As a beauty blogger and makeup lover, it can be challenging at times to let go of products; no one likes to use their hard-earned money to buy something exciting and special only to realize it isn’t being used or loved as much as if should. Today, I decided to decluttering my makeup collection, donating all of the items that I no longer reach for. My top tip when simplifying your beauty arsenal is to ask yourself: How often do I actually use this? Do I already own something similar or better? Is this expired? Does this make my happy?

All of the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes have such an amazing formula and although I kept several of my favorites, I did end up parting with ‘Blissful’ and two other limited edition shades simply because I never wear bright pink on my cheeks. These will definitely be finding a new home where they will be given the love they deserve. I am also clearing my collection of the Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara because the bristles are dangerously sharp, and a few of the LipSurgence Lip Tints since the pink and red shade have gone unused for far too long.

I even got rid of a few products from my favorite affordable brand! For whatever reason, I was hoarding three (expired) bottles of L’Oreal True Match Foundation, none of which worked for my skin tone or skin type. Their Magic Perfection Base is a wonderful primer for blurring pores and achieving a smooth, matte finish, but I just don’t enjoy using it anymore. As for the Color Riche Eye Shadow Quad in ‘Perfume ID’, the purples and champagnes are stunning, but with so many other palettes in my collection, it is time to let go.

Middle school memories flashed in front of my eyes as I said goodbye to several of my Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balms along with a sickly pale shade from the discontinued Color Whisper collection. I also forced myself to get rid of my Dream Bouncy Blush in ‘Candy Coral’; this shade was pretty for summer and very fun to apply, but after all these years, it is the opposite of hygienic.

From Benefit, I am getting rid of the Ultra Plush ‘Hoola’ Lip Gloss since I already own so many better formulas and shades in my collection. Their High Brow Eyebrow Highlighter may be an old school classic, but these types of pencils just aren’t meant for me. Their ‘Bikini-Tini’ Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow is so silly and beautiful, but no matter how I use it, it always blends into nothing, which is not okay.

Although I am in love with the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams in general, the hot pink hue of ‘Antwerp’ is anything but wearable, so I included it in my declutter. I am also tossing their Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Sweetheart‘, a silvery pale pink shade, due to the self-explanatory color and medicinal scent.

I will also be donating the Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in ‘Bella Bronze’ — a wonderful drugstore formula in a beautiful shade I never seem to reach for. There are so many products I love and use from my Birchboxes over the months, but a few of them — like the Well People cream highlighter — just didn’t pass the test. Lastly, I am decluttering several random lipsticks, balms and glosses, most of which were shades of obnoxiously bright pink that I would never be caught wearing.

Before I wrap up today’s post, I wanted to clarify that other than the products that are expired or unsanitary, all of this makeup will be given to loved ones or donated to special organizations and shelters so that others can be empowered!

XOXO,
Makena

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