She Strengthens

The Beauty of Simplicity: Rethinking Your Makeup Collection

As a self-proclaimed beauty enthusiast, I’ve struggled with two conflicting personalities: the curated collector and the impulsive shopper. For years, I oscillated between these two personas, resulting in a cluttered collection of products that left me feeling overwhelmed. But about two years ago, I realized it was time for a change.

Paring Down and Focusing on What Matters

I began by sorting through my collection, discarding broken or expired products that no longer served a purpose. This process allowed me to distill my collection down to a handful of essentials that I truly loved and used regularly. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to finding my Holy Grail products – the ones that make me feel confident and beautiful.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Through trial and error, I’ve gained valuable insights into what makes a product worth its price. Here are a few key takeaways:

Invest in a Good Foundation

A good foundation is the cornerstone of any makeup look. Don’t skimp on quality, as it can make all the difference in achieving a flawless, healthy complexion. Get your skin tone professionally matched to find the perfect shade, and use online resources like Findation.com to find similar shades in other brands.

Research Before You Buy

Reading reviews on beauty blogs and websites like MakeupAlley can help you avoid unnecessary purchases and discover similar products at a lower price point. I discovered a dupe for the Benefit Porefessional primer on Reddit’s MakeupAddiction subforum, saving me a significant amount of money.

Know Where to Invest and Where to Save

While some products are worth splurging on, others can be found at a lower price point without sacrificing quality. It’s essential to know what matters most to you and allocate your budget accordingly. For me, mascara is a must-splurge item, but for someone else, it might be eyeshadow or blush.

Make the Most of Your Money

Don’t be afraid to ask for free samples or take advantage of consultations offered by beauty stores. Many brands provide complimentary re-touches with purchase, and most stores will accept returns if a product doesn’t work for you. Remember, salespeople see this every day, so don’t be shy about asking.

Avoid Impulse Buys

When feeling stuck in a beauty rut, it’s tempting to rush out and buy something new. But sleeping on it for a few days can help you avoid an unnecessary purchase. Trust me, it’s a great feeling to know you’ve saved money and avoided cluttering your collection.

Buy with Intention

To avoid accumulating duplicate products, adopt a simple rule: only buy something new if you don’t already own a similar product or if you’ve used up the one you had. This approach will help you be more mindful of your purchases and reduce waste.

By adopting these principles, I’ve transformed my relationship with beauty products. Makeup is meant to bring joy and confidence, not stress and clutter. By focusing on what truly matters, I’ve found a sense of simplicity and freedom in my beauty routine.