How I reduced my makeup bag

Is it just me or do we feel like we’re in our “editing” era? Time to downsize, declutter and really keep those everyday pieces and nothing more? Of course it SINGS to me and it’s something I’ve been working on wardrobe-wise for the past few months, so over the weekend, when I had a bit of a moment, I took the time to have my biggest beauty declutter yet. What’s left are those things I wouldn’t hesitate to buy again when I’d run out. Everything is up to date (I hope!) and there are no “just in case” products because SPOILER – I never end up using them anyway!!! Of course there are even more items than I could use on a daily basis because I like some dewy foundation, lip and eye shadow options to choose from so I pack a everyday makeup bag* Just to get ready in the morning quickly and easily. I like to rotate it every few weeks as my tastes, seasons and skin change. Here’s what it contains now…

BASE

I’m excited about tinted moisturizers these days. Even though my skin isn’t GREAT right now, I love how clean it is and there’s almost no feel on my skin, even on days when I wear more “proper” makeup. So right now it’s the MAC Face + Body Foundation in C2* which I strive for daily. For concealer I currently use two – the Shiny Stretch in light 2* for under my eyes – it’s really the only concealer I like for under my eyes So dehydrated – and the ILIA True Serum Concealer at 1.75* which has a bit more coverage to it but is still really smooth and spreadable so I find it good for my psoriasis patches and blemishes. For cheeks I’m not big on blush or highlighter at the moment, I just go with it Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer in Light Medium* that does a bit of everything in one. Seriously, what did I do before this product!? It adds warmth and softness with a bit of contour too. If I’m feeling fancy or filming, I can add it Victoria Beckham outline stylus in travertine* which is ridiculously easy to use and blends like a dream. Such a foolproof contour product.

EYES

I set my eyebrows in place with the Patrick Ta Brow Gel* AS ALWAYS (although I have the new one Anastasia one* in the post right now as I thought I’d give it a go!). Then I usually use one of my liquid or cream eyeshadows, but I thought I’d pull out this powder eyeshadow palette that includes classics like (top left clockwise) – MAC Tete-a-Tint*, Stove*, Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow in Caramel* and MAC without interruption*. You can remember them! Very similar tones to my cream eyeshadows, but I thought I’d put them in my daily rotation as it’s been a while. As for the mascara, I’m currently loving it Lancome Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara* – another blast from the past. I tend to apply and then run a clean spoolie through the ends to get rid of any bulk.

LIPS

Most days I just stick it out Summer Friday Lip Butter in pink sugar* and call it a day, but looking at my ass it seems like it’s been years since I’ve used any other lip product so I thought I’d add the Hermes Rosy Lip Enhancer in Rose Tan* in my bag. A very similar tone to the lip butter to be honest, but with a slightly more satin finish.

TOOLS

I keep my tools JUST. Mainly because I hate washing my brushes so on a daily basis I only use three. The Westman Atelier Blender Brush* – so expensive but I’ve been using it everyday since it came out in 2019 and it still looks brand new, you get what you pay for. The Beauty Pie Pro Angled Cheek Brush* – the best for Makeup By Mario Bronzer – kind of hugs the cheekbones so you can get a really precise, yet easily blended application. Then finally it Makeup By Mario EF2 Brush* which is what I use to apply all my eyeshadow products, regardless of formula. Oh and the Suratt lash scissors* which again I have been using for years – nothing else comes close.

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