Amid all this gift giving, you should also take the time to pick up something for yourself. It can be daunting — I personally have a self-imposed rule of no purchases for myself after Dec. 1 — but one guilt-free way to indulge is through holiday minis. After all, 'tis the season to travel back home, and you can't lug a full-size bottle of Farsali Unicorn Essence on your flight, now, can you? When you think of it this way, these beauty minis are more like essentials.
So go forth and add to cart! If you need guidance, read on for the 17 best minis that won't clog up your weekender as you haul it on all those planes, trains, and cars this Winter.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Mini
There's literally no downside to this ridiculously voluminous, plumping mascara — that is, until you're traveling and have limited space for such a long tube. No matter — grab a Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Mini [1] ($12) the next time you're at Sephora, and you'll have lashes that last all through Thanksgiving dinner (and the four-hour nap afterward).
Tarte Tartelette Flirt Eye Shadow Palette
Though it's not technically a mini, the small Tarte Tartelette Flirt Eye Shadow Palette [2] ($24) is perhaps the most carry-on-friendly of all palettes. It comes in six versatile shades — there are both mattes and metallics here — and the pumpkin Hotline hue is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Farsali Unicorn Essence Mini
This Farsali Unicorn Essence Mini [3] ($20) is the beauty girl's equivalent of achieving Champagne dreams on a beer budget. Channel your inner influencer and drop this moisturizing primer on your cheeks [4] for a quick Winter flush right before leaving.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Mini
When summiting Mt. Everest, climbers rely on this Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Mini [5] ($16) to keep their faces from drying out. So, it's safe to say this lightweight, hydrating goo is a must for long flights home.
Moroccanoil Treatment Mini
If you need a quick hair touch-up before deboarding your plane, make sure you stash this Moroccanoil Treatment Mini [6] ($15) in your carry-on. Rub just one drop in your palm and then smooth over unruly strands, and you'll be shocked at how the frizz instantly disappears.
Stila Written in the Stars Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow Set
The supermetallic Stila Written in the Stars Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow Set [7] ($25, originally $45) is fit for Mariah Carey [8] on New Year's Eve and will also fit in the tiny clutch you plan to sling around on Dec. 31.
Clinique Great Skin, Great Deal Set For Combination Oily Skin
What could be more ubiquitous in Mom's house than Clinique? Whenever I have vacations, I use it as an excuse to go raid my mother's vanity — and I always end up with armfuls of this old-school beauty giant. If Grandma's sugar cookies leave you with an unplanned holiday breakout, the acne-fighting face wash, gel, and cream in Clinique Great Skin, Great Deal Set For Combination Oily Skin [9] ($27) will zap your zits fast.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Mini
With the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Mini [10] ($105), you don't need to schlep around a 13-step skincare routine. Just massage this cream into your face at night, and wake up with a clear face — the greatest holiday gift of all.
Urban Decay Little Vices Lipstick Kit
This Urban Decay Little Vices Lipstick Kit [11] ($25) is a pack of five pint-size UD lipsticks that retail for basically the price of one. Swipe on the neutrals for holiday shopping with your family, and bust out a more vampy purple for your late-night reunion with high school friends.
Sphynx Portable Razor
If you want to live that blissful, no-shave life, go for it. But if peach-fuzz-free skin is your endgame, you can't go wrong stashing one of these Sphynx Portable Razors [12] ($15) into your purse (or checked bag if you're going on a plane). And don't worry — this spherical wonder also includes a spray bottle and moisture bar, so you can nix nicks.
Caolion Pore Triple Action Cleansing Stick
For those moments when you just need to wash your face, you can do it on the fly with this Caolion Pore Triple Action Cleansing Stick [13] ($25)
Skinny Dip x Tangle Teezer Detangling Hair Brush
Fight bed head the stylish way with the Skinny Dip x Tangle Teezer Detangling Hair Brush [14] ($16). The flamingo print may be seasonally inappropriate, but jeez, is it cute — especially if you spend the holidays visiting family in Florida.
Dogeared Phenomenal Lil Zip
Hold your beauty products while reminding your family how awesome you are with this Dogeared Phenomenal Lil Zip [15] ($24).
Tom Ford Clutch-Size Lip Balm
A little glamour never hurt any travel bag. Perhaps the best way to fancify your collection of minis is adding this crazy-long-lasting (like, last through three servings of turkey long-lasting) Tom Ford Clutch-Size Lip Balm [16] ($36).
Eyeko Mini Eye Wardrobe
If you'd rather be caught naked than not on fleek, this Eyeko Mini Eye Wardrobe [17] ($33) has your brow and liner needs covered.
Nest Fragrances White Sandalwood Rollerball
Transit hubs aren't really known for providing users with an aromatically fragrant experience, so a mini perfume is basically a must for any holiday traveler. This universally loved Nest Fragrances White Sandalwood Rollerball [18] ($27) also lasts forever — even through your five-hour bus ride.
Essie Leathers Collection by Rebecca Minkoff
There's perhaps no better way to bond with your family than through a mani session. So, once the holiday dinner and dishes are done, bust out this Essie Leathers Collection by Rebecca Minkoff [19] ($13) — just remember to share!