Beauty Swaps That Will Make Your Life SO Much Easier

How to stop carrying around so much stuff—once and for all.

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I can’t be alone in my back and shoulder pain, right? All these years of carrying around practically a mini Sephora in my daily purse have caused my shoulders to permanently slouch forward (and probably subconsciously flinch in fear of a new purchase every time I walk past a beauty shop).

I swore to myself in the new year that I’d take it easier with regard to carrying things around on the daily. Who needs a full size deodorant, highlighter wand, dual-ended concealer, and eyeshadow quad within reach all day long while walking around town? Unless you’re a makeup artist, probably no one. And especially in this day and age, thanks to the travel section in your favorite beauty store (I could live in that mini beauty section at Sephora, I love it so), nearly every brand has made a teeny, tiny, super adorable version of your go-to favorite.

Photography by Cody Guilfoyle; styling by Lahaina Alcantara

So, band with me, sisters (and brothers, if you’re reading this!), because we carry enough baggage on our shoulders every day. Let’s lighten our load by majorly pairing down our daily makeup bag. We found some of the cutest cuties around town that’ll make your bag (and hopefully life) a lot lighter.

Photography by Cody Guilfoyle; styling by Lahaina Alcantara

Mini Lipstick, Winky Lux, .4 grams, $16 for a set of 5

Why don’t more brands make these teeny tiny cute lipsticks? These itty minis will last forever, but can fit in the teeniest bags or pockets. And they come in five different colors, too.

Photography by Cody Guilfoyle; styling by Lahaina Alcantara

Floss, Cocofloss, approximately 1.5 inches long, $24 for 12

The Warby Parker of floss is the best and most fun thing happening in floss right now. This itty bitty size is perfect for pulling out strawberry seeds from your teeth after your luxurious picnic (or deskside snack, while dreaming about the luxe picnic).

Photography by Cody Guilfoyle; styling by Lahaina Alcantara

Blotting Paper, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, approximately 2.5 inches long, $16

If it’s good enough for Rihanna, it’s good enough for us! But these blotting papers are not only “good enough”—they’re great. Roll out as much as you need to blot away the midday oil on your face.

Photography by Cody Guilfoyle; styling by Lahaina Alcantara

Mini Concealer, NARS, .05 ounces, $13

The creamiest and most long-lasting concealer, but in a mini form. But don’t worry: This mini will still last forever and a day, just like its normal-sized big sister. Perfect for a quick touch up whenever you need it, or to rein in lipstick around your lip line midday.

Photography by Cody Guilfoyle; styling by Lahaina Alcantara

Brow Boy, Glossier, .11 ounces, $16

This cult-status eyebrow gel is still one of the best (and best-sized) things on the market. Just a simple swipe through your brows: That’s all you need. And it takes up practically no space whatsoever in your daily makeup bag.

Photography by Cody Guilfoyle; styling by Lahaina Alcantara

Dry Shampoo, Amika, 1 ounce, $10

If you, like me, touch your hair approximately 1,000 times an hour, then dirty hair can really sneak up on you midday. This friendly-sized mini version of my favorite dry shampoo is always there to help out with that exact predicament.

Photography by Cody Guilfoyle; styling by Lahaina Alcantara

Eau de Parfum, Floraïku, 10 ml, $76 

Freshening up before late afternoon drinks? This slimmer than slim refill fragrance also works on the go. The just-launched brand Floraiku (based off the Japanese art form of haiku) is about to be all the rage around town, too. So, beat everyone to it by snagging it now.

Photography by Cody Guilfoyle; styling by Lahaina Alcantara

Magic Wand Makeup Remover, Too Cool For School, .08 ounces, $12.50

Crying from laughter (or just from that cute puppy you just saw on the sidewalk, and want now)? These pre-soaked makeup remover q-tips are brilliant for cleaning up running mascara or smeared lipstick. And the ready-to-travel case will keep them safe and clean until the next puppy sighting.

Photography by Cody Guilfoyle; styling by Lahaina Alcantara

Deodorant, Schmidt’s, .7 ounces, $22.50 for a 5-pack

Natural deodorant is so great, guys. And Schmidt’s is one of the absolute best brands out there. Part of the deal with most natural deodorant is the midday reapplication. It’s not a big deal: Just a one-second freshen up, and you’re good to go for the rest of the day—stink free. But no one needs to carry around a full size deodorant every day. These minis (in my favorite scent the brand offers) are the cutest darn deo around.

Photography by Cody Guilfoyle; styling by Lahaina Alcantara

Sunscreen, Tatcha, .34 ounces, $15

Oh wow, this picnic turned into a late afternoon snooze in the park. Good; rest up, you deserve it! But don’t forget to re-apply your sunscreen. This Tatcha one is handy and smells great and works great, and you’ll love it. I promise!

Keep reading about our favorite tricks:

Sleepless Night? Trick Yourself Into Feeling Great Anyway Epic Beauty Tricks From Our Favorite Girl Bosses Sleeping Tips From New Moms That Non-Moms Can Use, Too

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Kristin Limoges

Writer/Editor

Kristin can usually be found face, hair, and body masking simultaneously, while thinking-up clever DIYs for her small-space Chinatown apartment. She’s always on the search for the greatest and most life-changing beauty and wellness hacks (hello nootropics and adaptogens) and is happy to report she loves dogs and cats equally.