My Tiny Makeup Collection

If you thought my makeup collection was miniscule before, you'll be amazed now.

I've never been all that into makeup.  Makeup to me has always been more of a necessity than a perk.  I have friends with insane makeup collections who go nuts over the latest eye palettes and miracle mascaras.  I simply can't relate to their obsession, nor can I afford it.

I guess I embrace the French "no makeup look."  A swipe of powder, a smidge of blush, curl eyelashes, apply 1 coat of mascara and run out the door.  I don't like to look too made up, like I spent hours on my face and hair. I'd rather be the "girl next door" than the "glamour girl."  I'm also kind of lazy and I'm not a morning person, which is probably a big part of it.

So that made decluttering my makeup collection super easy.  I was already down to a small makeup bag of essentials, like a few dior eyeshadow quads, a couple eyeliners, mascara, blush, and powder foundation.  But lately, I've been wanting to pare down EVEN MORE.  I decided I'd toss everything and try to find more natural/hypoallergenic versions of the products I love. Things I can wear everyday.  It's nice (some might say boring) to have a simple makeup routine that I can practically do in my sleep, that involves no major decisions in the morning.

Here's what I now own and use daily:

• Face:  
  
  
  

1. Foundation: Erzulie Cream to Powder foundation in Medium Light (on etsy).  It took me a week or two to figure out if I really like this foundation.  My verdict is YES.  While it takes a little time to apply just right without streaking (compared to my old favorite, Laura Gellar powder foundation) it is super light, soft, and does cover well without caking.  And it's so natural you can practically eat it for breakfast. It's also affordable, so I can buy a new one each season when my skin tone changes a bit. 
2. Bronzer/blush combo:  Mineral Fusion "Blonzer".  Easy to apply, and impossible to over-apply.  I, like everyone, loved Nars blush, but found it was so pigmented that I often over-did it.  This blush is soft and natural looking.  
3. Primer:  Ok, so I normally don't use primer, but this came to me as a free sample from 100% Pure Cosmetics (full size!!!), and I instantly fell in love.  It is made of totally pure ingredients, and it makes my foundation that much easier to apply.  It reminds me of Dr. Feelgood from Benefit, but without the chemical crap.

• Lips:  

1. Lipstick:  100% Pure Lip Glaze in Rosehip.  Smooth as butter, pretty long lasting for a natural product, and once again, so pure I could eat it.  
2. Lipstick #2: 100% Pure Lip Creme Stick in Perfect Naked Mauve.  
3. Lip Stain:  100% Pure Lip Stain in Cherry.  Once again, I don't normally wear lip stain, but this came to me as a FULL SIZE free sample and I adore it!  It's for days when I want a brighter, punchier color on my lips.  
4. Chapstick:  Trader Joe's Lip Virtuoso.  

• Eyes:  
  

1. Mascara:  Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes.  So Tarte isn't totally natural, but it's the best I've found so far.  I am still on the lookout.  
2. Eyeliner:  Mineral Fushion Eye Pencil in Touch.  I picked this one because it's the exact shade of bronze-brown that I like, but I can't say I'm totally smitten with this particular eyeliner.  I can't expect it to be as pigmented or long-lasting as a chemical eyeliner, so it'll do until I find that perfect one.  
3. Eyeshadow:  100% Pure Dual Ended Cremestick in Cotton/Silk.  It's fabulous.  I've always loved chubby stick shadows.  These are soft and smooth to apply, and last pretty well.  

And that, my friends, is my entire makeup collection.  About 10 items.  Can you believe it?  I did save my old Naked eye palette, red lipstick, and black eyeliner to wear to weddings or very special occasions, but those are tucked far away in the closet.  

My final thoughts: 

• Switching to natural cosmetics was just bound to happen.  I have been on the path for awhile, I just needed to commit to it. 



Some more free samples I haven't tried yet!  

•  But natural products can be really weak and pricey and lackluster (plus the packaging is often so cheesy).  That's why I am so glad I found 100% Pure Cosmetics.  This post is not sponsored by 100% Pure Cosmetics, in case you are suspicious.  I found out about them in a magazine article about Shailene Woodley.  She's a natural hippie chick and totally raved about this company.  I love all 3 items I purchased from them, and adore all 5 free samples they sent, worth almost double what I ordered.  They have pretty packaging, everything smells light and natural, and I just can't stop raving.  
• I love the fact that I am so picky about what I put on my face.  I find that magazine makeup ads and department store displays don't tempt me at all because I know none of the products are natural.  For you makeup fiends, going natural is one easy way to make sure you don't splurge on makeup.   You just won't be bombarded by temptation.  
• Some of the items I bought are a little pricier than what I might normally buy, but that's the awesome thing about having a capsule collection.  I feel no pressure to buy a ton of trendy colors because my goal is just to look like a prettier version of myself.  Just like with my wardrobe, I can spend a little more on each item because I'm buying classics that I will wear for a long time.  
• The hardest part about this process is throwing away all the old stuff.  Unlike clothes, I can't really donate or give away my old stuff.  It has to go to the landfill.  Just one more reason to be really picky about what I buy in the first place.  

Anyone have any natural products they love?  In particular, a mascara or black eyeliner???  Share below!

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Minimal Wardrobe Spring Update

Remember that one time I took pictures of each and every item of clothing I own and posted it online? Well, most of those clothes I still wear constantly.  In fact, many are literally worn out.  In anticipation of Spring (it already feels like summer here in the OC!) I purged again.  I got rid of tops and sweaters that were looking shabby, a few tops that shrank funny, and some of my dresses that look a little too "junior department."

 I'm lucky here in California- my wardrobe doesn't change much from season to season, but it does require a little tweaking.  I'll move my sweaters and jackets to the back of my closet, and bring the sundresses to the front, because I basically live in sundresses in Spring and Summer.  Because I purged a bit, I'm allowing myself to replenish.  Meaning, I get to shop :)

But shopping means something very different to me now.  Here's how my shopping strategy has changed.

2.  I only go into my favorite stores.  Much of my new wardrobe comes from Zara, Loft, Nordstrom Rack, and Max Studio because they usually have items that fit my subtly feminine vacation style and they are affordable.  I hit those places first. I steer clear of Forever 21 and similar stores because the clothes don't last.  Surprisingly, my Target clothes hold up really well, so I still shop there sometimes.

3.  I only buy things that fit me well.  This means I have to try stuff on.  If I'm too lazy to lug Sisi's stroller into the dressing room and try it on, then I obviously don't need it.  I don't shop on the internet as much for this reason.  Even with free returns, I end up keeping items that don't fit me perfectly because it's a pain to send them back.

4.  I avoid clearance racks.  Ever notice how the stuff on clearance is usually very eye-catching, but a little weird or colorful or kitschy?  For example, I bought a pair of khakis with lobsters all over them because they were on clearance.  Guess what?  I wore them twice and then donated them.  I don't live in the Hamptons and attend clam bakes on a regular basis. But they looked so cute on the rack!

The classics, like a perfect black blazer, can rarely be found on clearance.

5.  I take my sweet time.  Since I'm already content with my wardrobe, there is no pressure to buy quickly.  I'm checking off my list one by one over the course of many many mall trips.  If I don't find my perfect skinny jeans or sandals right away, who cares?  I have a closet full of items I really love.  No rush.

6.  Self-awareness. I know my body and what looks good on me.

• I am fairly pear shaped- I wear a small on top, and a medium on the bottom.  Therefore, patterned jeans, short skirts, and white pants can look awful on me (much to my chagrin! I LOVE patterned jeans and white pants.)

• I have a small head for my body. V-necks, scoop necks and boat-necks tend to balance out my small head and even out my pear shape.  Sometimes I do buy crew necks, but I usually regret it.

• I have this in-between half-Asian skin tone.  Soft pastels, especially lavender, just don't look great on me.  I'm not sure why.  I'm also coming to terms with the fact that gray is not my best color. 

• I am short.  5' 2" to be exact.  So crazy patterns, layers, and ruffles seem to overpower my short frame. I get a little jealous of my tall skinny friend Angel who can literally wear 5 layers in all different patterns and not be swallowed up in them. 

7.  Picked a base color (black) for most of my core items.  Most, but not all, of my basic items are black.  Most women have an assortment of black, navy, camel, brown and gray basics in their closets.  We feel like we need all the neutrals. That means we also need a bunch of different shoes and possibly purses to coordinate. But I find if I stick to black, I can mix and match just about everything.  My Grandma would roll her eyes if she saw how much black is in my closet.  "Ladies don't wear black!" was her motto.  Her closet looked like an Easter basket, no joke.

So, here is my Spring/Summer shopping list.  I found some of the items already, and some I'm still researching.

1.  TAN SANDALS.  I am tempted to just re-buy these Franco Sarto ones from last year that I basically wore  to death.  They are the most comfy and versatile sandals I've ever owned.

2.  GOLD OR COLORED SANDALS. Corso Como Bronte sandals in mint.

3.  A FEW PERFECT T SHIRTS  Loft linen T's are so comfy, and the scoop neck is flattering on me. Just don't accidentally dry them in the dryer!  They shrink like crazy.

4.  CLASSIC CHAMBRAY SHIRT. Found one at Old Navy with a slight stretch that is long enough to wear buttoned with leggings, but light enough to tie over a sundress.

5.  FLATTERING SKINNY JEANS Paige Verdugo Ankle fits me great!  They are supposed to be slightly cropped, but I'm really short so they look full-length on me.  

6.  BLACK LEGGINGS My old pair has a big hole in the butt, pointed out to me by my toddler.  Gapbody has the softest, sturdiest leggings that I've found.

8.  3 EVERYDAY DRESSES  I already purchased 2, but need one more.  Jersey fabric is my favorite.

9.  ONE COCKTAIL DRESS  Found this at Macy's and will be wearing it to weddings this Summer.  The cutout is cute. I am usually wary of cutouts.  I mean, I don't mind showing off my slender ribcage, but side cutouts near my love-handles?  No thanks!

10.  BLACK MAXI SKIRT.  Something not too flared.
11.  PERFECT BLACK BIKINI.  Retro style maybe? Something I can surf in.  Let me know if you have suggestions.

12.  TWO BRAS I am a huge fan of Gap's Modal Pullover Bra.  I'm pretty flat-chested, so I don't need underwire or even cups for that matter.

And that's about all I need to complete my Spring/Summer wardrobe.  What are your shopping strategies??  

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Minimal Wardrobe: Define Your Style

In my closet, you'll find about 15-20 of my favorite pieces of clothing, and a LOT of empty hangers.   I seriously wear the same 10-12 outfits in rotation. I am not even bored with them, thanks to my new minimalist wardrobe.

No matter how many pieces of clothing in my wardrobe, I felt like I had nothing to wear.  My wardrobe had no cohesive style.  I had preppy shift dresses, bohemian blouses, nautical blazers and casual flannels all crammed together.  I also had clothes in every color under the sun, even in washed out pastels, which I've come to realize look awful on me.

So, the first step to ending this cycle of endless buying was to define my style.  Who am I?  What image do I want to portray through my wardrobe?  I came up with this:  
"Subtly feminine, comfy casual with a vacation vibe."  

Let's break it down.
-Subtly feminine:  I am girly, but not overly frou frou.  I feel silly in too many ruffles, bows and bling, maybe because I'm so short.  I also gravitate toward bolder colors, like jewel tones and bright corals, rather than girly pastels.  But I still like to look like a woman.  I prefer dresses to pants, and I hardly ever wear "sporty" clothes.

-Comfy casual:    Casual clothes just fit my lifestyle best- it's pretty much the norm here in OC. Soft, natural fabrics like cotton, jersey, linen and bamboo are my favorites. Anything that must be drycleaned is probably too fancy for me.  I usually go easy on the accessories, opting for a tiny pendant necklace and maybe a pair of earrings.

-Vacation vibe:  Think casual sundresses, pretty sandals, maxi skirts with tissue thin T-shirts, boyfriend jeans with light blouses,  and rompers.  Anything you might want to wear while vacationing in the Greek Isles or someplace tropical.     Don't confuse this with teeny bopper Roxy stuff, because I'm 30 years old now, and trying to move on from this juvenile style (but I confess I'm wearing a billabong dress from Tilly's right now!) I'm aiming for confident world traveler, not skater girl.  Of course, this beachy look can be a little out of place in the Winter time, and I need to adjust to darker colors and layers.  But thankfully, "Winter" in Southern California pretty much means throwing a cardigan and boots on over your summer clothes, so I don't need two separate wardrobes for "warm weather" and "cold weather" clothes.

Here is an example of looks that I think I would wear over and over again, and feel completely like myself in.

Derek Lam Dress.
Calvin Klein Maxi Dress.
Maxi Skirt and Camisole.
Boyfriend Jeans outfit.
BCBGeneration Romper.

Once I defined my style, I purged my closet of ANYTHING that didn't quite fit.  Even if the item was beautiful, expensive, or got lots of compliments when I wore it, I was totally brutal and donated it if it didn't suit my beachy, casual lifestyle.  I did keep a few dressier pieces for weddings and parties, but just a few.

So, if you had to define your style in one sentence, what would it be? I've gotten really good at defining other peoples' styles.  My childhood best friend Julie's look is "textural bohemian with an edge."  My bff Angel's look is "quirky, colorful and layered, purposefully mis-matched."   Everyone has a style, whether or not their wardrobe actually reflects it.  I guarantee you'll love your wardrobe a lot more if it does.  I'll be writing more about my minimalist wardrobe in upcoming posts!

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