I'm really into streamlining lately, and only keeping my absolute favorites in my makeup collection. We moved to Portland a couple weeks ago, and I really pared down on my own personal beauty collection--for the average person I'd still be considered a makeup hoarder, but to me this is really minimal.
I feel like I've been really growing and changing a lot in the past year, and with that my aesthetic has also shifted. I'm into more structured, classic pieces with some whimsical touches in my personal style lately, and that extends to my makeup as well. My client kit is still packed to the gills, but I like it that way.
In my line of work, I have to try tons of products on a constant basis. I like to know what's out there on the market, what products are getting a lot of buzz and if they're worth the hype, what the new innovations are. My clients also get really excited when I have new things to try on them...it's just fun for everyone.
In this endless search of makeup, though, I can get a bit overwhelmed in my own personal kit, because inevitably I'll want to test out a product on myself, sometimes for a few weeks (or forever, if it's something like Clinique's lip products in the shade Tenderheart). I like to know a product is good from personal testing before putting it on a client or model's skin. But, as attached as I can get to my products, I've been really working on removing that emotional layer and stepping back to see what really works for me and what doesn't need to be there.
The best part about this new paring-down is that I think I've really nailed the beauty pieces that feel the most 'me' and current. I highly recommend a makeup purge if you're a beauty junkie: it always feels good to prep for the new season with a sleek looking vanity that makes me happy when I look at it. I considered a few things in my strip-down:
a. Have I worn this in 6 months? If not, I gave it to family or friend, or chucked it if it was really old.
b. Is it a seasonal product? If yes, I stored it away if it was out of season, or kept it out if it was still relevant.
c. Is it pretty? I like to keep only my most treasured, heartstring-pulling products on top of my vanity. I don't want anything on there that makes me annoyed with its packaging or doesn't look cohesive. I'm a bit OCD about this, but it serves a purpose: if it's not pretty, I consider giving it away. But if it's an ugly package holding a gem of a product (Rimmel Santa Rose blush anyone?), I store it in the drawer of my vanity, carefully out of sight. This step has pared down my collection a lot.
d. Is it realistic for the makeup looks I'm planning on wearing? I use Pinterest to kind of remind myself of the aesthetic I'm going for, and get rid of anything that doesn't adhere to it.
e. Do I love it? Does it make me happy? Some products you just build up over time and stop assessing if they're actually bringing you joy. If they're not, there's no point in having them around, bogging down your mornings. In the end, it's a lot prettier and feels exciting to see a simple vanity stash filled with only your favorites!
Now, for a couple of my current beauty favorites that definitely made the cut (I'll be sharing more in the coming months):
1. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Blushed Copper
I mean, is there anything more beautiful than that geometrically-sculpted pan of rose gold shimmer? The answer is no. It's beautiful to look at, but the formula is also amazing. I love it as a little bit of a bronzed glow (I'm thinking of going red with my hair, and I think it would look so ethereal with that hair color) all over the face, but I especially like the off-label use of it as an eyeshadow. It is simply stunning, just as a single color wash with a little mascara. A dusting on the décolleté and shoulders is also pretty.
This shade is actually limited edition at Sephora, so I would snatch it up fast if it's something you've got your eye on.
2. Aerin Waterlily Sun Eau de Parfum
Another stunner for the vanity. The scent of this is so light, fresh and airy...the title just encapsulates its vibes perfectly. It reminds me of a cross between Marc Jacobs Daisy and Clinique Happy--two of my all-time favorite perfumes. It's a great everyday scent that wouldn't be obtrusive at work. The bottle is also pretty compact, which is nice.
I was born and raised in Reno, so the name is obviously near and dear to this sagebrush baby. The pale nude shade goes perfectly with natural makeup and smoky eyes alike. I love the TopShop packaging, and the formula is super moisturizing while also giving a sophisticated matte finish--perfection.
4. Sonia Kashuk Domed Shadow Brush
This design was limited edition, but I love all of Sonia's stuff at Target. Her tools are really high quality for a super-affordable price. Check out her core brush line; it's awesome. Thanks Jill & Suzie for this brush set :)
5. Warby Parker Chandler Glasses in Olivewood
These aren't really a beauty product, but they are beautiful! I've been working a lot lately on the coming issues of the magazine, and so being bespectacled is becoming my natural state. Love Warby Parker.
