Why I refuse to buy anything but travel-size makeup

As someone who shops for a living, trust me when I say full-size makeup products are out, minis are in.

I've embraced mini-sized products for some time now, mainly due to the rising cost of makeup. Plus, I've noticed that when one product runs out, they all do and with that, my budget stands to take a huge hit.

Switching to minis has been a game-changer for me in so many ways. Affordability at the time of purchase aside, it gives me the chance to try new products without committing to the more expensive full-sized option, I don't run the risk of the product going bad, and a full set of minis is a traveller's dream.

To help you make the switch, here are the best minis on the market that will change the way you shop for beauty.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer 10mL

Get the mini for $35

Or buy the full size: $66 (45mL)

This game-changing primer features a 94 per cent natural gel formula that hydrates and smooths your skin, providing a long-lasting grip for makeup that stays put for up to 12 hours. It's my personal holy grail – I've never needed the full size because this little one lasts forever!

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter 5.5mL

Get the mini for $27

Or buy the full size: $70 (30mL)

This mini travel-size version of my Hollywood Effect glow booster is a must-have, especially if you don't wear foundation often. It blurs lines and pores while leaving your skin looking radiant.

Tarte Shape Tape 1mL

Grab the mini for $24

Or buy the full size: $51 (10mL)

A little goes a long way with this full-coverage concealer, now featuring a built-in eye cream for 24-hour hydration. It gives a natural matte finish, hydrates skin, and smooths fine lines and pores.

If you want to get a good deal why not opt for the Shape Tape Conceal & Sculpt Duo for $33.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Dewy Liquid Blush Mini 3.2mL

Buy the mini for $27

Or the full size: $45 (7.5mL)

This mini version of Rare Beauty's iconic liquid blush delivers a natural, dewy flush with just a few drops. Its lightweight, buildable formula blends seamlessly and offers long-lasting colour that stays put all day. Perfect for layering over any makeup without disrupting it, plus a little bit goes a long way!

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer 2.5g

Buy the mini for $37

Or the full size: $63 (8g)

The bestselling Hoola bronzer instantly adds warmth to your complexion, creating a flawless, sun-kissed look with minimal effort.

Make Up For Ever HD Skin Setting Powder Mini 7g

Get the mini for $40

Or the full size: $70 (18g)

This ultra-fine setting powder blurs pores and provides a flawless matte finish without flashback. It's waterproof, transfer-proof, and smudge-proof. Full size gives you more product, but realistically if you're using setting powder daily it still takes years to get through.

Natasha Denona Mini Nude Eyeshadow Palette

Buy the mini for $49

Or the full size: $125 (15 colours)

We all know how long it takes to finish an eyeshadow palette, making the mini size a worthy investment. This Natasha Denona eyeshadow palette features two metallic colours, two matte and one duo-chrome eyeshadow.

Sephora Collection Colourblock Felt Liner 0.6mL

Buy the mini for $22

Only available in mini size

The Sephora Collection Felt Liner is my absolute go-to for eyeliners. Despite its teeny tiny size, it lasts about 3-6 months, and its ultra-thin tip and flexible nib let you draw the thinnest of lines. It features a long-lasting, intense colour, making it the perfect addition.

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara 4mL

Get the mini for $27

Or the full size: $48 (10mL)

This Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara is "smudge-proof, flake-proof, sweat-proof, clump-proof and humidity-proof" all according to the brand.

MAC Strobe Cream Mini 15ml Highlighter

Get the mini for $28

Or the full size: $70 (50mL)

This MAC Strobe Mini Highlighter brightens and enhances light on all skin tones, giving your complexion a glowing, radiant finish. One dot goes a long way, which is why the mini size is ideal.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Mini 0.04g

Get the mini for $24

Or the full size: $45

Similar to eyeliners, brow pencils last a lifetime (no, literally). This Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is made from a wax formula, which adds textures and helps create the illusion of fuller-looking brows.

Charlotte Tilbury Glossy Lip Duo

Get the mini for $40

Or buy them individually in full-size: Collagen Lip Bath ($54), Lip Cheat Pillow Talk ($38)

Collagen Lip Bath contains magical ingredients derived from the plant Portulaca – also known as the "Kiss-me quick" plant – to hydrate and create the appearance of fuller-looking lips. Lip Cheat lip liner has a dreamy, smooth texture, so you can resize and reshape the look of your lips for a fuller-looking pout.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray 34mL

Get the mini for $31

Or get midsize: $54 (100mL)

My personal favourite – I never buy setting spray at full price! This lightweight, waterproof setting spray primes and locks in your makeup for up to 16 hours.

For when you want to take it all off...

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm 30mL

Get the mini for $30

Or the full size: $95 (200mL)

The Clinique Cleansing Balm is a luxurious, lightweight makeup remover that effortlessly removes the heaviest of makeup. It features a non-greasy, nourishing formula, which leaves your skin looking fresh and dewy. Suitable for all skin types, this mini lets you indulge without splurging.

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