E! illustration/Courtesy of DedCool & CALPAKIf you love beauty, everyone knows there's a million-dollar question while packing for a big trip. Should we get reusable TSA-friendly containers and put in our current go-to products, or should we buy a set with mini versions of products we've always been curious to try?
It could be risky to change your entire routine for a trip... but if you're obsessed with testing out new products and brands (like us), there's truly no better time. Take it from someone who literally did just that and brought a set with mini versions of a whole new skincare routine for a recent trip to Puerto Rico. We practice what we preach!
But not all sets are created equal. We need them to be good value for the price, truly TSA-friendly, a brand we're curious about, and include a full routine—whether it's a six-step skincare one or a basic hair one.
Luckily, the holidays are the season for good gift sets. There's plenty of excellent ones to choose from, but there are also ones that don't quite meet our requirements. We've searched high and low for only the ones this beauty writer would get herself and recommend to others.
From celeb-founded hair brands like Beyonce's CÉCRED and Shakira's isima to skincare and bodycare sets fit for the highest-maintenance among us, like Nécessaire and Caudalie, keep scrolling to shop our picks for the best beauty and hair kits for your holiday travel.
Glow Recipe Fruit Babies Mini Best Sellers Set
If you're high-maintenance and need a full six-step routine even while travelling (like me), then this set by Glow Recipe is perfect. This is the kit that I took with me on my trip to Puerto Rico this past summer, and it never let me down. It includes a mini version of the brand's cleanser, toner, eye cream, serum, dew drops, moisturizer, and sun glow.
DedCool x CALPAK Boarding Bundle in Papaya
Two brands we're obsessed with collaborating for a killer travel set? Yes, please! Travel bag brand CALPAK has released a new limited-edition color, Papaya, for their cosmetics bag that includes four mini versions of indie fragrance brand DedCool's perfume, body wash, body lotion and two custom air fresheners.
Nécessaire Eucalyptus Body Essentials Set
This set from Nécessaire promises full-body scent protection throughout your trip—no matter where it takes you! It includes mini versions of a body wash, body lotion, and extra-strength deodorant in the brand's signature Eucalyptus scent.
Bubble Super Cuties Trial Kit
A full routine (for yourself or sharing it with your travel buddy) and a bag? Count us in! This Bubble travel set includes the brand's gel cleanser, cream cleanser, serum, hydrating moisturizer, water cream moisturizer, and eye cream.
dae Spellbound Styling Hair Gift Set
For those yearning for styling products for their travels, this dae set has your back! The kit includes the brand's bestselling dry shampoo, styling cream, hairspray, and an exclusive butterfly clip.
Benefit Cosmetics Glam of Life 6 Piece Makeup Gift Set
When it comes to makeup sets, Benefit Cosmetics always delivers. This one includes a travel-friendly version of the brand's bestselling highlighter, blush, bronzer, mascara, and brow gel.
Caudalie Vinopure Acne-Prone Skin Essentials
This under-$30 set packs a massive punch from a skincare giant! For oily and acne-prone skin, this travel set includes Caudalíe's Vinopure gel cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer. In other words, the basics of what you need on the go.
isima Súperisima Discovery Hair Kit
Made by Colombian superstar Shakira, isima is a hair brand that promises complete scalp-to-roots care. This set includes minis of the brand's bestselling hydrating shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, and leave-in conditioner for a total hair routine everywhere you go.
Estée Lauder Dream Skin Essentials Skincare Gift Set
This Estée Lauder set promises deep sleep and on-the-go luxe with the brand's bestselling serum, eye cream, cleanser, and moisturizer in the signature Advanced Night Repair formula. Plus, it comes with a satin eye mask!
Oribe Obsessed Discovery Set
Oribe is best-known for its luxurious, high-quality hair care and styling products—and the price tag matches that quality. This set gives you the opportunity to try out the brand for a more affordable price. It includes Oribe's bestselling shampoo, conditioner, and texturing spray in the Gold Dust line.
True Botanicals Tried and True Wellness Essentials Set
For those looking for a whole new clean-beauty routine that's backed by science, this True Botanicals set includes five luxe travel-friendly products. It features the brand's beloved cleansing balm, serum, moisturizing cream, oil, and glossy lip mask.
Looking for more gift sets? Shop these always-selling-out beauty sets!