I was doing a HUGE clear out of makeup and other beauty products this week, when I realised just how much I’d accumulated over time. Now, don’t get me wrong, I needed a clear out of old/expired products anyway. But I also got rid of so much stuff that I just don’t use anymore!

It’s mostly all about time. It’s not that I’ve lost interest in makeup, or any the beauty products I used to use (not at all!). I just barely have time to shower and dry my hair these days, so I’ve had to be super selective in what stays in my day to day routine.

The most common things I cleared out were;

Skincare

I know it’s important, but I need to stick to the essentials. No more multiple step routines day and night for me. I use micellar water, moisturiser (whether cream or in a facial spritz), an eye cream, and a facial scrub in the shower. These are what I’ve decided I need most, and are super quick and easy for me, so they fit into even the busiest of days.

Eyeshadow palettes

I adore eyeshadow, in every single colour! And I’ve always been experimental in the past too. No colour has scared me, and I loved trying matte, glitter, shimmer, glossy, whatever! I’d have it all. However these days, I stick to what I know I love, and more neutral looks. This is simply because it’s easiest as a busy mum running out the door trying to get a toddler to nursery on time. I tend to look best in mauve and brown colours, so one of my Naked eyeshadow palettes is ideal for this. I’ve kept a few other palettes that would be good for nice occasions (if life ever gets back to normal!); but otherwise this was the biggest clear out I did. I got rid of over 20 palettes (I know, *CRY*).

Lipsticks

Okay this is going to be the lamest, most MUM answer ever… but the reason I’ve stopped wearing lipstick as much, is because I kiss my little boy too much! I know, I know, so cheesy. It’s true though. And since I kiss him roughly 50 times a day, it becomes tedious trying to clean lippie off a toddlers face, and he gets annoyed too! So rather than stop being affectionate, I’ve given up on lippie! I’ve saved a few ultimate faves (Urban Decay ones mostly!) but the rest are now gone! I stick to tinted lip balms, or matte liquid lipsticks which I know wont transfer.

Those three things are the most notable thing I got rid of recently, and the bag was absolutely full of products in the end. It’s a shame they couldn’t be given away, but because of the pandemic it was impossible sadly.

These days I’ll be living a simpler life with a simpler beauty routine, and it works for me! Maybe one day when I’m not so rushed with a toddler, I can indulge in all the beauty again!

Do any other mums understand this? And if so, let me know what left your beauty routine! 🙂