Simplify your routine and shrink your footprint: discover the beauty of minimal, sustainable makeup.

Minimal makeup is about enhancing your natural beauty while reducing your environmental impact. It reduces consumption and minimizes waste, creating a mindful approach to beauty.

The Minimal Makeup Look

This simple makeup routine focuses on enhancing your natural beauty with just a few key steps. It starts with taking care of your skin first, then adds a touch of color and definition where it counts. Let’s get started!

• Skincare First: The most basic skincare regimen includes a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and an SPF. Adjust and add products as needed depending on your specific needs.
• Conceal or Foundation: For minor adjustments, just dab a little concealer. Use it if you just want to cover a spot or under your eyes. For minimal all-over coverage, try a tinted moisturizer. If you like more coverage, use a lightweight foundation. No matter what you choose, I highly suggest it has extra SPF.
• Add some color (optional): On your cheeks, use a cream blush or subtle bronzer. For your lips, try tinted lip balm or a nude lipstick.
• Natural Eyebrows: Defined brows can frame your face and enhance your features. Use a brow gel or a clear mascara to brush them into place. Fill in if needed.
• Simple Eyes: Mascara can brighter your eyes and make you look more awake.

That’s all there is to it! This easy makeup routine prioritizes healthy skin and enhances your features with minimal effort. Focus on skincare first. Then, add a few well-chosen products. This way, you can feel confident and look great every day without spending hours in front of the mirror. Remember, it’s about enhancing your beauty, so adjust these steps to fit what makes you feel best.

Minimal Makeup Products

I want to start with this: The most sustainable product is the one you already own.

Sustainable living means we should be careful about the brands we choose. Look for companies that focus on less packaging for their products and practices that get their resources from ethical means. Also, check what’s in the products. Try to pick things that are natural, organic, and not tested on animals when you can. This can be better for your skin and also means fewer bad chemicals and harmful practices are needed.
Here are some more tips for selecting the perfect products for you:

• Invest in high quality multitasking products like a lip and cheek stain.
• Choose lightweight formulas for comfort and durability.
• Embrace your natural beauty and appreciate what makes you unique.

Make The Switch to Minimal Makeup

Want to make the switch? Here are some things to get started. You can find some ideas on how to add more sustainable items to your daily routine.

Assess What You Have

As I said before, the most sustainable products are the ones you already own. With that being said, take a look at your cosmetics and skincare items. Almost all of them have an expiration date. Using the product past that date can lead to skin irritation. In my case, it causes an allergic reaction that lasts for days. Here are some general shelf lives’:

• Mascara: 3-6 months
• Liquid Foundation: 6-12 months
• Concealer: 6-12 months
• Eyeshadow: 1-2 years (powder), 6-12 months (cream)
• Lipstick: 1-2 years
• Powder Products (blush, bronzer, etc.): 2-3 years

Clean Your Tools

Don’t forget to clean your makeup brushes and sponges! Dirty tools can harbor bacteria and affect how products react with your skin. Wash them with a gentle cleanser or brush cleaner.

Be Honest About Your Routine

What does your current routine look like? Do you have a handful of items that you use all the time, and the rest collect dust? Focus on keeping the products you use regularly and that fit your current style. Remember this when you are shopping for new items.

Consider Alternatives

There are so many DIY projects and formulas out there. You can make your own face masks. There are tips for mixing up a cream blush using a powder.

You can also look into zero-waste options. I use flannel fabric rounds in place of makeup rounds for makeup removal. Once my bag is full, I soak them in soapy water to remove the makeup. Then, I throw them in the washer.

Here is my bare minimum makeup and skincare. I usually have more skincare products, but when I have a skin reaction, I go back to the basics.

• Cleanser
• Lotion
• SPF
• Lip Balm
• Concealer
• Eyebrow Gel
• Mascara
• Cream Blush

By embracing minimal makeup, you’re not only simplifying your beauty routine but also contributing to a more sustainable future. It’s a small change with a big impact, proving that beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand.