Tips for a Simpler Cosmetics Routine

Here’s a common problem for many women: a messy drawer or basket full of cosmetics. Even ladies who don’t wear makeup tend to have a box full of half-used cosmetics. The problem gets even worse if you subscribe to any kind of monthly subscription of cosmetics, like Ipsy or Birch Box, which are incredibly popular these days. It can get crazy in there real fast.

I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but I was struggling with extra mascaras, ever so many lipsticks, partially used foundations, and B.B. creams that just didn’t work. Clearing out my makeup drawer made mornings so much simpler and faster, since I wasn’t having to dig around for what I wanted.

It will make your mornings so much easier if you can simplify that mass of makeup into only the products you use daily. Think about creating a “5-minute face” with just the minimal products so you can be primped and out that door quickly. Store the special occasion make-up in another basket or bin, out of the way of your daily cosmetics, so it’s easy to access but not in your way every day.

Here’s my version of the 5-minute face that greatly simplified my makeup basket.

1. Tinted moisturizer with sunscreen — it gives a hint of color plus sun protection in one.
2. Bronzer or blush — I always use a little bronzer or blush because otherwise, I’m pasty and pale. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly.
3. Mascara — accentuates my eyes without needing eyeliner and shadow.
4. Finishing powder — again just a little brushed across my t-zone so I’m not so shiny.
5. Lip color — this is what really makes me look “done.” As long as my lips are on point, I’m good. I’m not very good at reapplying though, so finding this product was a game-changer for me.

When Red Gate Beauty offered me the opportunity to try out cult favorite Lipsense, I was curious. Does it really last all day as fans claim? That would simplify that whole pesky reapplication process AND let me declutter all the half-used not-quite-right lippies cluttering my basket, my purse, the counter, you name it.

I chose the Napa color Lipsense with matte gloss. Application is pretty easy — three coats that you let dry before coating in the gloss. I checked my lips all day long. The color was still there, just like it was in the morning! No reapplication of color! It is smudge-proof, waterproof, and kiss-proof. I love how it’s lead-free, wax-free, gluten-free, vegan, and not tested on animals.

Now I did have to reapply the gloss several times — without it, my lips felt dry. But clear gloss is so much easier to apply than needing a mirror and steady hand for color reapplication! Removal was easy — I used some micellar water to wipe it off.

I received a set of Lipsense color and gloss for review purposes from Red Gate Beauty. This fair and honest review contains my own opinions and does not reflect the views of any other third-party. I have received no other compensation for this review. This is disclosed in accordance with FTC guidelines.