Every Saturday, I plan to show you little (and big) ways in which we can simplify our lives. This can be anything from cutlery to commitments. I hope you’ll follow along, and perhaps take some inspiration away to simplify a small part of your life.
Next up: Make-up, cosmetics, pretty palettes.
Unfortunately, I’ve been conditioned to wear make up since a young age, and don’t feel right if I leave the house without it. I’ve tried A LOT of different colours of eyeshadow and eyeliner, getting caught up in the messages in magazines, that convince us we won’t be pretty unless we have the latest Ultra Smooth Brilliance Powder in Cherry Blossom Pink or Seascape Shell Blue.
Over time, I have learnt that the colours I like are the ones that go with my eyes. I have green eyes, so I’m drawn to subtle beige, bronze, and brown with a hint of shimmer. It took a lot of time to accept that I didn’t like most other colours, that I wasn’t going to wear a different eyeshadow everyday. It felt like I wasn’t playing the make-up game properly, if I only used one colour consistently. Step into a Body Shop or a Boots, and you’re confronted with hundreds of shades, marketed in pretty boxes, combinations, and two-for-ones. And that’s only eyeshadow!
After experimenting with make up for years, I simplified my collection:
How to simplify your cosmetics:
Notice which colour(s) you are most drawn to and prefer above all others in your collection. Ditch the rest.
If you use foundation and concealer, like me, go for a free consultation and make up match at Boots (UK) or other cosmetics department. Watch out for them trying to sell you stuff you don’t need. If you’re blessed with clear skin, just go without!
If you find a mascara that you like, stick with it. You may be tempted by freebies, or a cheap deal, but it will be a waste of money if it’s not right.
Finally, pare down your collection to one of each item. Two eyeshadows is fine, for a little variety. Having a limited choice will save you time, money, and energy.
You’ll spend less time putting products on your face and more time doing the things that are important to you; spending time with family, friends, or engaging in a hobby.
Over to you
Do you wear make up? Do you have a hidden stash somewhere that you haven’t used in years? Could you own just one of each item? Or ditch the lot?
Related posts:
Simple living Saturday: Green cleaning
Thanks for reading!
I too have recently simplified my cosmetics and it has made getting ready much simpler. I used to rummage through lots of items and had to make choices which added stress in the morning. Now I just have
ReplyDeletea foundation
a blusher
an eyeliner
mascara
one eye shadow
and that's it, its all in a tiny basket under my sink.
Its a big change for me and very much for the better. I'm simplifying all areas of my life and home like this and am also doing project 333. Thanks for your lovely blog, I can really relate.
Nicol
Hey Nicol, thanks for reading!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's impressive. I'm glad you've seen the benefit of simplifying!
It's amazing how eliminating the choice reduces stress. I expect that I won't replace one of my eye shadows once it's empty.
Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog, glad to have you here! :)
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI've recently gone back to wearing a little make up. For quite a few years I didn't wear any and it was fine. In fact it was always a real conversation point when we went out. I'd always end up talking to women about how "brave" I was to not wear it and how they wish they could just get up and go rather than go through the routine every day etc. You know in the same way people think you're brave if you are a veg*n, declutter or downsize, live frugally or any of that other stuff.
There's no deep reason for going back to wearing it occasionally, I just fancied a change!
Hi Thrift Deluxe, thanks for stopping by and commenting!
ReplyDeleteThat's brilliant, and impressive that you went without for years. I know what you mean about the bravery, the courage. I guess it's just about trying something out for a while, or challenge ourselves to try something different.
I absolutely agree, a simple change is good too, and make up can be fun! why not if you enjoy it, I say :)
Given the short expiry date on cosmetics I never could work out how you could have lots of different make up looks and not end up wasting a lot. Off course the answer is you can't. There are only so many days in the week for wearing make up so the more variety you go for, the more will end up being unused, or used beyond it's recommended life. Paring down to one favorite look makes a lot of sense.
ReplyDeleteHey Linda, thanks for stopping by! good to have you here.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the expiry date or shelf life is very short. I'll admit that I mostly ignore it. I drew the line at a 10 year old eyeliner I'd kept though!
It's even hard to use one product entirely before its expiry date, let alone lots!
Having one look just makes things so much easier in the morning. I love it! :)
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI've just discovered your blog - very interesting and inspiring!
I am simplifying my life right now and make-up is one of the things on the list that I had too much of.
After having tried to live without make-up for several months I now feel more comfortable not wearing any make-up at all. (Except for tinted lip balm.)
Have you ever thought about the ingredients in your make-up?
If I wear make-up (only on a few special occasions now) I'm using natural/organic products. Check out "The story of cosmetics" - It really is an eye opener!
For the list, those products are:
- Lip stain that doubles as a blush
- Concealer
- Eyeshadow (I own one palette with 4 colors that goes with pretty much everything)
- Mascara
Hi Cherry! Welcome, and so glad you're here!
ReplyDeleteoh wow, well done for giving up make up altogether! I'm not at a stage where I can do that yet, because of problematic skin, but I'm impressed and inspired to get there myself.
Yes, I have thought about the ingredients in these things, and I really have little idea of all the chemicals that are in them. One thing I try to avoid is parabens, and I got rid of stuff that had those a while back.
Thanks for the suggestion, will take a look at the story of cosmetics, sounds interesting.
That's a very minimal list, good for you! It's great limiting the choice in the morning, don't you think?