A beauty addict’s commitment to being more mindful, less wasteful and buying nothing new in 2020.

Well folks, I’m still at it. It’s officially been 3-plus weeks and I still haven’t caved or bought any beauty-related products. Not one. Dare I say it, but it’s actually been a lot of fun. I’ve been digging deep into my drawers and in the back of my closet, finding things that I forgot I had. I’ve also been forced to use what I have and I’m getting dangerously low on some beloved products. Until we meet again in 2021…here’s what I’ve been loving, rediscovered, and am so sad to see go. 

Kristen Ess Style Reviving Dry Conditioner

Kristen Ess is a celebrity hairstylist with her own extensive line of hair products and I’m slightly obsessed. Everything that I’ve tried is just so good. If I were smarter, I would have stocked up on her products before I committed to this “no buy” policy. I guess that’s the point of this whole thing. 

My sister was asking me the other day how one is supposed to use dry conditioner. I’m actually not entirely sure, but I spray it all over next-day hair (concentrating on the ends) and heat style as usual. I’ve tried a few, and this is one of my favorites because it’s a hybrid between a dry shampoo and conditioner. It’s also oil and odor-absorbing, and really does make your blowout last at least a day longer. 

Luckily, I still have the Kristen Ess Dry Shampoo in my arsenal. It’s completely gone and I now have to use something is in my drawer that probably won’t be as good. My poor hair. Kristen Ess products are available at kristenesshair.com and at Target stores. 

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

My husband and I went on our honeymoon to Japan and to say I’m obsessed with Japanese beauty products is an understatement. Before we left, I had a list of products I wanted to bring back and try. The DHC cleaning oil kept coming up as a cult fave must-have. I’ve always been skeptical of oil-based products as acne was my middle name growing up. Rubbing oil all over my face just never seemed like an ideal skincare plan. 

As I’ve gotten older and (somewhat) wiser, I’ve learned the importance of double cleansing and removing all the junk that gets on our face during the day. I’ve always known that the Japanese know what’s up when it comes to skin care and this is no exception. It gets rid of all traces of makeup (even stubborn mascara!) and leaves skin hydrated and not greasy. I’m almost to the bottom of the small bottle I have and wish I had brought another bottle in my suitcase before we left Japan. 

Elcie Minimalist Palette

If I could only have one eyeshadow palette in my life, this would be it. While it looks pretty basic, it has all you need to create any look and to go from day to night.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a purple or blue smokey eye, but for day-to-day, this is the perfect palette. The eyeshadow quality is impeccable, and the shadow are creamy and blendable like no other. 

Elcie Cosmetics is one of my favorite lines and I’ve tried almost all of the products in their range. I’m a big fan.  I’ve said it before, but there’s just something so special about female-owned brands, and I love that I have the opportunity to support Elcie’s founder, Lilit Caradanian, when I can.

As you can see, I’ve hit the pan on my palette and the old me would have bought another one by now. The new me plans on using the rest of the palette until there is nothing left. It’s that good. You can find their products at elciecosmetics.com and at select Ulta stores. You can also visit their pop-up store at the Topanga Plaza for the remainder of 2020. 

What I’ve been eyeing in 2020
The hardest part of the no-buy policy is seeing all the amazing new products that people are buying and trying. There are a few things that of course look amazing and I would tempted to buy, if I wasn’t well, not buying anything. 

Fenty Beauty - Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara
I’m a sucker for trying new mascaras and I’ve been dying to trying this. The brush looks amazing. If anyone’s tried, let me know—I want to live vicariously through you!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Mini Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 3
I have the Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 2, the BIG version, and I love it. The pressed pigments are awesome. The minis look so cute and travel-friendly. I love the bold colors of the Vol. 3. For now, I’ll have to pass, but I definitely would be tempted to make a trip to Sephora for this little guy. 

Thanks again for following along with my journey! What have you been loving lately? I want to know!  XO

PAST WEEKS:

Week 1

Week 2

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.