For something to become a part of our daily routine, it has to be easy and convenient. If an item is overly complicated to operate or cumbersome in size, we’re likely to ditch it as quickly as we bought it. And there’s no worse reminder of money you can’t get back than watching a purchase collect dust in a corner.

The three products in this week’s roundup may be small, but don’t count them out. Each delivers long-lasting results and is perfectly portable for travels near and far.

Big results don’t have to mean bulk.

1. MERIT The Minimalist (£40)

There’s one brand that caught my attention last year that embodies my minimalist makeup philosophy: Merit (previously featured here). While I’m now using almost the entire line, the product that first drew me in was this complexion stick. I’m not usually a fan of thick foundations and concealers (see here) but I was blown away by how well it matched my skin and gave me adjustable, long-lasting coverage where I wanted it. I use their Brush No.1 for my entire face and a smaller lip brush for hiding spots. I’ve thrown it in my bag for touchups but have never needed it: This formula stays put.

2. CASETiFY Impact Cases (£47 and up)

“You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” is the saying that comes to mind when I look down at my cracked phone case. I first purchased one of CASETiFY’s products a phone ago and loved the playful, sturdy design. I dropped that phone all over Manhattan and beyond without so much as a scratch. I decided to go a cheaper route this time around, and within days the case was already showing wear. No more! All of the designs in the Impact Series feature EcoShock™ Proprietary Technology providing 6.6 ft/2 m of drop protection and can be customized to suit your style and needs.

3. Pvolve Massage Ball Set ($29.99)

In 2023, I got my exercise routine down. In 2024, I want to make aftercare a bigger part of my fitness regimen. In addition to stretching, I’m turning to my foam roller more to help work knots out of muscles and boost circulation to ease soreness. But a bulky roller is not easy to travel with or use on smaller muscles, like those in the feet. That’s where this set of massage balls from Pvolve (previously featured here and here) comes in. They’re light and compact (single ball: 0.35 lb and 2.5 in diameter; double ball: 0.75 lb and 2.5 in x 5 in) for relief anytime, anywhere.

Something to listen to …

Ghost Story Wondery | Pineapple Street Studios Podcast

It didn’t take long for me to get totally hooked on Ghost Story, a podcast about a British journalist who investigates a potential haunting in his childhood home that ends up connecting his past and present in surprising ways.

Last week on MIDDI …

New Year's Shopping Resolutions Petra Canan Trudell · Jan 1 Read full story

MIDDI is a weekly roundup of mid-priced beauty, fashion and home buys released every Monday. Have a product you’re searching for? Leave your suggestions in the comments.