Shopping My Stash: A Beauty Addict’s Commitment to Being More Mindful, Less Wasteful and Nothing New in 2020
I love makeup and beauty products. I’m obsessed. Eyeshadow palettes, blushes, bronzers, highlighters…you name it, I have it. I have enough makeup to last a lifetime—and then some. The amount of products I have is unnecessary and overwhelming. Sucked in by influencer culture, wanting to keep on top of trends and try the newest products has led to an overabundance that’s almost suffocating. It’s just too much.
I’m almost embarrassed to show pictures of my collection. #nojudgementzone. Writing for Spa & Beauty Today and having worked for various makeup brands over the years, some of my collection was given to me (woot woot!). However, a majority of the products I have purchased myself.
2020 means a new year and a new start. A chance to reflect on the past and make better decisions moving forward.
As of today, I won’t be purchasing any new beauty products. For the WHOLE year! It may not seem like a big deal, but for me, it’s HUGE. I invite you to follow along with my journey as I use what I have, rediscover some oldies but goodies, and share my favorites along the way. 2020 is going to be a great year, especially for my wallet!
Current favorites:
L’Oréal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup: This is my current and rediscovered favorite. A great drugstore foundation, it gives you a dewy look without looking greasy. I have combination/oily skin and the buildable formula looks beautiful without being cakey. With SPF 20, it’s perfect for every day. For reference, I’m shade N3 neutral. It is available in 15 shades and costs $12.95.
Rodial Dragon’s Blood Essence Mist: As you can see, I’m more than halfway through this bottle. I’m going to be sad when it’s gone, but I have about 12 other bottles of setting spray/mist in my drawer that will last until 2021. Sorry, Rodial. Infused with Dragon’s blood (plant resin), this multitasking mist is amazing. I use it before and after makeup application to give the skin an added boost of hydration. It encourages cell renewal and increases elasticity. At $52, it’s not the least bit budget-friendly. It is awesome though, and if you’re looking to splurge on a skincare-infused face mist, it’s one to think about.
MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash: If my ridiculous stash of makeup didn’t already give me away, when it comes to makeup, I’m high-maintenance. This is my favorite mascara to use on my bottom lashes. I know, it’s ridiculous to have a different mascara for top and bottom lashes. The tiny brush and smudge-proof formula lends it self to use on bottom lashes and I’m not sorry about it. Once this runs out, I’ll be saving it and recycling it at MAC with through their Back 2 MAC program. If you didn’t know, you can return 6 empty containers to any MAC store or counter to be recycled and receive a free lipstick, lipgloss, or eyeshadow of your choice.
That’s where I’m at this week, friends. Slowly making my way through some of my favorite products. I’m really excited about this process and can’t wait to share some what else I’m loving in the coming weeks!
Tara KP Troszak is an LA-based lawyer, self-proclaimed cat lady, writer and freelance makeup artist for MAC cosmetics. She lives in the San Fernando Valley with her husband Nick and her cat Chevy. Follow her on Instagram: @makeupbytkp.