Well my friends, we made it through 2020. What. A. Year.

Obviously when I agreed to commit to not buying any makeup in 2020, I did not foresee the turn of events in the world.

If 2020 and not buying makeup has taught me anything, it has reinforced the power of makeup. Even during a time when everything is turned upside down, it’s amazing how a little mascara and some lipstick can change your mood.

I’m proud to say that I followed through with the challenge, didn’t cheat, used what I had and did not purchase one, single makeup item.  The entire year.  As a self-proclaimed shopaholic with a slight beauty obsession, I’d say it’s no small feat. 

At the end of the year and in anticipation of the online orders I was about to place, I went through and decluttered my stash, most of which I hadn’t touched all year.  I got rid of most of my old lip-glosses (not great under a mask), concealers, cream products and all things expired. 

Throughout the year, I was making a mental note of what I was actually using, new products that were launching, what I could live without and what I needed to re-purchase when the time came. As cliché as it sounds, #basic, I’ve come to appreciate the “less is more” and “appreciate what you have” mentality.  If I’m being honest, having so much stuff was just so overwhelming. It felt so good to get rid of things I was holding onto and I haven’t looked back. If you’re looking for some organization and tips on how to let things go – shout out to Bridget over @unclutterit. She’s definitely worth a follow. She really has changed my mindset about how I feel about “stuff.”

I was really good in 2020.  That being said, January 1st couldn’t come soon enough (for a lot of reasons) and I did buy a few things when the clock struck midnight.  Everything I bought had once been  had in my collection and needed to be replaced.  Okay fine, there were a few fun new things in there too because well – 2020 was not amazing and I wanted a little excitement.  Yep.  I said it. Sorry not sorry.  However, I was and continue to be lot more mindful in my purchases and why I’m buying what I’m buying.  I was able to narrow it down to things I really wanted to try,  and things I can’t live without.  You know what I mean.  I could live without makeup – but no.

The Blighlighter

Created by celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, the Blighlighter was on the top of my list for must haves in 2021.

I met Jamie at a beauty event in 2018, and have been a fan ever since.  Beauty events can often times be intimidating, especially if you are without a plus one. Everyone is so beautiful and glamorous, and I’m well, a lawyer. Jamie took the time to chat with me, and I’ll always remember her kindness and bubbly personality.  I ordered my Blighlighter (the Nude one) the first week of January and I’m hooked. As the name would suggest, it’s a combination of blush and highlighter.  It’s perfect for those “no makeup, makeup” days and Zoom depositions.

Made with shea butter, hyaluronic acid and without all the bad stuff, it really is the perfect combo. I’m not normally a huge fan of cream products (hello, greasiest face ever) but it’s not sticky or oily and goes on beautifully with fingers. I really love it. It’s a great addition to my makeup collection and it makes me happy. It comes in three different shades – The Nude One, The Cherry One and The Pink One. They are $34 each (or all 3 for $90!) and can be found online at jamiemakeup.com.  Don’t forget to follow Jamie @jamiemakeup

Elcie Minimalist Palette

I have a total girl crush on Lilit Caradanian, the founder of Elcie Cosmetics. She is a makeup artist, entrepreneur, mother of three and all around badass.  And she makes it all look so easy. 

I am a huge fan of the entire line. Trust me, I’ve tried almost everything! The Minimalist is  one of my favorite all time eyeshadow palettes. I’ve had mine for years. It has been used and well loved, and it was time for a new one. The poor thing was dirty, broken and just all around sad looking. 

I was so excited when the new one came in the mail. It’s perfect for creating any look and pairs great with any and all other eyeshadows.  I’m not sure what she puts in the formula, but it’s magic.  I will always have this palette in my collection. I may or may not have also purchased the Minimalist Mauves.  Best. Decision. Ever.  The palettes are $45, and can be found at elciecosmetics.com  You can find Lilit @lilitcaradanian and @elciecosmetics.

MAC Extended Play Gigablack Mascara & Lipglass in Nymphette

I don’t care what people think, I will ALWAYS be a MAC girl at heart.  I grew up on MAC. I freelanced for MAC.  I have sold many many  Ruby Woo lipsticks. They will always be the OG best makeup brand and hold a very very special place in my heart.

Extended Play is my all-time favorite mascara for the lower lashes and I will never not use it. I used my last tube way past it’s prime, and thank the eye gods I didn’t give myself a sty.  One of the first and most important purchases in 2021.

Same thing goes for Nymphette. I got it for free as part of Back 2 MAC when I recycled 6 empty products, so technically I didn’t even buy it.  But it doesn’t matter. It’s a must have, always have, will continue to have in my in collection. End of story. Nymphette is $18.  Extended Play Gigablack Mascara is $21. is Both can be found online at maccosmetics.com.

And there you have it, my most important (and exciting!) makeup purchases of 2021! I have since added a few more things to my cart that I’m still playing around with. I will definitely keep you posted on what I’m loving (or not!)

Cheers to better and brighter days ahead. I truly hope that we are all able to find some joy this year. For me,  it has and will continue to be playing with makeup. Even if no one sees it.

XO, TKP

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.