December 31, 2025, 6:48 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Small cosmetic bottles are practical for travel. They weigh little and fit in carry-on luggage. But how quickly are the products used up? And what should you keep in mind?
Traveling with only carry-on luggage often presents a dilemma: Which beauty products should come along, which can be bought locally, and which can you do without for a few days? Often, travel-sized toiletries like shampoo and conditioner are lifesavers: They hold a maximum of 100 milliliters, making them small enough for the plane. But how long do these mini portions last?
How Long Do Travel-sized Shampoo and More Last?
As a rule of thumb, 100 milliliters of shower gel and body lotion are enough for about five washes and applications. A shampoo bottle of this size is even more efficient. Depending on hair length, it can last for about eight washes. And 50 milliliters of face cream are enough for around ten applications.
Also interesting: 8 Tips for Packing Your Toiletry Bag
But before you buy all products in small travel sizes, it’s worth taking a look in your own cosmetic cabinet. Many containers don’t hold more than 100 milliliters anyway. Serum, eye cream, toothpaste, and day cream can usually be taken in their original size. Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and shaving foam, on the other hand, exceed airline regulations in their original size.
8 Tips for Packing Your Toiletry Bag
Airports Where Liquid Limits for Carry-On Luggage No Longer Apply
Better to Reuse Than Buy New
Travel-sized beauty products like shampoo and body lotion are often disproportionately expensive. Frequent flyers can invest once in a reusable set of small plastic bottles that can be refilled repeatedly. This not only saves money in the long run but also benefits the environment by reducing waste. For sensitive skin accustomed to a specific skincare routine, it makes more sense to decant your own products into smaller containers rather than relying on new products that might not be suitable.
Opt for 2-in-1 Instead of Travel Size!
You can also save space with other versatile products: Lipstick, for example, can double as cream blush. Bronzing powder and highlighter can create a beautiful, natural eye makeup as a substitute for eyeshadow. Hairspray or gel can be used to set eyebrows. Conditioner can replace shaving foam, and facial cleansing wipes can even make shoes shine in a pinch.