If you’re anything like me, packing for travel means making the impossible choice between bringing your full skincare lineup or risking a mid-trip breakout by “simplifying.” But recently, I came across the e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Mini Kit, and after putting it to the test, I may have found the perfect compromise. Designed with convenience and hydration in mind, this compact kit packs five essential products into TSA-friendly sizes, all without sacrificing performance.

Let’s break it down.

First Look : What’s in the Kit?

The Holy Hydration! Wah-Hoo Mini Kit includes five mini versions of e.l.f.’s best-selling skincare products :

Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser (30mL / 1.01 oz)

Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm (15g / 0.52 oz)

Holy Hydration! Face Cream (15g / 0.52 oz)

Holy Hydration! Eye Cream (7g / 0.25 oz)

Hydrating Booster Drops (5mL / 0.17 oz)

Each product is infused with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, two superstar ingredients known for maintaining moisture levels and supporting the skin barrier. Bonus points: the entire kit is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.

Packaging & Portability

Let’s start with the obvious: this kit was made for travel. Every item fits effortlessly into a carry-on or handbag, and the compact design adheres to airline liquid restrictions. For weekend getaways, business trips, or even a gym bag upgrade, this set offers a complete, streamlined routine in palm-sized bottles.

That said, the packaging durability could be improved. Some lids felt a little loose, and I’d recommend placing them in a zip pouch just to be safe.

Product-by-Product Breakdown

🌊 Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser

A gel-based cleanser formulated with hyaluronic acid to cleanse while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier.

Performance :

I found it to be a gentle, non-stripping option that left my skin feeling clean but not tight. While it doesn’t foam heavily, it effectively removed light makeup, sunscreen, and oil. However, for heavier-duty cleansing, I needed to follow up with the balm.

Skin Type Suitability :

Ideal for normal to combination skin. Those with very oily skin may need something stronger; very dry skin types might want to follow up quickly with a moisturizer.

🧼 Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

Rich in sunflower oil, shea butter, and glycerin, this balm breaks down makeup and impurities with ease.

Performance :

This was one of the standouts for me. It removed waterproof eyeliner and long-wear foundation without stinging my eyes or requiring excessive rubbing. The balm emulsifies nicely upon contact with water, and it rinses clean without leaving a greasy residue.

Bonus : The mini size makes it one of the most practical travel-friendly cleansing balms I’ve used to date.

💧 Hydrating Booster Drops

Designed to amplify hydration, these serum-like drops can be used solo or mixed with moisturizer.

Performance :

The drops added a noticeable boost to my routine, especially on days when my skin felt dry or tight from travel. Lightweight and non-sticky, they absorbed quickly and layered beautifully under other products. That said, I wasn’t completely wowed as they do the job, but without a dramatic visible effect.

Formula Note : Contains hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5, both of which help retain moisture and calm irritation.

🧴 Holy Hydration! Face Cream

A lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizer with squalane, niacinamide, and ceramides.

Performance :

This cream was a pleasant surprise. It provided long-lasting hydration without clogging my pores or leaving a shiny finish. I used it both morning and night, and it kept my skin feeling balanced even after long travel days. The texture is silky and absorbs quickly, making it perfect for layering under SPF or makeup.

Best For : Normal to dry skin. Oily skin types may find it slightly rich for daytime use in humid climates.

👁️ Holy Hydration! Eye Cream

A smoothing, hydrating eye treatment that targets dryness and fine lines.

Performance :

Another win. This cream felt soothing and gave a subtle cooling effect upon application. It absorbed without irritating my sensitive eye area, and with regular use, I noticed a slight improvement in puffiness and fine lines. The texture is rich but not heavy, ideal for both morning and nighttime use.

Ingredient Highlights

Hyaluronic Acid - Hydrates by attracting water to the skin

Ceramides - Strengthen the skin’s barrier

Peptides (in the eye cream) - Help improve firmness and elasticity

Squalane - Softens and locks in moisture

Niacinamide – Brightens and supports even skin tone

For such an affordable kit, the formulation is impressive. These aren’t just watered-down versions of the full-size formulas as they’re genuinely effective on their own.

The Pros & Cons

Pros

✔️ Travel-friendly, TSA-approved sizes

✔️ Gentle, hydrating formulas that won’t overwhelm your skin

✔️ Thoughtfully curated routine that covers all the basics

✔️ Great way to try multiple products without a big commitment

✔️ Cruelty-free and vegan with clean, non-irritating ingredients

✔️ Affordable price point for a full regimen

Cons

❌ Tiny sizes mean you’ll run out fast, probably within a week of daily use

❌ Packaging feels slightly flimsy and may not survive rough travel

❌ May not deliver enough moisture for severely dry or mature skin

❌ Booster Drops bottle is difficult to fully empty due to the dropper design

Final Verdict : Worth It?

Absolutely, for the right situation. The e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Mini Kit is a smart, affordable way to dip your toes into the brand’s skincare offerings without committing to full sizes. Whether you're jetting off for the weekend, looking for an emergency back-up kit, or simply curious about the line, this set delivers hydration, convenience, and quality in equal measure.

For frequent travelers, it’s a must-have. For first-time users, it’s the perfect introduction. For everyday use at home, though, you’ll likely outgrow the small sizes fast.

Still, in terms of value and versatility, this kit proves that skincare doesn’t need to be bulky or expensive to be effective.

Rating : ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Best for : Short trips, sampling e.l.f. skincare, or gifting

Not for : Long-term home use or very dry/mature skin in need of intensive hydration