Are Travel-Sized Beauty Products Worth The Cost?
When you’re headed off on a jet-set vacation, you want to have all the comforts of home at your fingertips. Unfortunately, airline restrictions and limited packing space mean that there isn’t room for every single one of your full-sized items. That’s where travel-sized beauty products come in. These pint-sized containers are conveniently packaged and allow you to take a little bit of everything with you on the go.
But if you’ve ever gotten to the checkout counter only to be shocked by the total price of these minis, you’re not alone. Many times their prices per ounce are much more expensive than that of their full-sized counterparts. While I’m all about paying a bit of a self-imposed “convenience fee,” it still seems a little unfair.
Today, we’ll be doing the math and looking at which travel-sized products are worth the price. I’ll also be sharing my tips and tricks for traveling to ensure you always get the most bang for your buck.
Primer
TATCHA – The Silk Canvas Protective Primer
Travel Sized – $22 for .24oz
Full Sized – $52 for .7oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $74.29 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $91.67 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $17.68.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $17.38 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
MILK MAKEUP – Hydro Grip Primer
Travel Sized – $15 for .33oz
Full Sized – $30 for 1.52oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $19.74 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $45.45 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $6.60.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $25.71 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
FENTY BEAUTY – Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer
Travel Sized – $15 for .50oz
Full Sized – $32 for 1.08oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $29.63 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $32 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $14.72.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $2.73 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
TARTE – Timeless Smoothing Primer
Travel Sized – $19 for .25oz
Full Sized – $39 for .5oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $78 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $76 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $19.50
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $2.00 LESS per ounce for the travel size. (Yay!)
SMASHBOX – Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Travel Sized – $15 for .41oz
Full Sized – $36 for 1oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $36 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $36.59 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $14.75
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $.59 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
My Pick…
This really depends on what you are wanting your primer to accomplish. If you have dry skin, I recommend the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer. It allows makeup to really stick to your skin without drying out your skin. If you run on the oily side, try Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer. This primer leaves skin looking blurred and smooth and it’s buying Rihanna…bonus!
Foundation
ARMANI BEAUTY – Luminous Silk Foundation
Travel Sized – $42 for .6oz
Full Sized – $64 for 1oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $64 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $70 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $38.40.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $6.00 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
BENEFIT COSMETICS – Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation
Travel Sized – $15 for .33oz
Full Sized – $30 for 1oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $30 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $45.45 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $9.90.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $15.45 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
IT COSMETICS CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
Travel Sized – $15.50 for .4oz
Full Sized – $39.50 for 1.08oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $36.57 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $38.75 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $14.63.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $2.18 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
My Pick…
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation gives skin a beautiful, natural glow with medium coverage. However, I do recommend buying the full size and using a travel container instead of buying the travel size. Save that coin!
Concealer
TOO FACED – Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer
Travel Sized – $13 for .13oz
Full Sized – $29 for .5oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $58 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $100 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $7.54.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $42 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
NARS – Radiant Creamy Concealer
Travel Sized – $13 for .05oz
Full Sized – $30 for .22oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $136.36 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $260 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $6.82.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $123.64 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
TARTE – Shape Tape Concealer
Travel Sized – $10 for .033oz
Full Sized – $27 for .33oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $81.82 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $303.03 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $2.70.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $221.21 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
My Pick…
While Tarte Shape Tape is a cult favorite, I have been loving Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer. This concealer sets beautifully on the skin and the color range is fantastic. Since the full size is only .5oz, definitely buy that instead of the travel one. If you find yourself loving this concealer then try out the foundation. It is equally as beautiful!
Powder
LAURA MERCIER Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Travel Sized – $23 for .33oz
Full Sized – $39 for 1oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $39 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $69.70 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $12.87.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $30.70 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
MAKE-UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Microfinishing Pressed Powder
Travel Sized – $23 for .07oz
Full Sized – $37 for .21oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $ 176.19 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $328.57 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $12.33
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $152.38 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
BAREMINERALS Mineral Veil Setting Powder
Travel Sized – $14 for .07oz
Full Sized – $25 for .3oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $83.34 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $200 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $5.83.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $116.66 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
My Pick…
There is a good reason so many people love Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. While it does contain talc, it blends into the skin flawlessly with no flashback. If talc is a deal breaker for you, give bareMinerals a try. It comes in three finishes, offering hydrating, luminous, or warm options for your skin.
Bronzer / Blush / Highlighter
TOM FORD Soleil Glow Bronzer
Travel Sized – $75 for .3oz
Full Sized – $112 for .75oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $149.33 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $250 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $44.80.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $100.67 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
MILK MAKEUP Matte Bronzer Stick
Travel Sized – $15 for .21oz
Full Sized – $28 for 1oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $28 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $71.43 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $5.88.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $43.43 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
NARS Blush/Bronzer Duo
Travel Sized – $24 for .17oz
Full Sized – $42 for .35oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $120 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $141.18 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $20.40.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $21.18 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
TARTE Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
Travel Sized – $15 for .05oz
Full Sized – $29 for .2oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $145 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $300 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $7.25.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $155 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
HOURGLASS Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder
Travel Sized – $24 for .04oz
Full Sized – $40 for .16oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $250 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $600 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $10.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $350 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
BOBBI BROWN Shimmer Brick Highlighter
Travel Sized – $25 for .14oz
Full Sized – $48 for .4oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $120 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $178.57 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $16.80.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $58.57 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
JOUER COSMETICS Blush Bouquet Dual Blush Palette
Travel Sized – $18 for .28oz
Full Sized – $30 for .39oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $76.92 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $64.29 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $21.60.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $12.63 LESS per ounce for the travel size.
My Pick…
Nars Blush and Bronzer Duo is a great option because you are getting two for the price of one. Nars has some of the best blushes and bronzers out there. For highlight, I would absolutely go with Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder. This highlighter is buildable letting you have a natural glow or blinding highlight. The choice is yours!
Eye Shadow
LAWLESS The One / The Little One Eyeshadow Palette
Travel Sized – $25 for 8 shadows
Full Sized – $64 for 18 shadows
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $3.56 per shadow, while the travel-sized charges $3.13 per shadow. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $28.44.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $.43 LESS per shadow color for the travel size.
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Norvina Pro / Mini Pro Pigment Palette
Travel Sized – $29 for 9 shadows
Full Sized – $60 for 25 shadows
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $2.40 per shadow, while the travel-sized charges $3.22 per shadow. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $21.60
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $.82 MORE per shadow color for the travel size.
My Pick…
This all depends on the color story you desire. If you are a natural girl, Lawless is a great option. It is cruelty-free and considered a clean beauty product. The shadows blend easily with little fallout. However, if you love color then ABH Norvina Pro Palettes are for you. There are many options for color and the quality is great!
Browse / Eyeliner
BENEFIT COSMETICS Roller Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Travel Sized – $12 for .01oz
Full Sized – $22 for .03oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $733.33 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $1200 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $7.33.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $466.67 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
IT COSMETICS Brow Powder Universal Brow Pencil
Travel Sized – $12 for .0025oz
Full Sized – $24 for .0056oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $4285.71 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $4800 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $10.71.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $514.29 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Clear Brow Gel
Travel Sized – $9 for .085oz
Full Sized – $22 for .26oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $84.62 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $105.88 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $7.19.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $21.26 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
My Pick…
Honestly, all are great!
Mascara
LANCOME Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
Travel Sized – $13 for .13oz
Full Sized – $25 for .33oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $75.76 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $100 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $9.75.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $24.24 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
MILK MAKEUP Kush High Volume Mascara
Travel Sized – $12 for .13oz
Full Sized – $24 for .34oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $70.58 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $92.31 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $9.12.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $21.73 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
URBAN DECAY Perversion Mascara
Travel Sized – $14 for .21oz
Full Sized – $27 for .32oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $84.38 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $66.67 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $17.82.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $17.71 LESS per ounce for the travel size.
TOO FACED Better Than Sex Mascara
Travel Sized – $13 for .17oz
Full Sized – $25 for .27oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $95.59 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $76.47 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $15.75.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $19.12 LESS per ounce for the travel size.
My Pick…
I actually prefer travel mascara. I find it easier to use. Recommending a mascara can be difficult because each one does something different. Choose one based on your needs (volume, length, buildable, etc.). Bonus, if you buy travel size you can sample a few and find the one that works for you!
Setting Spray
URBAN DECAY All-Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Travel Sized – $15 for 1oz
Full Sized – $33 for 4oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $8.25 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $15 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $8.25.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $6.75 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
TOO FACED Hangover 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray
Travel Sized – $16 for 1oz
Full Sized – $32 for 4oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $8 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $16 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $8.
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $8 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
COVER FX High-Performance Setting Spray
Travel Sized – $15 for 1oz
Full Sized – $31 for 4 oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $7.75 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $15 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $7.75
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $7.25 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
My Pick…
Urban Decay is a fan favorite. It really does lock your makeup in all night long. Skip the scented ones and go for the OG…I promise you will not be disappointed!
Miscellaneous Travel Items
GUCCI Guilty Pour Femme Parfum
Travel Sized – $34 for .25oz
Full Sized – $96 for 1.6oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $60 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $136 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $15.36
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $62 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
SOL DE JANEIRO Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Travel Sized – $20 for 2.5oz
Full Sized – $45 for 8.1oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $5.56 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $8 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $13.95
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $2.44 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
KIEHL’S Ultra Facial Cream
Travel Sized – $22 for .95oz
Full Sized – $32 for 1.7oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $18.82 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $23.16 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $17.92
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $4.34 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
FRESH Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash
Travel Sized – $15 for 1.6oz
Full Sized – $33 for 4.2oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $7.86 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $9.38 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $12.54
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $1.52 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
DOVE Nutrium Deep Moisture Body Wash
Travel Sized – $8.99 for a pack of 3 3oz
Full Sized – $20.31 for a pack of 2 22oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $0.46 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $0.99 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $4.15
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $.53 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
MOROCCANOIL Shampoo or Conditioner
Travel Sized – $11 for 2.4oz
Full Sized – $24 for 8.5oz
The Breakdown:
The full-sized charges $2.82 per ounce of product, while the travel-sized charges $4.58 per ounce of product. Based on the amount of product, the mini should sell for $6.72
The Bottom Line
You’re paying $1.76 MORE per ounce for the travel size.
An Alternative to Travel-Sized Items
Trust me. I get it. Travel-sized items are sometimes too cute to resist. Plus, they’re often strategically located at the check-out counter so that you mindlessly pop them in your basket. If you are a babe on a budget who wants more cash for adventures, you want to prevent yourself from getting ripped off in this way.
The best way to take all of your favorite beauty products with you on vacation (without paying more for travel-sized containers) is to ration out your full-sized products into reusable travel containers. For a very low initial investment, you’ll have smaller bottles that can be filled with all of your favorite stuff.
This 16-piece product from Amazon is cute, colorful, and full of every type of container you could ever need. Some of the bottles are also made of flexible silicone so you can literally squeeze out every drop. Lightweight and incredibly portable, they also come conveniently packaged in a clear, TSA-approved travel bag.
16-Pack Travel Bottles Set – Amazon
When Is Travel-Sized Worth It?
It’s easy to assume that travel-sized products are NEVER worth the money. While we’ve seen that’s only sometimes the case, there are a few instances where travel sizes are actually an amazing option.
Maybe you want to try out a brand-new beauty product without making a big investment. Or maybe you want to treat yourself to a fancy new perfume to commemorate a special vacation. In both of those situations, travel-sized products are a great solution. You might not be getting the most bang for your buck, but it’s ok to spend a few extra dollars on a splurge from time to time.
I would also argue that eyeshadow is the one cosmetic where travel-sized might make more sense. After all, paying for a mini and using all the colors is better than paying for a full-sized palette and only using half the colors. Consider which colors you’ll be using when shopping for eye shadow – you might find a mini that is a much better choice.
Digging Deeper
It’s also been suggested that some travel-sized products – mascara, for one – are actually better when purchased in a travel size. According to experts, less air gets inside the tube during application so your product stays fresher for longer. The smaller wand also holds a more appropriate amount of mascara for application. This article from Marie Claire highlights this theory, which is great to keep in mind next time you need to restock your favorite mascara.
Want an even more in-depth look into how travel-sized products perform when compared with their full-sized counterparts? Take a look at this awesome video by Manny MUA. He literally does half his face with travel-sized products and the other half with full-sized to see if there actually is a difference in quality.
