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

Wow. It’s been a long time since my last post. Approximately 202 days. But who’s counting?

A lot has happened during that time. I mean, a lot. And if I’m being 100% honest, makeup and all things beauty have not been at the top of my list this year. You get it, right? Don’t get me wrong, I still love all the makeup and fun stuff, but there’s nothing like the year that's been 2020 to put things into perspective. It has taken me a while to collect my thoughts and get back to it. But I’m back. I'd like to say, "Better than ever," but. . .I'm a work in progress.

Let me start by saying that I have not purchased one single item of makeup this year. Not. One. No mascara, no lipstick. Nothing. It's ironic that I chose this year to be the year of no buy, because retail therapy is a real thing, and I can only imagine the things I would have purchased if I had not made this commitment. The situation has been made easier by the fact that I have been wearing far less makeup than normal.

I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home, which means no office visits, no court appearances, and no full glam. Also, masks and face makeup don’t really mix. They do, however, go great with a smokey eye. Good thing I have a lot of eyeshadow. Not only have I not purchased any makeup, I’ve gotten a rid of a ton.  My vanity was overflowing and I could barely close some of the drawers. That was part of the reason I committed to this in the first place. I had so much and the reality is it was stressing me out. Full-coverage foundation from three years ago? Time to go. Decluttering my beauty products has made me feel a lot better and really helped me be more mindful of what I’m using, what I’m keeping, and why.

There are a few things that have brought me joy during these “unprecedented times.” Finding joy in the little things can mean a lot. I have been paying closer attention to where I’m purchasing from and avoiding impulse purchases. I have also made a conscious effort to support women-owned small businesses when I can. Full disclosure: I have purchased two “beauty” items that I technically didn't need, but I needed a self-care moment and I'm not sorry about it.

KAYO BODY CARE

I met Christine Bullock, the founder of Kayo, at an event and she instantly became my girl crush. I also fell in love with Kayo products. Kayo is all about face grade skin care for your entire body. Staying true to the no buy, I have been trying to use what I have as far as lotions and oils, but nothing compares to the quality and performance of Kayo. I was running low on drugstore body oil and placed an order for the Daily Remodeling Serum and Body Beautiful Oil.

Although they are  “beauty” products, I deem them essential. I can do without foundation, but dry skin is a no-go. Formulated with copper peptides, hyaluronic acid, and an omega oil blend, my skin feels soft, hydrated, and amazing. You can’t go wrong with Kayo. They just launched a bunch of new products, and I can’t wait to try them and see what’s in store for the brand when I can start shopping in 2021. All of their products can be found online at kayobodycare.com.

KLEANKRAFTS

I’m not sure if it’s all this talk about hand washing, but I have had a slight obsession with soap this year. I have been following Adrianna, the owner of KleanKrafts, since I worked with her girlfriend as a freelance artist for MAC a few years back. When she started making soaps, I was so excited. Not only do her soaps smell amazing, but they are so freaking adorable. 

To stay connected with friends and family, I’ve been sending care packages when I can, and most of them have included a KleanKraft soap. My favorite are the bubble bars. Crumble them under running bath water for bubble bath perfection! She has new scents and designs almost weekly, but be sure to set your alarm because she sells out fast! You can (and should!) follow her on Instagram: @kleankraftsinc. All of her products can be found at the KleanKrafts Etsy shop etsy.com/shop/kleankrafts.

DYLBUG

When I came across the Dylbug Harmony plate on Instagram, the design just spoke to me. Not only is it adorable, but I love what it represents. Diversity, inclusion, and appreciating everyone for their differences— the world could use a lot more of that in 2020. 100% of the proceeds from the Harmony plate are donated to the NAACP.  Founder Leslie Mingo started the brand specializing in personalized kids products. The hope for the Harmony plate is that it opens up discussions of inclusion while families sit at the table together. The design is also available in a printable poster, which of course I had to get for my sister who is a kindergarten teacher. Find them online at dylbug.com

My hope for the rest of the year is that everyone stays safe and healthy.  Remember what's important, and whenever possible, surround yourself with people and things that bring you joy. I'm continuing my commitment to the no buy and promise to only use what I have until 2021. What products have you been loving? What have you realized that you can actually live without? What has brought you joy in 2020? I want to know!

XO, TKP

past weeks:

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

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.