve got everything you need to keep skin, hair and senses shining this summer and beyond. City break, beach holiday, or festival camping - doesn’t matter where you are; you deserve the best of the best only.

Each of these beauty picks is travel-friendly and under the dreaded 100ml mark, so you don't even need to think twice. Even if you’re simply trying them out before you go long-haul on a full-size experience, here’s our ultimate round up of must-have minis.

What size is travel size toiletries?

Typically referring to minis of your much-loved beauty products, travel size toiletries are personal care or hygiene products that are convenient for (you guessed it) travel. From makeup and travel size cosmetics to haircare and bodycare, these products are often sold individually or as travel toiletries sets, including mini shampoos and conditioners, toothpaste, body wash and more.

So what ml is travel size toiletries? Designed to meet airline regulations for carrying liquids in your carry-on luggage, the standard size per container is 100 millilitres or less. Good things really do come in small packages. Bear in mind that regulations may vary in different countries, so it's best to check the specific rules of the airline and country you're visiting, then you're ready for take off. Even if you're not going on an airline, smaller sizes are handy and make it much easier to travel lighter.

How do you organise toiletries for travel?

Consider us your organisation queens, with all the travel tips you need on how to pack toiletries for travel. Who doesn't love packing made easy? To get all your ducks in a row, it's worth investing in a toiletry kit bag to separate liquids from the rest of your products. If it's clear, durable, resealable and leak-proof then even better. The search is over for security check proof cosmetics and the transparency of the bag will help you through with zero spillages.

Have a favourite cleanser or moisturiser that exceeds the liquid limit? No problem - you can transfer them directly into empty travel-sized bottles or containers. Grouping items together into categories (such as travel size makeup or skincare) and labelling your containers makes it a whole lot easier to find what you need.

If you want to only bring the essentials, pack multi-purpose products like a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner or reusable face pads, saving space and weight in your bag. Solid toiletries can also be more travel-friendly. Think: shampoo bars or solid soaps, many of which have natural, vegan, or cruelty-free formulas. Tick, tick, tick.

Are silicone bottles better for travel?

If you're a frequent traveller, you might want to opt for silicone travel bottles for toiletries. Suitable for carrying thicker liquids like lotions or shampoos, the flexibility of silicone bottles allows you to dispense the perfect amount of product with ease - without any waste. Leak-proof and less likely to crack compared to other materials, the durability of silicone ensures it stands the test of time. Generally lightweight and easy to clean, various silicone bottle shapes and sizes can be washed, refilled and reused multiple times. Environmentally friendly and cost-effective? There's nothing we love more.

What can I use if I don't have travel bottles?

If you don't have travel sized bottles to hand, don't stress. We've got all the creative and practical alternatives for carrying your toiletries. Any jars or sample-sized containers that can be repurposed for liquids, use them. If you've come to the end of your mini Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, wash the pot out and refill with another holiday essential. Feeling imaginative? Hold small amounts of liquids in clean contact lens cases, pill organisers, or old film canisters. Then place these in ziplock bags, or seal the openings of your toiletries in plastic cling film and secure them with rubber bands. Travel hacks for your convenience? It's our pleasure. And remember, not every airport now has the 100ml travel restrictions, so just make sure to check before you pack.

By Sephora UK Beauty Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 03 April 2024