Remember the last time shopping in person at Sephora or Ulta and being tempted by all the trial size products? It’s tough to get past all of them without a second glance, and sometimes without throwing one (or a couple) into your basket.
But have you thought much about them while online shopping?
The mini and trial-size sections are a fun, and stress free way to try out new products!
It can be hard to spend the money on new makeup, skincare and even fragrance when you’re not really sure about it yet. Especially if you’re shopping online!
So this is why I love browsing the travel and mini sections of sites, to see if there’s anything new I’ve been wanting to try out!
Sure, if you were to buy the full size product you would likely pay less per gram/ounce/etc. But, how many beauty products do you truly finish? You’re saving money by buying the smaller product, and you’ll know if you really love it and want to eventually get the full size!
Here are some products I really love that are available in a smaller size! Check them out!
Trial Size Skincare
Paula’s Choice Mini Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This liquid exfoliant has made my skin feel so soft and is helping to fade some of my dark spots. Exfoliating is an important part of any skincare routine, and this is a great option.
I actually bought the travel-size bottle first to try it out, before actually buying the full-size!
Dr. Dennis Gross SkincareMini Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are another chemical exfoliant that I really enjoy using. Just two steps and I’m left with super soft skin!
But be careful, using both these and Paula’s Choice at the same time would likely irritate your skin. So try one or the other!
Isle of Paradise Mini Self Tanning Natural Glow Face Drops
During the summer, I love to have a natural looking tan. My body will tan naturally while I’m out in the sun, but I do my best to prevent any sun from hitting my face. Sunscreen and hats are a staple!
So, I love to use these tanning face drops to give myself a little bit of color during the summer. I mix a drop or two in with a basic moisturizer and apply at night. I made sure I exfoliate, but I hold off on doing my full skincare routine to make sure the product sinks in and doesn’t end up patchy.
Typically, I’ll wait a couple minutes for it to dry too, so I don’t end up with white spots where my glasses sit on my nose!
Fresh Travel Size Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence
Do you need to add an essence to your skincare routine? No! But an essence is a great way to prep your skin for the next steps in your routine. This also helps to boost skin luminosity and clarity.
I use it every night after cleansing/toning, and before I apply any other product, and love the way it makes my skin feel.
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore-Clearing Clay Mask
I’m currently using my trial size version of this mask, and I’m really enjoying it! It’s reminiscent of the GlamGlow SuperMud mask, that when it dries you see all the oil that has been sucked out of your pores.
Trial Size Makeup
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
This is one makeup product that people talk about a lot. Use it alone, or use with foundation for super glowy skin.
I’ll use it as a base all over, and stipple foundation on top. And sometimes I’ll add more to my cheeks for extra glow.
You can use a brush or sponge to blend in.
Tarte Shape Tape
Tarte Shape Tape is a quintessential concealer that people have been coveting for years. It’s blendable and has high coverage to tackle any skin concerns.
There’s a couple different finishes, so the trial size can help find the ideal version for you!
MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Primer and Setting Spray
This spray has a lot of different uses, and is great to have on-hand! Use before, during and after applying your makeup so everything blends seamlessly into your skin.
Or even spray a makeup brush and dip into eyeshadow for a super easy eyeliner!
KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner
This is another of my all time favorite products. There was a brief period where I stopped using it because of the previous owner, but there’s new ownership now, and I’m back!
I use both the black and brown liners, depending on the look I’m going for. The point is always sharp, easy to use, and lasts all day!
Trial Size Fragrance
Fragrance is so personal, there’s no one perfume that’s liked by everyone.
If you’re in the market for a new perfume, go to Ulta or Sephora and start smelling everything!
In between smelling different perfumes, smell yourself or the coffee beans that are sometimes in the fragrance area. That helps to clear out the previous smell, so you can truly smell the next one.
Even when you’ve found one you like, it can be tough to spend $100+ on a bottle! That’s where the travel size comes in handy!
You’ll spend way less than you would on a full bottle, and it’ll still last you a long time. Then, you can wait for a sale to get the full size of your favorite!
Honorable Mentions
These are some other trial size products I love and would highly recommend!