Decluttering my beauty routine

April 17, 2018

Hey blog friends, I'm still here. (I think I said that in my last post.) This winter has not found me much in blogland, and I am woefully behind on visiting.

It's April 17 and snowing here. We keep a fire going every night. We're almost done with our eight cords of wood. I will be wearing my boots and mittens with my winter coat today. Sigh.

I've taken a little break from decluttering my house, but will start up again in a few days as my husband is ready to tackle the basement and garage, areas that I can't really do without his help.

In the meantime, I've been decluttering and simplifying my beauty routine.

The statistics vary, but on average, women use about 16 beauty products a day. (I discovered after counting that I use lots more than that.) The Environmental Working Group says women put over 168 different chemicals on our skin every day (see article here). We spend more than $8 a day on beauty and skin care products (see article here)!!

These are compelling reasons to cut down on what I use, but the main reason is that I was getting overwhelmed by all the stuff crowding my drawers and counters. The other reason is that I am basically lazy. Do I really want to be tied to such an intensive beauty routine? (And I actually thought mine was simple, especially after watching beauty You-Tubers sharing their routines.)

Here is a list of all the products I was using. And yes, most of them every day, even when just going to the grocery store.

Hair

1. Shampoo
2. Conditioner
3. Styling gel
4. Hairspray

Body

5. Body lotion
6. Heel cream
7. Perfume

Face

8. Cleanser
9. Toner
10. Moisturizer
11. Eye cream
12. Primer
13. Foundation (includes sunscreen)
14. Concealer
15. Blush
16. Eyebrow pencil
17. Eyeshadow
18. Eyeliner
19. Mascara
20. Lip balm
21. Lip liner
22. Lipstick
23. Lip gloss

Teeth and Nails

24. Toothpaste
25. Floss
26. Nail ridge filler
27. Nail base
28. Nail polish
29. Nail topcoat
30. Nail polish remover

I'm sure I'm forgetting something. (Eye makeup remover!) And of course, I don't have just one of each of these. Multiple bottles of nail polish and perfume, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, and lipliners.

And then there's the tools and miscellaneous:

Hairdryer, round brush, comb, flat brush, curling iron, eyelash curler, toothbrush, tweezers, false eyelashes and glue, stick-on fingernails, nail files, etc.

You'll notice a few things missing on the list. I gave up deodorant a couple years ago. (I just don't smell, even after exercising. And yes, I've asked close family members to confirm that.) And razors and shaving cream. I never had much hair on my legs and after getting them waxed a few times, there's really nothing there. Every couple months I might notice a stray hair and I just pluck it out with tweezers. (Okay, that was probably more than you wanted to know.) I also don't use mouthwash. Never liked it, and I figure if I floss every day, I'm okay.

Now, I do like to look nice, and I do have fun with makeup and all the girly stuff. And just because I'm getting older doesn't mean I want to give up. But this is crazy, right?

I have a nice big dressing table area with nine drawers just packed with beauty care products, and more overflowing into my closet area. It was time to get serious and do a complete overhaul. I pulled everything out, and started weeding.

The first thing that I got rid of was old and expired items. A pretty eyeshadow palette I paid good money for? Sorry, that was several years ago. Out it goes. And anyway, do I really want to wear eyeshadow anymore? Remember that old video? "Ain't nobody got time for that!"

I started thinking about what was important to me, what wasn't, what was healthy. I realized a number of products can be multi-taskers, like a cream blush stick can be used as a lipstick too.

And okay, these were fun. But really? Fake, fake, fake. I'm done with that.


I returned these nails and several boxes of false eyelashes (unopened) without a receipt and got a $65 gift card back from CVS. Yay! Those false eyelashes were just too much work. I really don't have to compete with the lady news anchors.

I got ruthless. Do I really need hairpins, scrunchies, hair claws? It's unlikely my hair will ever be long again. Out they went. Do I need those hot rollers, flat iron, two sizes of curling irons? Heat can turn silver hair yellow. I don't want that! (I did keep one curling iron, just in case. The rest of the stuff got donated.)

How many bottles of lotions and creams do I need? One multi-purpose item is enough.

I kept going, turning to some articles online about more natural beauty to keep me motivated. And over the course of a few weeks, I've made some radical changes.

So what does my routine look like now?

Hair

1. Shampoo
2. Conditioner
3. Styling gel
4. Hairspray

Body

5. Body lotion
6. Heel cream
7. Perfume

Face

8. Cleanser
9. Toner
10. Moisturizer
11. Eye cream
12. Primer
13. Foundation (includes sunscreen)
14. Concealer
15. Blush
16. Eyebrow pencil
17. Eyeshadow
18. Eyeliner
19. Mascara
20. Lip balm
21. Lip liner
22. Lipstick
23. Lip gloss

Teeth and Nails

24. Toothpaste
25. Floss
26. Nail ridge filler
27. Nail base
28. Nail polish
29. Nail topcoat
30. Nail polish remover

Simple and lovely.

So, this is what's left:

1. Shampoo
2. Body lotion (fractionated coconut oil)
3. Heel cream
4. Face cleanser
5. Face oil
6. Foundation
7. Blush and lipstick combo
(8. Mascara)*
9. Toothpaste
10. Floss
(11. Nail ridge filler)*
(12. Polish remover)*

How did I go from 30 products to 12? (or 9, as I don't use the items with asterisks every day).

My hair is short and its natural silver color. I get it trimmed every four weeks. (My best beauty tip is get a good haircut that suits you and doesn't fight with your hair's natural tendency -- like fine, curly, etc., so you don't have to spend so much time or products fighting with it). I've always hated spraying hairspray. It sticks all over everything. Hair gel makes my hair feel dirty. And do I really need conditioner? On a day when I wasn't going anywhere, I just used shampoo and skipped the conditioner, hair gel, and hairspray. I just blew it dry using my round brush. And guess what? It looked virtually the same as when I use all the products.

Next, the perfume. I love perfume. I've always worn it every day. But I know more and more people are sensitive to it. Maybe I would be doing everybody a favor if I stopped using it. (I have to say, though, that I still have a couple bottles of my favorites, Angel and Coco by Chanel, for a special occasion.)

I think I'll do another post on my makeup routine, as that's a big one. But I am trying to focus on healthy skin, rather than covering everything up.

I would love to have beautiful bare nails, but I have such a problem with ridges and splitting. I have done gel nails, but . . . the money! The time! The UV lights! The ridge filler I have looks like a pretty coat of natural polish so I'll use that to keep my nails looking nice. If I keep them short that prevents the worst of the splitting and tearing.

I've discovered too that you can use the same product for many different things. I have a bottle of fractionated coconut oil (meaning that it stays a liquid) that I use when I get out of the shower. I use it all over, including on my face, as an all-purpose moisturizer. My cream blush stick can be used as lipstick. A little extra foundation can be used for concealer.

I have to say I still have one eyeshadow palette, one eyeliner, an eyebrow pencil, and some perfume and lipgloss. They're neatly stashed in a drawer in case I go into withdrawal!!! or want to do a little extra for a night out.

I've totally emptied out two drawers, and the remaining drawers are not even half full. Feels good.

What's weird, too, is that I feel cleaner. And a little more bien dans ma peau, as they say

Next post I'll describe how I cut down on my makeup routine.

What about you all? Are you a beauty product lover, or have you gone simple and natural? What is one thing you can't live without?


26 comments

  1. I have never been one to use makeup, except for VERY important occasions. Lipstick otherwise. I go every 6 weeks or so to get a pedicure, I do my own finger nails. Just too lazy to spend that much time on it. You're doing a great job downsizing.

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  2. Hi and welcome back...
    I had noticed your absence and did wonder if you had decided to give up blogging completely.
    Very impressed by your purge of make up and skincare products...think of all the money that you will save!
    I don't use many products as I like to look more natural with a wee bit of help from mascara, eye shadow and a pinky lipstick.
    Have a cozy week Deborah.

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  3. Wow, well done you really have cut back on everything. I really do need to make a start on sorting my own beauty routines out.

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  4. Wow! Another amazing purge. I've always had a "simple and natural" beauty routine. I have to admit that I can't live without my lip balm.

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  5. Being allergic to most makeup, I stopped with that many years ago. Even certain hair products gave me massive headaches. All my "makeup" fits into a tiny square organizer in my bathroom drawer (3"x 3"). I agree that spending money on a good haircut really is the best thing, as long as it's something you can manage to recreate on your own. I use Aveeno skin cream and sometimes I'll wear perfume when I go out ("One"). You must feel great about clearing out all those products! Well done ;)
    Wendy

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  6. Well done. I think. The returns were great! I have a return for Sally’s next time I’m in the city...a $37 return. 🙂 I look better when I wear some make-up; however, apparently, I don’t care because I seldom use it. I did a closet purge this winter. It was a great time to reclaim some space being used on unused, out-of-date things. This foul spring weather has got to go. Can’t wait for some warmth. Happy cellar purging! (That chore waits for me, too.)

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  7. Well, my goodness, you really did do a purge! I do love beauty products but when I no longer use them or do not like them, I get rid of them. I do not stash them into a drawer. I am still having my nails done, it's something I so enjoy and I love my nail tech.I can't wait to ear about your beauty routine. Fun and enjoyable post!

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  8. Oh my...you are a brave soul! I recently also got rid of some beauty products but I have to say I wasn't as industrious as you. From your picture though I can see that you don't really need tons of beauty products. I have been purging "stuff" for awhile myself...the older I get the less "stuff" I want around. Glad I found your blog.

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  9. Congratulations on the purge! I think you will be happy with the new freedom. I've never been one to have a lot of beauty products, but when you began to list yours I realized I had more than I thought. I never used to wear make up at all except maybe a little blush, but now that I'm older I feel like I need a bit more. I'll stay tuned to your next post about your routine! Sorry about all your snow--it can't be much longer?!

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  10. Wow! That's a purge. When I first started reading and you mentioned the average of 16 items, I thought I didn't use that many. Then I started counting, and I do! And more. But it's still fairly simple - I look better with some mascara and eyebrow pencil, and definitely lipstick. I agree with the importance of a good haircut.
    Good luck on the basement and garage purges.

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  11. Well, hello there, lovely! You are very fortunate not to have to shave your legs! I wish....I am bare minimum on beauty products, but could easily count twelve that I use regularly on a daily basis. Your organization project is remarkable. And I love reading your posts on your progress. Hope you're well on all other fronts, Deborah.

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  12. Awesome job! I have been very minimal with make up for years. Mostly because I am lazy. I buy, try it for a few weeks, and then give up and go back to simply a foundation with sunscreen, mascara and a bit of eyeliner. I have light hair and my eye lashes are blonde. Without mascara you can't see them. Congrats again on making an easier routine!

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  13. Hi, sweet friend! Oh, what a JOY to pop in for a visit. I have missed you and your lovely posts.

    Doesn't it feel good to declutter? I agree with Rita about your organization project being remarkable {{smiles}}

    I have cut back on my face routine as well. I have always felt the need to wear foundation to cover up my cystic acne and scars. Well, I found a new product that I am in love with! It's a tinted moisturizer that acts as a primer, foundation, sunscreen, and finishing powder. It's lightweight yet it covers my face beautifully. It's called "Beauty For Real" https://www.beautyforreal.com/

    Hugs to you, lovely lady!

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  14. You are my hero (heroine?)! Actually, as we age we need less makeup. A good haircut is vital. You have such pretty silver hair. I did toss some lipsticks that were unflattering or drying. Hope your weather gets better soon. We are expecting temps in the 60's with some rain. xoxo

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  15. So good to hear from you! I admire your "decluttering"; I've made attempts at it, but still have a long way to go. I have revisited my make-up basket, however, and gotten rid of samples not used, and colors that never became a part of my daily routine. Hope your weather balances out and daffodils start dancing in the wind soon! Rosie

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  16. This post made my heart sing. I have in the last six months done the same thing. Cindy Johnson from BOOM really influenced me on embracing my natural beauty. RMS Beauty is another line I love as almost everything has a duel purpose. My question to you and everyone here, what mascara do you use? I have found as I have gotten older that mascara flakes or smudges under my eye. I read that I should be looking for a dry mascara instead of wet. I didn't even know there were two types. I am currently trying L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes. It comes with both a primer and the mascara all in one tube and the best part is it comes off with water; no eye makeup remover is needed. Thank you for such a lovely place for us to rest and rejuvenate and I hope you see a bit of spring today.

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  17. Wow, I am doing the same thing throughout my house and I've been doing a lot of organizing. I had a bathroom gut and redo in the beginning of the year and I got rid of so much stuff I did not need anymore! It feels great to do this. :0)

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  18. I've never been much of a makeup wearer, and have a really simple routine. So I don't have many items, and don't spend much money. I make my own moisturizer. I don't keep my nails done, mostly because it chips off so fast. But look at you go!!! That's wonderful - you are truly simplifying your life.

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  19. Dearest Deborah,
    Well, I've always been a very natural girl... hate to use chemicals on our 'LARGEST ORGAN; THE SKIN!'.
    Life is a lot easier and cheaper too. When we went to a wedding, I noticed some women, younger than I am, showing the signs of age from over using tanning (however method!) and it mainly shows in the neck area as it becomes prematurely wrinkled. No lotion or whatever can reverse that.
    So using soap and water goes a long way!
    Sending you hugs,
    Mariette

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  20. Wow, Deb, I need to take some lessons from you! Some of the items you mentioned I don't use but many I do. I would have a hard time giving up the hair products simply because I know what my hair would look like if I didn't use them. Since I am short, I need the height to my hair and to achieve that I need stuff to hold it there! I'm not ready to give up my makeup yet and I need that ridge filler like you. I have bottles and many containers that need to be thrown out...stuff I have stashed away that I didn't like and then I forget about it...I am so bad about that! Of course the purging will take place when we are at a place to finally get the house ready to sell...it was put on hold you know and I have gotten lazy about it. Anyway, you certainly are an inspiration!

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  21. Good for you in purging your beauty products, Deborah, and getting down to the essentials for you. I'm pretty basic in my beauty routine, and really don't use that many products. Thank you for sharing your purging efforts with us. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

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  22. Hi, Deborah, it's nice to catch up with you. I've been out of blog land for quite awhile too. I just returned last week and have changed my blog name from Joy in the Middle to Ninety-Twelve Psalms Avenue.

    I think going through your things and purging and updating is a fantastic idea. I do that periodically. But I need to take your example and be even more ruthless. For instance, now that I'm older, I prefer to wear lighter lipsticks. The reds and deep browns I enjoyed in my 30's don't look good on me now. So why, then, do I have 6 tubes of them in my makeup drawer?

    I love the IT CC cream. That is what I use too. I love that it is a moisturizer, foundation, primer, and sunscreen in one.

    I use a shampoo/body wash combo from the Honest Company. I like that 2 separate bottles don't need to take up space in the shower.

    I wish my hair was your beautiful silver. Sadly, my gray is the white kind. I don't like it, so I am still coloring.

    It's great to catch up.

    Love,
    Patti

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  23. I am a declutterer, too. I recently spent some time looking for a basic moisturiser and a basic lotion, which would cover all my needs. I found some which were cruelty free, only had a few ingredients, were remarkably cheap,so when I've gone through my current 'stuff', I shall use them, instead. I have two stashes of makeup: I weirdly can use either pinky or peachy blusher and lipstick, so I like to have both. I'm also working my way through 3 (yes... 3!) foundations. But, yes, we don't need much.

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  24. Thanks for sharing your beauty routine. My list resembles your final list (without the foundation and mascara).I've completely given up make up items (except for lipstick and lipgloss).

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  25. Deborah,
    Wow I guess you did declutter! I have a pretty small collection of favorite beauty products. I don't like the way my face feels with make up on it. I do love a nice moisturizer and don't go out of the house without eyeliner. Not much else on a daily basis though!!! Have a nice weekend! Linda

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  26. I wanted to ask what you thought of Cindy Joseph's BOOM product - I have been tempted to try it! Please let me know...

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