Conclusion: Minimalist Beauty Experiment

Today is the last day of my one-month minimalist beauty experiment, hurray! I'm glad I only committed to a single month and not a day longer because my tinted moisturizer is now completely empty, during the past few days I had to scrunch up the tube to force out the left-overs :) I've received a couple of emails asking me about how the experiment is going, so I just quickly wanted to report back.

Just to recap: For one month I banned myself from using any make up except for five pre-chosen products. The main reason I did this experiment was because pretty much all of my everyday make up essentials were about to run out, which means that I have the chance to completely overhaul the structure of my make up collection and routine. In a sense this little trial served as a last test to double check that the five products I chose are indeed my absolute essentials which I can safely invest in.

These are the 5 products I used and a couple of notes on my experience:

Product 1: Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer in extra light

My main concern was whether I would be fine with the light coverage of this, not just for everyday wear but also for special occasions and night outs. I did sometimes wish I could add some concealer on top, but only about twice during the whole course of the month, when we shot the pics for the 6 pieces/9 outfits post (thank god the light was forgiving that day :)). At the same time, I know I wouldn't have been happy with a higher coverage base as my sole face product, because during the day I really can't stand anything but a light layer on my face.

lesson learnt: When in doubt, go for too little coverage rather than too much.Wear tinted moisturiser during the day and find a good medium coverage foundation to wear for special occasions.

Product 2: Eyeko Lip and Cheek Stain in cherry

I chose this as one of my five products to help me decide whether to get a stick/cream blush instead of my regular powder blushes, and yes, I will definitely look for a high-quality cream blush, because I loved the easy application and slight sheen this product gave me, and also the fact that I could use it to stain my lips. I'm thinking a Nars multiple or maybe one of Bobbi Brown's stick blushes….

lesson learnt: Find a good raspberry/ muted rose-coloured double-duty product for cheeks and lips.

Product 3: Clinique Lash Power Mascara in black

This product didn't really had to prove itself, it's already an established must-have in my set.

lesson learnt: Find out if Clinique (or Ebay) offers multipacks or deals.

Product 4: Brow pencil by 17 in taupe

Even if I didn't apply the blush or mascara, I always used this pencil to fill in my brows. But: I really need something like a clear mascara or a wax to add on top of the pencil, otherwise my brows just do what they want.

lesson learnt: My brows need more than just a little colour. Always apply clear mascara or wax (or hairspray) on top. Check out double-sided products such as Smashbox Brow Tech.

Product 5: Urban Decay's 24/7 liner in gunmetal

Ok, I didn't make the right decision, I should have gone for another lip colour instead of an eyeliner. Maybe it's because I wear contact lenses/ glasses, but I have just always preferred putting something on my lips rather than my eyes.

lesson learnt: Unless I find myself applying the same eye make up everyday, I am going to hold off on investing in high-end eyeliner/ eye shadow and spend the money elsewhere.

All in all, I was surprised that the experiment went so smoothly. During the day I usually just wore the first four products and at night I added a bit more of the lip stain and lined my eyes. The only things I craved from time to time were extra concealer, clear mascara for my brows and a greater variety of lip products, but apart from that I was fine and actually enjoyed the simplicity of my new morning routine. Now, that the experiment is over, it's planning time! I've run out of all of my face products (i.e. concealer, foundation, etc.), except for an old tinted moisturizer by Benefit which does not match my skin tone at all, so I need a new skin solution asap. I'll report back once I've found it!

If you haven't yet, also check out Kali's account of her 2-month shopping fast!