So, ladies and [some] gentlemen, it appears we have a problem on our hands.
We like to look good.
And that's not the problem. The problem is that we spend a lot of time, money, effort, and space to do it. And what if we could simplify our beauty routines down to the bare basics, and look all the more fabulous in the process?
I'm in!
We like to look good.
And that's not the problem. The problem is that we spend a lot of time, money, effort, and space to do it. And what if we could simplify our beauty routines down to the bare basics, and look all the more fabulous in the process?
I'm in!
Today, we're talking about makeup.
All I know is my own crap that I got rid of no longer matters, so let me share with you what I currently own, then offer some completely unsolicited suggestions. *winks*
Currently in my makeup bag:
That's it- I don't own any nail polish, blush, bronzer, eyebrow pencils, lipsticks, lip liners, highlighters, eye-shadows, or concealers! Hard to believe that you could ever pare down to six items? You don't have to, but here are some tips & tricks if you want help with paring down, even just a little bit.
Recognize that skin has natural color. You don't need to spend extra money on blush to make yourself glow if you don't naturally. If you're worried that your face looks flat without brush/bronzer/highlighter, consider the two products that may be the culprit of that "flat" look- your foundation and concealer. When you wear those two products heavily, you not only remove imperfections, but you also remove the slight color variations in your skin that make you look human.
Consider switching to a tinted moisturizer, BB cream, a CC cream, or a powder foundation (coverage from lowest to highest) and getting rid of the concealer. Although none of these products cover imperfections completely, they do blur them and help the skin look healthier. I have bad acne scarring (hyperpigmentation)- I'm not talking what beauty gurus on YouTube say is "bad," I'm talking acne that hurt to the touch, that caused me to cake on makeup to feel decent enough to leave the house, that took weeks to heal one blemish, and that left dark spots that will last for years. So yes, I know what it's like to have bad scarring and be incredibly ashamed of it. I use a powder foundation to slightly blur out those marks, and then recognize that letting go of my insecurities is another step of my journey- minimalist thinking. Getting rid of concealer forces you to get more sleep to get rid of the bags and lets your pores breathe effectively, as concealer is one of the most pore- clogging products out there. No one will notice after a while, and you'll look more awake, younger, and more fresh- faced.
Consider having just a few lip products. A current trend is to switch up your lip color often, and I get it- it's an easy way to make a dramatic difference to your look. If changing your lip color is important to you and brings you joy, go for it! If you stress about what color to pick, or you're spending money you dont have on lip color, consider downsizing to a few favorites and classics. My suggestions would be a classic red, light pink, and clear for my lighter-skinned friends, and a wine red, medium-brown pink (Milani's Luminous gloss is my favorite!), and a clear for my darker skinned fellows.
How often do you actually do a dramatic eye? Is a smoky eye look an everyday staple? Go for it, girl! But if you're like me, and you prefer to just sweep a lighter shade over the lid for a more natural look, consider one of Almay's palettes, or a Loreal palette for more color option. Go for natural browns and earthy tones for a versatile look that's easy to transition from day to night.
If you enjoy wearing heavy makeup, have fun and play, but consider palettes to be your friend. Eye shadow palettes come in different looks and themes, so you can mix and match, but are also space savers and easier to pick and choose from. As for lips, find a few products that you absolutely love (a lip gloss, a balm, a stick, and a butter) and use those brands to expand on your colors, so you're not worried about brands and formulas. Use drugstore products labelled "hypoallergenic" whenever possible. If you're used to the high- end products, Tati Westbrook has an amazing YouTube channel that you can learn a lot from.
You are all beautiful, makeup or not! Wishing you the best of luck in your makeup journey!
Keep it Simple,
Sarah
Currently in my makeup bag:
- Neutrogena's skin clearing powder foundation in the number 80, TAN.
- Jordana's black mascara (which I don't recommend- the packaging broke after three weeks of very gentle and infrequent use). I think I'll be purchasing one by Physicians' Formula next, although I'm not sure.
- ELF's black gel eyeliner and brush.
- A flat foundation shader brush by EcoTools.
- Milani's lip gloss in Luminous.
- Aquaphor's skin protectant, which I use on my lips, eyelashes before bed (as a conditioning and protecting treatment), eyebrows (to grow and condition), and on any particularly ashy or dry spots of skin.
That's it- I don't own any nail polish, blush, bronzer, eyebrow pencils, lipsticks, lip liners, highlighters, eye-shadows, or concealers! Hard to believe that you could ever pare down to six items? You don't have to, but here are some tips & tricks if you want help with paring down, even just a little bit.
Recognize that skin has natural color. You don't need to spend extra money on blush to make yourself glow if you don't naturally. If you're worried that your face looks flat without brush/bronzer/highlighter, consider the two products that may be the culprit of that "flat" look- your foundation and concealer. When you wear those two products heavily, you not only remove imperfections, but you also remove the slight color variations in your skin that make you look human.
Consider switching to a tinted moisturizer, BB cream, a CC cream, or a powder foundation (coverage from lowest to highest) and getting rid of the concealer. Although none of these products cover imperfections completely, they do blur them and help the skin look healthier. I have bad acne scarring (hyperpigmentation)- I'm not talking what beauty gurus on YouTube say is "bad," I'm talking acne that hurt to the touch, that caused me to cake on makeup to feel decent enough to leave the house, that took weeks to heal one blemish, and that left dark spots that will last for years. So yes, I know what it's like to have bad scarring and be incredibly ashamed of it. I use a powder foundation to slightly blur out those marks, and then recognize that letting go of my insecurities is another step of my journey- minimalist thinking. Getting rid of concealer forces you to get more sleep to get rid of the bags and lets your pores breathe effectively, as concealer is one of the most pore- clogging products out there. No one will notice after a while, and you'll look more awake, younger, and more fresh- faced.
Consider having just a few lip products. A current trend is to switch up your lip color often, and I get it- it's an easy way to make a dramatic difference to your look. If changing your lip color is important to you and brings you joy, go for it! If you stress about what color to pick, or you're spending money you dont have on lip color, consider downsizing to a few favorites and classics. My suggestions would be a classic red, light pink, and clear for my lighter-skinned friends, and a wine red, medium-brown pink (Milani's Luminous gloss is my favorite!), and a clear for my darker skinned fellows.
How often do you actually do a dramatic eye? Is a smoky eye look an everyday staple? Go for it, girl! But if you're like me, and you prefer to just sweep a lighter shade over the lid for a more natural look, consider one of Almay's palettes, or a Loreal palette for more color option. Go for natural browns and earthy tones for a versatile look that's easy to transition from day to night.
If you enjoy wearing heavy makeup, have fun and play, but consider palettes to be your friend. Eye shadow palettes come in different looks and themes, so you can mix and match, but are also space savers and easier to pick and choose from. As for lips, find a few products that you absolutely love (a lip gloss, a balm, a stick, and a butter) and use those brands to expand on your colors, so you're not worried about brands and formulas. Use drugstore products labelled "hypoallergenic" whenever possible. If you're used to the high- end products, Tati Westbrook has an amazing YouTube channel that you can learn a lot from.
You are all beautiful, makeup or not! Wishing you the best of luck in your makeup journey!
Keep it Simple,
Sarah