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Everything You Need To Build The Coveted Mini Make-Up Bag

Whether you're a frequent flyer or festival-bound, on-the-go make-up has never been cuter.

By
mini makeup
Elle UK

If you're also guilty of late night TikTok scrolling, the adorable and ultra-aesthetic mini make-up bag trend may already ring some bells. Made for frequent flyers, festival goers (hello Glasto 2024) and Thumbelina alike, mini (or in some cases even micro-mini) make-up bags have taken the app by storm, with some teeny beauty collections amounting up to 6 million views. The question is: do we really need one?

Overpacking products is a beauty lover's vice but it's no secret that it can cause a number of travel beauty conundrums. From sore backs from trawling heavy cases, to enduring comments like 'did you also pack the kitchen sink?' from your loved ones, the mini make-up bag trend is the answer to many a summer packing faux pas. With streamlined sizing and minimal weight, a pocket-sized routine allows you to carry your kit effortlessly, whether you're boarding a long haul flight or making your daily commute. The best part? You don't need to invest in a full set of new products. Simply decant your favourite foundation or skincare into convenient empty containers and top up trickier products like mascara and powders with testers and handy travel sizes - the offering is huge.

It's safe to say that down-sizing your beauty routine has taken on an entirely new meaning this summer. Because gone are the days of fumbling around for your mascara on the tube. Plus, it's just so stinking cute.

Shop The Best Mini Make-Up For Travel

1

Fenty Beauty Mini Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Foundation

Mini Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Foundation
Now 31% Off

Fenty's trailblazing foundation formula is now available in a cabin bag friendly 12ml pouch and unlike many travel-sized products, you can still pick up any of its 50 shades. With a soft matte, weather-proof finish, this is the perfect choice for warmer holiday climates.

2

Nars Mini Radiant Creamy Concealer

Mini Radiant Creamy Concealer

This Nars concealer is a constant in many editors' beauty bags and for good reason. It's seamless to bend, sits smoothly on the under eye and lasts all day; it's a perfectly sleek addition to any mini beauty bag.

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3

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Travel Size

Translucent Loose Setting Powder Travel Size

Loose powder is often the bulkiest item in our kits and let's be honest, when was the last time you finished a full size? Not only will the smaller iteration of this best-selling powder will last for ages, it also locks in your make-up meaning fewer touch-ups throughout the day.

4

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Mini Powder

Airbrush Flawless Finish Mini Powder

If your skin veers on the oiler side, a compact powder will always be a handbag essential. This sample sized powder offers the smoothest finish and also has a handy mirror for correcting and touching up throughout the day.

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5

Huda Beauty Lip Contour Mini Duo

Lip Contour Mini Duo

This mini duo allows you to chop and change your everyday make-up look, without taking up too much additional space. Use 'muted pink' for the ultimate your-lips-but-better contour or 'pinky brown' for that 90s supermodel shape.

6

MAC Macximal Silky Matte Mini Lipstick

Macximal Silky Matte Mini Lipstick

Available in a handful of Mac's all-time bestselling shades, their reformulated signature lipsticks are silkier than ever. 'Chili' is the perfect muted red for those looking to make a statement, but 'velvet teddy' will always be our favourite.

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7

Rare Beauty Mini Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Mini Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

If you're already familiar with Rare Beauty's viral Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, you'll know that a little bit of this blush goes a long, long way. If you don't already have your hands on this modern cult classic, we recommend picking up the smaller size to last you through summer.

8

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer Travel Size

Ambient Lighting Bronzer Travel Size

Yet another little-goes-a-long-way formula, this bronzer gives the skin a lived-in glow that never looks faux or heavy. Apply to the high points of the face with a fluffy blush and light hand for the ultimate summer tan that lasts.

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9

Benefit Gimme Brow Volumising Eyebrow Gel Mini

Gimme Brow Volumising Eyebrow Gel Mini

Opting for a multi-use product can save essential space in your beauty bag and this volumising brow gel is a great example. It fills in gaps and adds a boost of colour to the brow, negating the need for a pencil or pen, while also adding shape and hold.

10

Glossier Monochromes Essential Eyeshadow Trio

Monochromes Essential Eyeshadow Trio

From cream shadows to single powders, the options for mini eyeshadows are endless. We particularly love this trio because it created a uniform look but offers three different finishes depending on the occasion.

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11

KVD Beauty Mini Tattoo Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Trooper Black

Mini Tattoo Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Trooper Black

This lasting liner is perfect for adding drama to your make-up without having to carry shimmers and pencils. The fine tip and effortless guide allows you to create a classic cat eye look, without the risk of accidentally going full Amy Winehouse if the train hits a bend. We've all been there.

12

Nars Climax Extreme Mini

Climax Extreme Mini

This travel-friendly mascara truly packs a punch, adding volume and drama to lacklustre lashes. The options are endless, though. From tubing formulas to waterproof finishes, finding a flight-ready component has never been easier.

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13

KIKO Milano Travel Brush Set

Travel Brush Set

Every mini beauty bag needs a mini brush kit and this Kiko Milano travel set is ideal. The dual-ended brushes offer a variety of tools meaning you needn't compromise on your finished look when cutting down on space.

14

Space NK Travel Bag Mini

Travel Bag Mini

This chic zip-up travel back measures 13cm x 10.5cm x 4.5 cm, making it perfect for sliding into big pockets and small handbags. It's durable, sleek and the perfect size for hosting your personal collection of minis.

Lettermark
Katie Withington
Beauty Writer

Katie Withington (she/her) is the Beauty Writer, at ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar. Working alongside the ELLE UK Beauty Team, she covers all things beauty for both print and digital, from finding backstage make-up trends at London Fashion Week and investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, to unzipping the beauty bags of Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie. Prior to joining ELLE UK in 2022, Katie studied (BA) Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion and has previously contributed to Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima.  
 

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