Sephora NYC Travel Minis Haul: Laneige, Aestura, Necessaire & Ultra Violette

The destination might be the best part of traveling—but Sephora travel minis are a close second. On my latest trip to New York City, I picked up a haul of beauty minis from Laneige, Aestura, Necessaire, and Ultra Violette. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on each product, compare minis to their full-size counterparts, and break down whether these travel kits are actually worth the price.

Since I live in Canada, I’ll also highlight which products are available at Sephora US vs Sephora Canada—because not everything crosses the border. All prices are quoted in USD.

Laneige Mini Lip Glowy Balm Set

Laneige’s Mini Lip Glowy Balm Set includes four limited-edition minis in Berry, Gummy Bear, Sweet Candy, and Vanilla. This kit is not currently available at Sephora Canada.

• Formula: Lightweight, glossy balms with shea butter. Similar to the Lip Sleeping Mask but more sheer.

• Scents: Pleasant but subtle—don’t expect strong flavor payoff.

• Hydration: Not the most nourishing balm (dermatologists often note this), but definitely a “guilty pleasure” purchase.

Standouts: Berry, Vanilla and Sweet Candy. I loved Sweet Candy enough to buy the full size. Gummy Bear, however, wasn’t for me.

Value:

• Kit: $25 (4 minis, equivalent to just under 2 full sizes)

• Full size: $19 each Surprisingly, the minis are a better deal if you want to try multiple scents.

Aestura Atobarrier 365 Mini Bestsellers

K-beauty brand Aestura recently launched at Sephora US (and just recently launched at Sephora Canada as well!). Their Mini Bestsellers includes the Foaming Cleanser, Hydro Cera-HA Serum, and the cult-favorite Atobarrier 365 Cream.

• Foaming Cleanser: Gentle and pH-balanced, but nothing groundbreaking. I prefer gel cleansers.

• Hydro Cera-HA Serum: Lightweight and watery, decent but not standout compared to similar HA + ceramide blends.

• Atobarrier 365 Cream: The star of the kit. Rich in ceramide capsules, yet lightweight enough for day and night use. Smooths and hydrates beautifully.

Value:

• Kit: $32

• Full sizes: Cleanser $21, Serum $34, Cream $32The cream is worth repurchasing. Minis are travel-friendly, but full sizes offer better price per ounce.

Necessaire The Body Essentials Kit (Santal)

Necessaire has become a minimalist, luxury self-care staple since launching in 2019. This Body Essentials Kit includes minis of the Body Wash, Body Lotion, and Deodorant in the earthy Santal scent. While Sephora Canada carries Necessaire full sizes, this mini kit is not available there.

• Body Wash: Spa-like formula with minerals and epsom salts. Santal is my favorite scent.

• Body Lotion: Lightweight but firming, infused with peptides. Pricey in Canada ($70 CAD full size).

• Deodorant: Aluminum-free stick with mandelic acid. Personally, not a fan—it left residue and the Santal scent was faint.

Value:

• Kit: $40 (3 minis)

• Full sizes: Body Wash $25, Lotion $48, Deodorant $20+The minis are a good way to test scents, but the lotion’s full size stretches your dollar more.

  
  

Ultra Violette Sunscreen Minis

Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violette just launched in Sephora US (already available in Sephora Canada and Europe). This SPF Mini Mates kit features two travel minis: Supreme Screen and Velvet Screen. Since reviewing this product on YouTube, Velvet Screen, including this mini duo has been recalled due to it not meeting its claimed SPF level. More on that here.

• Supreme Screen: Lightly tinted chemical sunscreen that doubles as moisturizer + primer. Works beautifully under makeup, even on oily skin.

• Velvet Screen: Thick, tinted mineral sunscreen with a paste-like texture. No white cast, but heavy to blend and can stain clothing. Recently recalled

Value:

• Kit: $25 (2 minis)

• Full sizes: More cost-effective, but minis are perfect for testing formulas.

Final Thoughts: Are Sephora Travel Minis Worth It?

Travel minis can be both fun and practical—especially if you’re exploring new scents, skincare routines, or sunscreen formulas. Based on this haul:

• Best Value: Laneige Lip Glowy Balm Set

• Best Formula: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream

• Best Scent Experience: Necessaire Body Wash (Santal)

• Best Everyday Essential: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen

If you’re traveling, minis are space-savers. If you’re testing new products, they can save you from splurging on full sizes that don’t work for you. But for products you already love, full sizes almost always offer better value.