In December 2017, I achieved Sephora V.I.B. Rouge Status and was so disappointed in myself. I made the conscious decision from then on to change my shopping habits and went from spending an exorbitant amount of money on makeup in 2017 to a reasonable amount in 2018.
Looking back, I can see how foolish I was with my money and how I never questioned the expensive cost of my favourite mascara, foundation, or lipstick. I just kept buying because I loved the feeling of using the newest and best makeup. I thought it was a passion but in actuality, it was an addiction and now I get to share the changes I’ve made.
Things I Learned From One Year of Makeup Minimalism
- I cut out unnecessary products from my own makeup routine like primers, eye-lash primers, lip scrubs, and setting sprays. The unnecessary products in your routine can vary depending on your skin type and how you like to express yourself with makeup.
- If you give me a sample, I’ll use it. The samples staled me from buying new products and I didn’t buy a perfume till January 2019 because of all the testers I had.
- I stopped wearing foundation or bb cream every day and wrote a blog post about it.
- When buying makeup for special occasions, I bought drugstore alternatives first. I usually never sought out the luxury versions because I didn’t use the product enough to justify another purchase.
- I consciously made the decision to stop buying from brands that didn’t align with my values and were controversial.
- Makeup expires and a luxury mascara and a drugstore mascara both need to be thrown out after three months of use.
- I calculated that it takes me up to two years to finish one neutral lipstick. This is a hard pill to swallow from someone who owns a basket of lipsticks and is always wanting more.
- Sticking to your favourite products is less expensive than trying to find new favourites that they’ll replace.
- Everyone has different priorities and makeup can be an investment for some. It’s just not an investment for me anymore.
Makeup I Bought in 2018
- The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer
- Avène High Protection Complexion Correcting Shield SPF 50 (Light)
- It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination Cream (Light)
- Maybelline Master Strobing Stick (Medium Nude Glow)
- L’Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer (Brunette)
- Kat Von D Tattoo Liner (Trooper)
- L’Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Boost & Set Brow Mascara (Light Brunette)
- NYX Slide On Pencil Eyeliner (Golden Bronze)
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner (Intense Black)
- L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Primer Mascara (White)
- Covergirl Peacock Flare Mascara (Extreme Black)
- Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara (Very Black)
- Avène High Tolerance Mascara (Black)
- Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara (Waterproof Very Black)
- NYX Powder Puff Lippie Lip Cream (Puppy Love)
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara (Waterproof Very Black)
- L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick (Sparkling Rose)
- Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink (Seductress)
- L’Oreal Paris Isabel Marant Smile Lipstick (Bastille Whistle)
- Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink (Voyager)
- Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer (Diamond Milk)
I am going to continue to be a makeup minimalist in 2019 because I still have a large beauty collection to tackle and a lot to learn. If you feel inspired by this post visit Reddit’s Makeup Rehab to seek out support if need be.
Did you buy a lot of makeup in 2018?
If so, consider embarking on a journey of makeup minimalism.
Love this post! I’m working on buying less makeup as well! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Once you realize how long it actually takes to finish your makeup products, the more time passes. Thanks for commenting!