My makeup approach has evolved over the years from experimenting with different trends to focusing on a simpler, more practical routine. After becoming a mother, your priorities drastically change! As someone who used to spend hundreds on cosmetics, I now purchase makeup with a quality over quantity mentality. That’s not to say that my love for makeup has diminished as I have gotten older, but I now value my time more and enjoy keeping things low-maintenance. The beauty industry doesn’t want you to know this, but there’s a far more streamlined way to build your makeup bag that doesn’t involve going into debt. Here’s how to build a minimalist makeup collection that’s cost-effective and lasts!
Building a Minimalist Makeup Collection
First, I realize that minimalism isn’t for everyone. I don’t even consider myself a minimalist, but I’ve still found a lot of joy in scaling down in certain areas throughout the years. From my makeup bag to curating a wardrobe of pieces I love, I’ve saved a ton of money, cut back on clutter, and embraced a simpler way of life. Choosing a minimalist approach to your makeup collection isn’t about limiting your choices; it’s about simplifying them. By clearing out the overflow, you make room for products that genuinely enhance your routine! It can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s really quite simple when you break it down.
1. Consider Your Lifestyle & Personal Needs
Climate & Lifestyle
A good place to start is to first consider your lifestyle. Do you tend to be active, or more sedentary? The climate where you live is also an essential element to forming a solid foundation. Do you live in a dry area, or humid environment? Some formulas may perform better in certain conditions, or can overperform in others. Seeking balance is key because if you want to live off a handful of products, you want to ensure they’re going to go the distance!
Skin Concerns
What are your skincare struggles? If you have oily skin, you might opt for mattifying products. For dry skin, you may lean towards hydrating or dewy finishes. Maybe you’re very sensitive to breakouts and specific ingredients. These are good things to consider to ensure you’re choosing the perfect product that will last!
2. Focus on Versatility
Minimalist makeup collections are built around versatile products that can be used in a multitude of ways, (e.g., lip and cheek tints, cream blushes that can also be used as eyeshadows, etc.) ultimately reducing the number of items you need.
Tips for Choosing Multi-Purpose Products
• Neutral colors: In terms of eyeshadow, blush, and lip color, focus on neutral shades. Like I said above, neutral colors tend to compliment most skin tones and are fitting for any time of day.
• Buildability: Choosing products that give you full control of pigment and heaviness are a fine addition to any minimalist makeup collection.
• Blendability: You don’t want to seek out anything cakey that overwhelms your canvas, so to speak. You want a product that is easy to blend and build on.
• Dual Benefits: Because I don’t like a lot of fuss, I like choosing products that serve not only as makeup, but skincare as well! For instance, my favorite foundation by Ilia Beauty has mineral SPF woven into their formula.
3. Establish the Fundamentals
Core Categories & How to Prioritize
Face:
• Foundation: What type of coverage do you prefer? Full, medium, or light? Any attributes you want to highlight? I tend to opt for medium as I enjoy a natural, polished look, and love letting my freckles show through!
• Concealer: Do you have seamless skin, or are you prone to hyperpigmentation? Determine what your desired coverage is and focus on quality.
Cheeks:
• Blush or Bronzer: Adding some color to your cheeks can add some life to your face, especially if you’re more on the pale side. I recommend choosing something that is buildable for easy transition.
• Highlighter: Getting a paired pallet that adds a touch of color to your cheeks and overall dew can give you that healthy glow on the daily go!
Eyes & Brows:
• Eyeshadow: Focus on finding a small palette with a range of neutral colors and dark browns. Neutral colors tend to fit most skin tones and give way to an all-natural look. Browns can give the option to add mood and smokiness.
• Mascara: A staple mascara should be defining, yet buildable.
• Eyeliner: I like choosing a dark brown or black for my liner, but everyone has their preference. Consider what color complements you best and gives you the look you love.
Eye Pencil or Gel: Eyebrows can easily make or break your look. A pencil can be nice to help fill in for plucking hiccups here and there, but choosing a solid gel is great for keeping your brows in line all day.
Lips:
• Lip Balm: Balm is a must-have in any makeup bag! It adds hydration and can add a hint of color, perfect for everyday.
• Lip Gloss: Adds shine and attention, but isn’t ideal for practicality given its tendency to stick.
• Lip Stick: Perfect for statement, but lacks longevity.
4. Choose Your Tools Wisely
Just like makeup, you don’t need a lot of tools to get the job done right. Most brown pencils and gels come with their own brushes, as well as lip products an applicator. Therefore, there isn’t a huge need for a range of brushes. In my experience, I’ve narrowed my necessities down to a blush brush, eyeshadow brush, and tweezers.
Personal Recommendations
What’s in My Minimalist Makeup Collection
• Face: For spring and summer, I use My favorite for spring and summer is Ilia Beauty’s Super Serum Skin Tint.
• Concealer: The best concealer I’ve found thus far has always been from Nars. I am someone that struggles with dark circles and dark spots. Right now, I am using Nars Light Reflecting Concealer.
• Blush: I rarely use blush, personally, but I keep Merit’s Flush Balm in my bag for those special occasions.
• Highlighter: If there’s one thing I’m definitely obsessed with, it’s highlighter! I highly recommend Ilia Beauty Lightshift Highlighter.
• Eyeshadow: For the last few years, I’ve used Lorac Unzipped GOLD Palette and it’s both pigmented and multifaceted. This is genuinely the only eyeshadow palette I own and love it!
• Mascara: Prioritizing definition and buildability, I use Ilia Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara and it’s truly the best of both worlds!
• Eyeliner: For 5+ years, I’ve used Urban Decay’s Waterproof Eyeliner and it’s the best I’ve found so far.
• Eyebrows: I use Elf Instant Brow Lift Pencil and Rare Beauty Brow Harmony. It’s so easy to make your brows look overpowering, especially with the gel. Both of these products have served me well.
• Lips: I keep one lip product on me at a time, with the exception of balm or ChapStick, which I always get as a gift and never have to purchase. Right now, I am using Merit Tinted Lip Oil. When it runs out, I will bounce back to Ilia Beauty’s Tinted Lip Oil. I can never decide which is my most favorite, so I just keep them on rotation!
• Tweezers: Elf Beauty Slant Tweezers
• Eyeshadow Brush: Merit Beauty Brush No. 2
• Blush Brush: Elf Blush Brush (I use this for blush, highlighter, and setting powder.)
Do you have any minimalist practices you incorporate into your makeup collection? Are there any products you recommend? Let me know in the comments below!
