What’s not to love about a minimoon? As the trend for short post-wedding getaways gains momentum, you can see the attraction. Whether work commitments, budget restrictions or seasonal timings are nudging you towards the minimoon option, there are plenty of indulgent destinations to explore, from a cultural city trip to a country manor spa break or a Mediterranean beach escape. Newly weds can unwind without the pressure of planning a two-week military operation trekking through Zanzibar or remortgaging their home to relax by crystal-clear lagoons in the Maldives. And in the run up to your big day you’ll have plenty to keep you busy without having to think about honeymoon logistics, so having your hand luggage packed and ready to go is essential. Having previously worked for a luxury hotel cosmetics distributor and regularly travelling short-haul, I’m now adept at packing small beauty must-haves at the drop of a hat. To take the headache out of packing for your carry-on, here is a curated list of miniature beauty products you’ll want to make room for in that little airport plastic bag. A shorter version of this article is published in this month’s Wedding Ideas, so if you’re in full bridal prep treat yourself to a copy, otherwise here are some minimoon beauty tips!

The Skin Soother

Your skincare needs will depend on your chosen destination, but chances are you’ll either be looking to extend that beautiful loved up glow (discussed in my Wedding Season: Beauty Essentials post) or in need of some pampering to de-stress. A purifying and soothing mask should do the trick, and Elemis’ Lavender Herbal Mask (reviewed in Travel Chic Travel Light) will certainly deliver on results, leaving you with clear, balanced skin. This 15ml travel-size tube will keep you going for the length of your minimoon and beyond without hogging too much space in your toiletry bag. Elemis Lavender Herbal Mask 15ml RRP £7.80

The Compact Exfoliator

Whether you opt for a beach getaway or city break, the hot weather and pollution can cause havoc with your skin, leading to congestion and blocked pores. Not a good look for your minimoon photos. Luckily The Konjac Sponge Co’s clever little pore refiner tackles this head on with French green clay, drawing out impurities and toxins for a smoother complexion. Certified vegan and cruelty-free and 100% natural, this compact sponge requires no cleansing product and doesn’t even count towards your liquid allowance. If you fancy the bamboo charcoal version check out my post How to Streamline your Beauty Shelfie. Mini Konjac Pore Refiner French Green Clay RRP £6.99

The Dedicated Eye Care

With pre-wedding stresses and all night partying on the big day, the eye area tends to be the first to show signs of fatigue. Give your peepers some TLC by dedicating a little of that precious toiletry allowance to a correcting eye cream. Specially formulated for tired looking eyes, La Roche-Posay’s Pigmentclar will smooth and soothe the delicate eye area. For an added cooling effect, pop the tube in your hotel room’s mini bar: the product’s metal applicator will feel extra chilled against skin. La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar eye cream 15ml RRP £25.50

The Skin Protector

The last decade has seen a huge push towards educating consumers against the damaging effects of the sun on skin. For all its relaxing vibes, a minimoon is not the time to forget about the dangers of sun exposure. Introducing The Body Shop’s Skin Defence, a super light milk to water essence providing SPF50 protection with an added boost of vitamin C for a radiant complexion. Exactly what you need for a minimoon, no matter the destination chosen. The Body Shop Skin Defence SPF50 40ml RRP £17.00

The Hair Saviour

When it comes to beauty travel essentials, hair grooming can often be bottom of the priority list, with skincare and makeup taking front of stage. Beyond calling the hotel ahead of travel to check their bathroom hair dryers are suitably powerful, don’t forget to pack a protecting spray. Label.m’s Blow Out Spray comes in a handy 50ml format and will ensure your locks are suitably shielded from UV rays and heat styling. For a beachy vibe you can opt for the brand’s Sea Salt Spray reviewed in Top 5 Summer Beauty Essentials. Label.m Blow Out Spray 50ml RRP £4.50

Would you favour a minimoon over a honeymoon? Or maybe opt for both? I’d love to hear what your must-have beauty travel essentials are, please leave a comment to let me know.