Compact makeup tools are incredibly convenient to use at home, at the gym or in a hotel. These portable products work as well as their full-sized counterparts, yet take up a fraction of the space. Compact makeup tools go beyond mini brushes to include travel-sized tweezers, mini manicure sets and bite-sized beauty sponges. Many of these travel-friendly products come with their own organizer, so that you won’t need to whip out the magnifying glass to find your tools.
What is the Best Way to Store Makeup Brushes for Travel?
Store your makeup brushes in a carrying case or makeup bag, when they’re clean and dry. The makeup bag keeps your tools safe from the other items in your bag. Cleaning your tools is also essential after each usage.
“When you use a makeup brush regularly, the bristles take a bit of oil, dead skin cells and dirt from your skin,” said Rosmy Barrios, an anti-aging specialist. “If you don’t clean them, then you put all that dirt and oil back on your face.”
- Best 4-in-1 Brush: Physicians Formula 4-in-1 Makeup Brush and Sponge Set
- Best Budget Travel Set: BloomingBoom Easy-Taken Travel Makeup Brush Set
- Best Compact Eyelash Curler: Japonesque Travel Eyelash Curler
- Best Compact Mirror: Kintion LED Compact Travel Makeup Mirror
- Best Mini Brush Set: Real Techniques Travel Fantasy Mini Brush Kit
- Best Mini Manicure Kit: Keiby Citom Mini Manicure Set
- Best Mini Sponges: Real Techniques Mini Miracle Complexion Sponges
- Best Roll-Up Brush Set: SHANY Bamboo Makeup Brush Set
- Best Travel Tweezers: Revlon The Designer Collection Mini Tweezer Set To Go
Best 4-in-1 Brush
Physicians Formula’s 4-in-1 Makeup Brush and Sponge Set
Physicians Formula’s 4-in-1 Makeup Brush and Sponge Set is a travel friendly compact makeup tool. It looks like a dual-ended product with a blush brush on one side and a foundation sponge on the other. However, twisting either side open reveals the other two brushes for eyeliner and eyeshadow.
Best Budget Travel Set
BloomingBoom’s Easy-Taken Travel Makeup Brush Set
BloomingBoom’s Easy-Taken Travel Makeup Brush Set has a total of six compact makeup tools for just $10. Brushes for foundation, eyeshadow, eyebrows, lips and blush are tucked inside of a mirrored case.
Best Compact Eyelash Curler
Japonesque’s Travel Eyelash Curler
Japonesque’s Travel Eyelash Curler is so compact that it tucks into any makeup bag for easy on-the-go looks. This handheld curler is half the size of a traditional eyelash curler. With its pocketable design, this compact makeup tool is less likely to snap in your bag. The back flips down to create a handle, so that you can press on it to curl your lashes. Once your lashes are curled, flip the backside upwards to lock it in place for travel.
Best Compact Mirror
Kintion’s LED Compact Travel Makeup Mirror
Kintion’s LED Compact Travel Makeup Mirror is a dual-sided makeup tool with two levels of magnification. The LED light side has a 1X magnification mirror, so that you can analyze your full glam. The other side is a 3X mirror that lets you take a close look at any stray hairs that you’ll want to pluck out.
Best Mini Brush Set
Real Techniques’ Travel Fantasy Mini Brush Kit
The Real Techniques’ Travel Fantasy Mini Brush Kit is an 11-piece set of every makeup brush that you’ll need in a compact size. At half the length of their original counterparts, you can fit all of these compact tools in your makeup bag. Brushes for your eyes, face, blush, contour and lips are included along with a spoolie brush.
Best Mini Manicure Kit
Keiby Citom’s Mini Manicure Set
Keiby Citom’s Mini Manicure Set comes ready to go in a color-coordinating carrying case that’s the size of a card holder. Inside the compact case are 10 pieces that you can use for makeup related scenarios, like trimming your nails and tackling cuticles. Scissors are included, so that you can snip stray threads on your outfit.
Best Mini Sponges
Real Techniques’ Mini Miracle Complexion Sponges
Real Techniques’ Mini Miracle Complexion Sponges are an inch smaller than the regular-sized sponge from the brand. Although they’re more compact, these sponges can be used wet or dry, depending on what makeup products you’re applying. Each sponge is also a different color, so you can have dedicated wet and dry tools.
Best Roll-Up Brush Set
SHANY’s Bamboo Makeup Brush Set
SHANY’s Bamboo Makeup Brush Set tucks seven compact makeup tools into a cotton roll-up case. Within the case, there are custom-sized slots, so that your compact tools don’t go tumbling in your bag. As for the brushes themselves, you’ll have tools for your eyebrows, eyelids, eye and lip liner, blush and powder foundation.
Best Travel Tweezers
Revlon The Designer Collection Mini Tweezer Set To Go
The Designer Collection Mini Tweezer Set To Go from Revlon slips two portable tools into a slim faux-leather case. These compact makeup tools include a slant tip tweezer and point-tip tweezer that is made of stainless steel.
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