Look at your makeup drawer. Now, look at your cosmetics bag. One is much smaller than the other. How can you possibly fit everything you need to look your best into such a small space? Follow the advice of makeup professionals who have mastered the art of packing smart.

Christopher Ritchey, product advisor at the Allure Day Spa in New York City, says downsizing is the key. " Most things are packaged in a bigger bottle than needed," he says. " Pour some of your foundation into a screw-top minicontainer, or your contact lens solution into a small squeeze bottle."

Pare down the number of products by making the most of your color selections, suggests Pamela Taylor, a New York City makeup artist. " You don't need a lot of lip colors," she says. " Three pure matte colors (red, plum, and beige, for example) and a clear gloss can be combined for at least a dozen options."

Some cosmetics save space by doing double (or even triple) duty. Ritchey recommends packing a tinted SPF lotion, such as Total Skin Care Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($28), to meet your foundation, moisturizer, and sunscreen needs. Multiuse cosmetics, such as Stila Convertible Color ($28), work on eyes, lips, and cheeks. Similar effects can be had with Clinique Chubby Sticks ($12.50) and Almay One Coat 3-in-1 Color Stick ($8.79). " In fact, any cream-stick blush or bronzer can double as eye shadow," Ritchey advises. Cheek gels and liquid tints -- like Tony and Tina's Herbal Cheek Gel ($18) or Philosophy's The Supernaturals Lip and Cheek tint gel ($15) -- also work well as lip stains.

As for what not to pack, leave behind glass bottles, large brushes or brushes with long handles (try Mary Kay's Retractable Powder Brush, $10), and loose powders. " The containers are bulky and the powder can get all over the place," says New York City makeup artist Kimara Ahnert. Bring a pressed-powder compact or transfer a little loose powder into a small screw-top container, suggests Taylor. To pack even lighter, use a few space-saving products from the On the Road Travel Necessities Pack by Get Fresh. Choose from lotion, makeup remover, shampoo, conditioner, nail polish remover, refreshing towelettes, and body wash ($5.50 for three packets).