Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by Erin
Why I’ve Switched to Minimalist Makeup
One of the big changes I’ve made to my life as I enter midlife, is transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle and having a minimalist makeup routine. I am learning that I am happier with less, and if I continue to pursue the “latest and greatest,” I just end up with a ton of excess that never actually makes me feel better.
Related Post: Why You Should Embrace Minimalist in Midlife
Having fewer, more budget-friendly products means I end up using ALL of the product instead of having a drawer full of random makeup. The best thing is, I’ve found affordable options that actually LOOK GOOD. Because, that’s kind of the point, right?
I admit that I have used more expensive makeup brands such as Benefit, Tarte, and Urban Decay and while they do the job, I have found some more budget-friendly options that work just as good for me.
My Midlife Skin
My skin is very complicated. It’s sensitive, it has texture, it’s combination dry/oily, and I can’t figure out what my undertone is. Because I’m approaching 40, I have both pimples AND wrinkles. Fun!
Some days my skin tone looks olive like my mother but then I get ruddy redness from my dad. I’m ready to stop thinking so hard about how to “fix it” and ready to just embrace it for what it is. So, the makeup I is use tends to lean towards a natural look. If you are really skilled with your makeup and enjoy putting new looks together, then this list is probably not for you.
If you are trying to start a minimalist makeup routine, declutter your bathroom drawers, and save a lot of money, then READ ON!
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The Products
Face
- Wet n Wild Tinted Hydrator– This is my holy grail product, and I may never go back to medium-full coverage foundation. It’s moisturizing but doesn’t make my face oily and it’s actually pretty decent coverage for a tinted moisturizer. I am obsessed! I buy mine at the local Five Below but you can also get it on Amazon pretty cheap.
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Multi Use Concealer– I have dark circles big time. They’re genetic for me and I’ve always had them but as I get older they definitely get more prominent. It’s also not quite as smooth under my eyes as it used to be. It’s one of the only concealers I’ve found that covers things up well without creasing as the day goes on.
- Nyx High Definition Blush in Glow– This is definitely going to be a personal preference because your specific skin tone will work best with its own unique bronzer or blush. I like this particularly blush because it’s a color that works somewhere between a bronzer and blush, which eliminates the need for two products. I used Benefit Dallas Blush for years but it’s pricier, even for the mini size. The Nyx product I use now is a pretty good dupe. It’s very pigmented so a little goes a long way.
Eyes
- Nyx Ultimate Shadow Palette– I like the combo of shimmer and matte shades in neutral combos that all work really well together. For everyday, I swipe a light matte color all over and use a medium shade in the crease. I then wet my finger and use that to apply a light shimmer shade on the inner lid (it sticks better this way) and a medium shimmer on the outer lid. I use a fluffy eyeshadow blush to blend. For special occasions I use darker shades. I personally feel like a small palette is a great way to keep your products minimal rather than having singles scattered in the drawer.
- heimish Smudge Stop Mascara– I am a contact-wearer and I also have really sensitive dry eyes. It’s really hard for me to find mascara that doesn’t smudge or irritate my eyes BUT I’ve found that fiber mascara works best for me. After trying several varieties, this is the most budget-friendly option I’ve found that truly stays put throughout the days while lengthening my lashes.
- Eyeliner- I do not wear eyeliner. I’m not great at putting it on and I’ve found that if I wiggle my mascara at the base of my lashes, it gives the look of eyeliner. If you have a found a great budget-friendly option that is easy to use and actually stays put during the day, let me know in the comments!
Lips
- Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon– I wear this every day and absolutely love it. So many beautiful shades and they truly last all day long. The sharper tip means you can use it as a liner and lipstick and it includes a built-in sharpener. I get so many compliments. It’s *chef’s kiss.*
- Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Lip Plumper– If I want to be a little extra fancy, I use this lip gloss. I have super thin lips, so I don’t mind the lip plumping effect. It does sting a little bit…FYI.
Nails
- LONDONTOWN Illuminating Nail Concealer– This is an area I have struggled with. I like the look of manicured nails but the upkeep and cost I just can’t justify. Painting my nails at home also requires way too much upkeep and I’m hard on my nails so they end up looking like crud after 24 hours. I discovered this nail concealer, and it makes my nails look great every day. I don’t need to continuously paint them because it’s a subtle color, but it keeps them looking clean, healthy, and bright. It’s the cherry on top of my simple, natural makeup look. Even though it costs more than typical drugstore nail polish, I’m saving money by sticking to this polish instead of continuously buying new colors and formulas. In fact, I threw out all the polish in the basket under my sink. This is all I’m using moving forward.
There you have it, folks! These are the only 8 products taking up real estate in my bathroom drawer.
Minimalist Routine
You can create a flawless look with just a few budget-friendly products. This simple routine is easy to master and requires minimal time and effort for an everyday glam look. Here’s what you need:
• Foundation – Invest in a good quality medium coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer that will provide a natural base and last all day. Look for one that contains SPF for extra protection!
• Concealer – To help brighten the under eyes, pick up a brightening liquid concealer and blend it into the skin with a damp sponge or brush.
• Bronzer/Blush – Dust bronzer along your cheekbones and jawline to give yourself a bit of warmth and definition. Add blush for a pop of color, if you’d like!
• Eyeshadow – Choose an eyeshadow palette that contains natural shades like browns and taupes for everyday use.
• Mascara – A volumizing mascara will instantly open up your eyes and make them look wider and brighter. Plus, it’ll give you fuller looking lashes in one swipe! Fiber mascaras have been the most contact-friendly for me.
• Lipstick – Pick out a budget-friendly lipstick in a beautiful pinky nude shade for the perfect pout.
With these budget friendly makeup products, you can create the simplest makeup routine that’s sure to turn heads everywhere you go! So go ahead and give budget makeup a try – you might just find your new go-to look. Looking good never felt (or looked) so budget friendly!
AND DON’T FORGET SUNSCREEN!
I’d love to hear from you if you’ve found any amazing budget beauty products that we should know about!
If you found this post helpful or want to keep in mind for later, feel free to save and share!
Sincerely,
Erin
