10 Products You Can Skip for a Simpler, Stunning Routine

Truth be told, the beauty industry has transformed into an intricate maze of unimaginable proportions featuring countless “must have” products that seek to sculpt your face into a proverbial work of art. However, I am here to tell you that it’s much easier than what it seems. I’ve been a makeup lover for years, so I completely understand the struggle of wanting every product and tool available, from eye glitter to contour kits, only to come to the epiphany that having less to work with is more liberating. Whether you’re a working-class woman, a mother, or simply an individual looking to enjoy a refreshed routine without spending too much money, this article is tailored just for you. I am now ready to give you 10 straightforward and effective strategies for cutting back on fuss when it comes to makeup while looking your absolute best. Are you ready to declutter your makeup collection and save money in the process? Let’s get started!

1. Toss the Primer – Your Moisturizer can do the job

Every tutorial you follow always emphasizes the need for primer to set your skin up as a blank canvas for makeup application, and for good reason. But what if I told you that if your skincare routine is at an optimal level, you might not need the extra help? You could, in fact, achieve the same results with a good moisturizer or hydrating sunscreen that will serve as a smoother for the foundation.

I would layer primer and use it religiously, until I discovered that my Oola Hendrickson Peptide Boost Moisturizer did it quite well itself. Cleanse, exfoliate bi-weekly, and hydrate deeply, and you’re all set. For a demonstration of multitasking moisturizers, check out this Instagram post. Now, go ahead and save primer for special occasions or skip it entirely.

2. Skip Colour Correctors (A Good Concealer Is Enough)

Colour correctors work perfectly for addressing redness or dark circles, but more often than not, they overcomplicate the process. Your corrector needs to be concealed to some extent, hence needing a concealer on top—not exactly ideal. A quality concealer that is close to your skin tone will take care of most problems. For example, my experience with green correctors for redness resulted in a messy, flaky fiasco. Creamy concealers that blend well are more than competent. In extreme cases, like with very intense dark circles, a corrector might come in handy, but in everyday situations? Absolutely not.

3. One Brush or Sponge Is Adequate 

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had the itch to purchase one of those elaborate makeup foundation brush sets. Me! But believe me, one good brush or beauty sponge will do the trick. Brushes provide more coverage while sponges offer a more natural look. I used to struggle with using three brushes and thought that made me a pro, but in the end, my sponge did it all. Choose one tool and make it your own. The clutter goes away, the confusion melts, and your makeup will still be immaculate.  

4. Forget About Face Palettes (Pick Individual Face Gems). 

All-in-one face palettes containing blush, bronzer, and highlighters are appealing. But, spoiler alert: the colours almost never match your skin tone perfectly. Wasted product? Absolutely. Instead, purchase individual products that are meant for you. For medium olive skin, mauve blushes and terracotta bronzers are my go-to. For those with fair skin, try soft pinks. For deeper skin tones, berry or plum shades would be suitable. As I did with my holy-grail blush, go to drugstores or ultra to test out the shades. Your face deserves pigments that illuminate it, rather than deepen the shadows.

5. Contour Kits? Nah, Use Eyeshadow Instead

Chiselling cheekbones seem to require contouring, but the oversized kits most certainly can be done without. A neutral or cool toned eyeshadow palette works as well for sculpting. Personally, no one has ever noticed the difference when I used matte brown eyeshadow for contouring. For anything besides stage makeup, there’s no need for a contour kit. That’s one less thing to stow away, and a lot of money saved. 

6. One Brow Product Does the Trick

Perfect Instagram brows can easily be achievable without needing a brow gel, pencil, or powder. In fact, a single tinted brow gel does the trick. It adds colour, holds, and fluffs all in one swipe. The polished look that takes time is easily achievable by a mid-step, which I permanently achieved by layering products. If you’re new to the world of brow products, you can start off with gel as a first step. Eyebrow pencils are abundant and inexpensive, but gel is like the Swiss army knife.

7. No Eyeshadow Primer Required (Concealer Works Just as Well)

Eyeshadow primers are more effective than a dab of concealer for most people, but in my case, concealer works just as well as a primer. Concealer does the trick at keeping eyeshadow in place for daily wear, even with my greasy lids. I tested this during a sweaty summer wedding, and my smoky eye survived the event. If you have very oily lids, a primer might be useful, but most people do not need this extra step in their makeup routine.

8. Two Eyeshadow Palettes Will Suffice

Colourful eyeshadow palettes are a great addition to any makeup collection, but let’s face it—most of us only use four to five shades. Instead of collecting every new palette on the market, I recommend investing in two: a colorful palette, and a neutral one for everyday use. I learned this the hard way after buying a third palette that went untouched. Your makeup bag will not only feel lighter, but your budget will too. For ideas on how to select versatile palettes, check out this Instagram reel.

9. Lash Primer? Use a Good Mascara Instead

Although lash primers are designed to define lashes, a good mascara can volumize, lengthen, and lift lashes without the extra step. One time I tried a lash primer and it made my lashes impossible to separate. If applied correctly, mascara will give you all the drama you need. Visit stores and experiment with a few to find your favourite—personally, I swear by the ones that have a curved wand because they provide extra curl. No primer is needed, and your lashes will look stunning.

10. Two Lip Liners Cover It All

For every lipstick would be over doing it, however a lip liner does pair wonderfully with almost all lipsticks. A nude and a red lip liner will cover 99% of all lipsticks from pink to berry. Better yet, precision can be achieved by using a lip brush without needing to rely on a lip liner. Once I realized how versatile my nude lip liner was, I got rid of what felt like a dozen lip liners. This not only saves time, but space, allowing you to stash away lipsticks you love.

Wow, that was a lot of information but it’s all about simplifying and optimizing your makeup routine. You definitely don’t need to throw everything out all at once; start small by not using one or two products that feel repetitive. Play around with tips like these and enjoy the confidence that comes with an effortless routine. Remember- achieving that effortless look is easier than you think. Which product do you think you can say goodbye to first? Continue the discussion in the comments below.