Girl talk… :)
I have the same philosophy for makeup as I do for my clothes: I love makeup but I hate owning anything that I don’t use. I really try to edit my collection as much as possible and I think twice about every single thing I buy. I’ve tried lots of different systems for storing my makeup, and right now I am storing everything in an acrylic office organiser from MUJI. I love it because it is so compact, it takes up the least possible amount of space and I can see all the products at once. MUJI has lots of different versions of organisers, but I chose this one because I mainly have tall pencil-shaped items. Of course I use some of the products more than others, the key items are those that I need for everyday (see below). For special occasions or just when I want to mix things up I have a range of lip colours and three coloured mascaras. I also have a set of ten mini Urban Decay 24/7 liners, which can be applied as eyeshadows as well.
Splurge or Save
People have commented before on my nail polish posts asking me if I think it is worth it to buy expensive products rather than cheaper ones. I think it mainly depends on the type of product and whether you are willing to pay more for such things as longevity and pigmentation. My foundations/tinted moisturiser are higher-end, because I think for face products it usually pays to spend a bit more for a better formula and a broader colour range. My favourite mascara is from Clinique,because I couldn’t find a drugstore one that is as long-wearing. The rest of my make up is from are the drugstore.
Everyday Make up Routine
I don’t have one set routine for everyday, but I have something like a hierarchy of three steps. Depending on my plans for the day I do the whole thing or just one or two.
Step 1: Absolute Basics. Staying at home, going to class, lazy weekends
- Tinted Moisturizer: I use Benefit’s YouRebel in Lite as my moisturiser every morning. It’s super rich and I would only recommend it for normal/dry or dry skin types.
- Blush: Benefit Sugarbomb. It’s a really nice peachy pink with a little bit of shimmer.
- Any lip product: I always apply either lip balm, gloss or a sheer lipstick, anything that is quick and easy to apply. At the moment this Model’s Own one is my favourite. It looks nothing like the colour in the tube, it’s a super sheer glossy berry.
Step 2: Polish. This step doesn’t really make me look any more made-up than the first step alone, but slightly more polished, and it adds some definition to my eyes.
- Concealer: I use Bobbi Brown Foundation stick in warm ivory as a concealer, wherever I need it, which is usually under my eyes and on my cheeks to cover redness)
- Mascara: My favourite mascara is the long-wearing one from Clinique. I hate it when mascara smudges, and this one is one of very few I found that stays put and holds a curl until you remove it (Tarte’s 4 day mascara is another, but much harder to find). I like it because I don’t need to use an extra eye makeup remover at night, as it dissolves with warm water.
- Eyebrows: I never used to do anything with my eyebrows, but recently I discovered how much of a difference some eyebrow gel makes. I also use an eyebrow pencil sometimes, usually when I know there will be pictures taken. For everyday I put on some clear Barry M mascara.
Step 3: Colour. This step finally adds some colour and I think of it as the “real” makeup part, as opposed to the no- makeup makeup look that it’s been so far. I do all three steps whenever I’m doing something fun but day-timey, like going somewhere with my boyfriend or meeting friends.
- Lip stain: Maybelline in blush is a berry shade, and I wear it underneath the gloss or balm from step one.
- Eyeliner: I apply Barry M’s black marker on the upper waterline and sometimes also a tiny bit on the lower lash line.
- Eye shadow: I use Barry M’s Shimmering Eye and Lip Crayon in a light sand shade. I apply it in the inner and outer corners of my eye.
This is my make up after step 2:
I use all the other products in my collection for a nighttime looks but also sometimes I feel like doing something fun during the day too. My favourite way to do this at the moment is applying a sheer, bright lip colour. I love these Nivea Beaute lipsticks for that. I’ve had them all for ages, they are nearly used up which is sad because I haven’t found a good alternative yet.
I actually just came back to re-read this post as I’m currently trying to reorganise and cut down my own makeup collection (I’ll be honest, mostly just reorganising it…) and it’s very inspirational!
However on a second look I also noticed that you have the skindinavia makeup mist and I wondered whether you could tell us what you think of it? I’ve been considering buying it but I’d love to hear your opinion beforehand!
Thanks for your beautiful blog, it’s my favourite read at the moment! :D
Aw, thanks! Skindinavia does exactly what it promises to do, I put it on after all my other make up and everything stays in place until I take it off. i bought it especially to keep blush and foundation from fading, and it works really well. It also kind of locks in all my eye make up, so mascara, eyeliner, shadow… everything stays on and doesn’t smudge. it doesn’t really do anything to cream-based lip stuff or lip gloss though, but that’s fine as those are easy to reapply. Hope that helps!
Sounds great – thanks! Might have to take the plunge then, if it’s really worth the money! :)
Love it! I’m reading your blog religiously now, thanks for the brilliant posts
Been looking at the Muji drawers for a while, but decided to get a few container store 3 drawers instead. Like your collection!! :)
I love your view on makeup, it’s so refreshing to see someone use all of their makeup products, I’ve seen so many HUGE overwhelming collections that…it’s just not cool anymore
Just felt in love with your things, your blog and your hair! xoxo
I never tried a lip stain before. I’ve always just used a gloss, which never stays on for more than an hour. Thanks for these incredible tips! I love this blog.
I want a MUJI organiser now! It’s amazing looking in your organiser how many makeup products we have in common (urban decay eye pencils, clinique mascara & youRebel Benefit)! I love your blog and am definitely going to try the au naturale look, thanks for the tips! :)
LOVE LOVE LOVE the simplicity of the set up! It looks so accessible and neat. I have been on a mission to reorganize my collection and this definitely provided some inspiration. Thanks!
Molly
I also use Bobbi Brown Oil Free and I really like it…the first one that looks good for hours…ok with a hint of powder on top
You’re so organized! I love it
I loved this post!! You’ve inspired me to EDIT EDIT EDIT my make up case and do a similar post! Loved it!
I’m constantly on the lookout for the “perfect” organizer for my makeup and this is the second time I’ve seen Muji mentioned in the past few days! I would need one of the four drawer ones, I think :)
Some very good tips here. Thanks as I am always looking to improve my look.
I have to say this, I am so inspired by you! Your website, and your pictures look so clean and pretty! I am very inspired by your style! Lisa
I believe I have the exact same makeup organizer and I too use Benefit’s sugar bomb. I used to be a makeup artist in a spa during my summers off from college and it was so much fun. You’re gorgeous by the way!
Stellar organization skills!!
I love the way you organised your collection, also your makeup steps are awesome, there are some products mentioned that I’ve never used but I wana try now, such as the Barry M Lip & Eye Crayon, :)
You have inspired me to look at my own organisation and maybe blog about that too. Interestingly as you are a psychology graduate, did you know that the shape that you wear your lipsticks into is supposed to give an insight into your personality? This may not be scientifically proven, but my notes say “On The Level – There won’t be any funny business from you. You tell it just like it is, just like your flat-topped lipstick. And even though you’re often shy, we know still waters run deep. And you thrive in challenging situations. But watch out! Your conservative tendencies may mean you have a high need for approval. Forget about everyone else,
and remember that you’re a romantic and a dreamer underneath. As far as friends go, you’re true-blue. And
there’s no bigger compliment in the world than that.” That is what your lipstick shape reveals! How accurate is it for you?
Haha, yeah some parts are true :)
But I guess their predictions are like horoscopes, i.e. would fit most people.
i love your makeup organization, it looks so pretty! and i love how you used rice hehe, very cute!!
xoxo, kristina
btw – you’re gorgeous!!
Ohh so organized.
I always START to do the same, but end up a mess.
Btw, you are gorgeous.
That Make up Organiser is the best christmas presents I received. (imagine getting excited over plastic boxes!) I went and bought another 10! I’m a make up artist so I think thats almost acceptable! Love you blog Missy. xx
Just reorganised my closet, clothes, shoes, handbags and all including my drawers with socks, stockings Pj’s, shorts and tops! Still have my jewelry drawer to organise and now my make-up basket. On the lookout for jewelry organsier, make-up box and hat boxes. The clean up was worth it, although it took me all afternoon! Charity and thirft stoes will be the benefactors! It feels so good!
Great organization method, and your makeup is just gorgeous!
I love that you look as if you are hardly wearing make up. you´re beautiful!
Oh, i love the ide with the rice to make it all stand neat!! looks great, and love your products!!
thanks for a great tip.
love K
Ooh!!! I love this idea. I’ve storing my stuff in a old Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy perfume box with Adriana Lima. I love it, but I basically just throw everything in there. This has totally inspired me to redo the way I organize my makeup and beauty products.
Love the Muji Organizer! Great idea!
OMG!! You are so organized!! I LOVE it!!! I own a ton of Makeup and do not use at least 50% of it. I think string it where you can see it makes so much sense. I agree as far as nail polishes, I usually buy whatever brand has the coolest colors. But for my face or eyes, I stick to MAC.
Great Idea!
As an old fart, American male, most of this is as foreign to me as quantum physics. As a photographer who loves doing portraits, I think the results are very good. Nice article.
This is great!! And I love the organization!! Def going to try to mascara :)
http://www.LoveandIDo.wordpress.com
Ahh girly you are super cute! Love how organized you are too!
I had a conversation with a friend last night about if splurging on nail polish is worth it. I had a pricier brand on my nails the other day and it still chipped in 2 days, even with a top coat. Unless they’re making colors I can’t find somewhere else, I’m find with the less expensive versions. As for my face – I agree. I don’t mess around with eye makeup. I have sensitive eyes, so I make sure to buy high quality mascara to avoid irritation. As for your makeup routine – your makeup looks so natural, and you look beautiful! Thanks for the tips :)
I love this. I have the same philosophy: I love clothes/shoes/makeup/anything but I refuse to own anything that I won’t use and I perform a ‘spring cleaning’ almost every season!
I really like your organization idea. It really inspires me to go to MUJI to get that organizer! Thanks for sharing!