Neutral Makeup and Pared Down Skincare

[1837Blue]

Today, I've thrown away ALL the lipsticks, foundation, concealer, blusher, eye shadow and mascara that were either out of date, an impulse purchase, unflattering shade, or just not quite right.

I now have two lipstick shades (one similar to Chanel Boy and one similar to Chanel Pink Delight), a black Primark mascara, clear lash gel for eyebrows (which I now dye at home every 6-8 weeks or so) and, a revelation, a slightly darker foundation and concealer than I've been used to.

I now feel so much more pulled together. The darker foundation gives me a healthy glow; DH was constantly telling me I looked pasty when I wore a shade close to my skin tone.

I've switched from cleansing foam, various moisturisers and Dermalex acne cream to washing with plain water and Simple soap and using a facial oil in the evenings and Simple spf30 moisturiser in the daytime. My skin feels soft, clean and clear for the first time in ages. I've binned all my other 'lotions and potions'.

We're away next week, and I'm looking forward to not having to travel with a massive toolbox full of every makeup and skincare item that I used to own.

Over the years, I've spent a fortune looking for the holy grail, and today I feel that I've finally nailed it.

Well done...but you'll get sucked back in!

I truly hope not @OnAMidnightTrainToGeorgia

Are you absolutely sure the foundation is right? Only asking because often it looks more natural to use a true match and warm it up a bit with bronzer. Are you matching to your face or your body?

I'm the same as you OP. I have a minimalist regime - exfoliate, face wash, moisturiser/ SPF.

Make up - light BB cream, 2 eyeshadows, 2 eye pencils, 2 lipsticks, mascara (I dye my brows).

I am not someone who can have tons of make up or clothes really. In my mid 40s I know exactly what works and no time or inclination to experiment.

It's nice! I feel put together but not overly done and I have headspace for every thing else.

Exactly @frootitootie . It is quite freeing to finally feel put together, I agree.

@fairyfluf the foundation tone is not massively dark, just a slightly darker one than I would normally wear. It does match my body skintone (not sure if that is the correct answer, but I think I look less mask like, if that makes sense).

Good for you. It's easy to get sucked into buying things we don't need, as seen in the latest magazine or insta.

I've got a fairly simple routine as well. Tinted moisturizer with spf, eyeliner, mascara and tinted balm. Clinique Black Honey is the best!

On summer days I finish with a SPF powder (Emminence).

Don't you take your makeup up with something or do you find the soap gets it off ok? I much prefer a simple skin care approach, my skin hates too many products.

Must admit going a shade or two darker in foundation was a revelation for me too. You don't have to have a big white pasty moon face! I don't do contour, bronzer etc just a bit of blusher.

@mdinbc when I was younger I spent an embarrassing amount on magazines, make up, skincare and fashion. It took me a long while to realise I was a (willing) victim of all the marketing hype.

In response to @notsuchafrugalkitty I find Simple soap, cool running water and a flannel is good enough.

We need to know which foundation please!

Yes @MorrisZapp it was a revelation.

The foundation was from Primark, @Lbsnged . Perfect Finish in shade 09 Sand.

Thanks OP. I'm covering a vocational Hair & Beauty course in school this year and we had an interesting session about products and what we use. I had them writing lists and some of them were really long. It was a pity to hear one of them talking about needing something for anti-ageing.....she's 13!

Which tinted moisturiser do you use as I am looking for one to use when I don't wear foundation?

I'm a skincare addict and have a lot of products that I rotate because it's almost a hobby of mine and my skin is fairy tolerant but makeup is much more pared down than it used to be. Daily face is tinted sunscreen, bit of concealer under my eyes, brow gel, mascara and some bronzer or blush with a tinted lip balm. Natural but put together, chucked all my eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks as I only wear the same two shades and didn't need a million options. Much cheaper and only takes 15 minutes to get ready now! Also most people really don't need foundation it looks unnatural and makes your face look one dimensional.

@notsuchafrugalkitty, influencers (and formerly advertisers and beauty editors in magazines) are doing such a good job, to persuade us to buy all these products, and from such a young age.

It took me a while to realise I didn't need to spend all the time.

I find if you take care of your skin there's no need for foundation. I'd say it's on the way to going out of fashion even.

I use a vit c serum, primer and a bit of face powder and I'm done.

Yes, the time (and money) saved is very welcome @NewbieSM.

I do prefer foundation to a tinted sunscreen or moisturiser, but totally agree about a simplified look. Please can you share your tinted sunscreen recommendations?

@1837Blue do you not want to add a separate spf to your routine?

That's very pared down @SecretShambles you must have great skin!

I do the same as you and wear a sheer foundation in a very slightly darker shade. You're right, it does give a healthier glow as long as it's not too dark. If I wear one that matches my skin then I get constantly asked if I'm feeling okay.

Spot on @StEtienne93.

Thanks to everyone for their comments so far. I've never posted on S&B before, but find this board to be lovely and supporting.

I have invested a lot in skincare and its paid off. May also be genetic.

I recommend the Sunday Riley ceo serum and moisturiser really does make skin glow from the inside.

@Britpopbaby I do use an spf moisturiser for daytime.

@SecretShambles thank you. I use a vit c serum/oil in the evenings. Can I do that?

Do whatever works for you.

I tend to use the serum day and night and in daytime the afterglow moisturiser which is a yellow gel creme, supposed to brighten the skin subtly.

I then use a Primer either charlottetilbury wonder Glow or by Terry hyaluronic

Then use givenchy prisme libre powder on top

That is very light coverage but I think we've been conditioned to think it's an awful sin to show your skin on your face. It isn't.

Vitamin C is better in the mornings.

No skincare needs to be complicated, most dermatologists agree that skin needs to be clean, hydrated, and protected. So a cleanser, a moisturizer and an SPF are "essentials".

Also once you start reading ingredients rather than brand names, it all slots into place that we are all encouraged to buy loads of things that all essentially do the same job. And spend money where it's not necessary - on cleansers for example when any cleanser you like goes down the sink in 30 seconds so even if it costs £50 it's doing nothing that the £2.50 from Superdrug isn't.