Beauty, Life

2018 Beauty Challenge

Today’s post is about something I have been thinking about doing for quite some time now! In 2018, I am going to make a pretty big change in an effort to improve myself, my lifestyle, and my bank account!

I am not going to buy anything. 

Okay, well, I’m not going to buy anything beauty-related. After cleaning up my bedroom and bathroom one day, I took a look around and was not happy with what I saw. All I saw was way too much STUFF. As a makeup artist and beauty blogger, a big part of my life involves using different types of makeup, skincare, and haircare. However, I have acquired an overwhelming amount. It has come to a point where some of my makeup has expired before I had a chance to finish it up (or even put a dent in it …)

The Plan

My plan is to not purchase any new products until I have used up every single thing that I have. Roughly estimating, I own around 6 foundations, 12 concealers, multiple eyeshadow palettes, 8 blushers, 4 facial moisturizers, 3 eye creams … and the list goes on and on. While doing this, I hope to rediscover some of my old favorites that I may have forgotten. I also plan on weeding out the products I’m not absolutely crazy about. I am not going to punish myself by using something I don’t like or that simply doesn’t work for me anymore (such as too dark foundations, bright lip colors that I will never wear, and moisturizers that leave my skin irritated.) After using up all of my foundations (for example), I will repurchase my very favorite one (spoiler alert it will more than likely be my IT Cosmetics CC Cream.) Alternatively or additionally, I may purchase a completely new product made with more holistic and natural ingredients. There are so many amazing natural/ organic brands out there that I would love to try! I am already going to switch to sulfate and silicone-free haircare (another post on that soon!)  My goal is to find my holy grail products and in the end have a much more minimalistic and clean beauty collection.

Hopefully I find that I …

Spend less money

This one is obvious. I would typically buy 2-3 new products a month. That really starts to add up!

Have less clutter and a neater space

By owning less, I will have a tidier space. I am so looking forward to that! In the meantime, I picked out some staple products to stand on my makeup table and bathroom vanity that I use everyday. When a product runs out or I need something for a special occasion, I will reach into a storage bin under my bed which I have filled with all my extra makeup and skincare.

Spend less time getting ready

I have found that when I have too many options and so much makeup to rifle through, it can take me so long to get ready. I am already enjoying having only a few staple products on my makeup table!

Have a cleaner and more organized beauty capsule that I positively love

As I said above, I really hope to find my holy grail products and stick to those! I would also love to use more natural haircare, skincare, and makeup.

Disclaimer:

This challenge is not to say that I will never treat myself to a new highlighter or hand cream in the future. I am simply going to be more mindful of what I purchase and think to myself, “Do I really need this?”

I am so excited to start this journey and will be sharing updates along the way! I also invite all of my readers to join me. 🙂 Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you in my next post!

Madison

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31 Comments

  • Reply Martha Ellen January 4, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    January is a great month to make these kind of decisions, Madison. My vanity is full of makeup I no longer use and I really need to toss it out! I’ve been through many makeup brands over the years. I hate to admit how many Bare Mineral products take up space in my vanity. I’ve looked to see if they expire and apparently they don’t, so they are still there even though I don’t use them. Time to toss them out. Happy New Year. ♥

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 10:46 am

      Totally agree! I worked with Bare Minerals and love their products 🙂 Just be wary of the fact that mineral makeup shelf life is normally 3-5 years. If you have any cream or liquid products (especially with sunscreen), those expire much earlier! Good luck, decluttering. 🙂 Happy New Year!

  • Reply Juliana January 4, 2018 at 3:46 pm

    I’ve done this to myself many times, and it really works. Recently when I moved I got rid of a huge amount of makeup that I no longer used and knew I’d never use again. I still have to me a large makeup collection that I want to try and minimalize even more.

    xo
    http://www.ohhjuliana.com

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 10:43 am

      I am so happy to hear that, Juliana! That gives me hope. 🙂

  • Reply Nicole January 4, 2018 at 5:18 pm

    I’m SO happy to read this post! I’m also on the same boat, but more because it’s my last month in Barcelona and I have to somehow fit 1.5 years worth of stuff in two medium-sized suitcases! While going through my things I found soooo many products I have never opened or that are half-used…Time to use everything and not buy anything!

    Nicole | http://www.badwithdirections.com

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 10:42 am

      Hi, Nicole!
      Oh, I totally feel your pain! It is crazy how much you can accumulate in a year and a half! Haha I am also doing this because I am moving back to the US in half a year, and there is no way I’ll be able to take everything I have here with me! Best of luck to you as well! You should totally do a packing post. 🙂 I love those.

  • Reply Kim January 4, 2018 at 7:21 pm

    I love this idea! I have been wanting to be less materialistic and buy less items in general! It’s easier once you unsubscribe from a bunch of those email notifications from brands!

    simplylovebirds.com

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 10:39 am

      Yes, totally agree! I’m also unsubscribing from Ipsy. I’ll miss it, but getting 5 new products every month isn’t helping my situation! haha

  • Reply Billie Jo January 5, 2018 at 1:37 am

    Love this idea!!!!
    Good luck.
    You can do it!!!

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 10:37 am

      Thanks, momma <3

  • Reply Heidi January 5, 2018 at 4:25 am

    Ooh I can’t wait for updates! Post series like these are definitely one of my favorites, because it’s so satisfying to see people using stuff and not buy new ones always. So, I’m excited!

    Heidi ✨ | Heidi’s Planner

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 10:36 am

      I’m so glad you are looking forward to it, Heidi! Thanks for your support! xx

  • Reply nat January 5, 2018 at 6:01 am

    Best of luck with your personal challenge! I don’t have many makeup/skincare items, however I did a similar ‘ban’ in the second half of last year for clothes. I found it did force me to be more creative with what I had – and of course, rediscovered old favourites!

    nat // dignifiable

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 10:36 am

      Ohh my goodness, my closet is another story! Maybe next year I’ll do my clothing. 🙂 Thank you so much!

  • Reply mamasmercantile January 5, 2018 at 7:37 am

    A wonderful challenge, good luck.

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 10:35 am

      Thank you so much!

  • Reply McKenzie January 5, 2018 at 10:32 am

    I wish you luck! It’s always so tempting but I know you can do it! I actually need to go out and buy some new make up haha 🙂

    McKenzie
    http://www.thrivergirl.com

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 10:34 am

      Hehe, I can’t wait to go out and purchase some new makeup! In the very distant future … 🙁 Thank you, McKenzie!

  • Reply Michele January 6, 2018 at 3:25 am

    I loved this post! I didnt know you were a makeup artist, so I assume you “need” to have more makeup than the average person. Good luck with your challenge and keep us posted!

    http://www.letmecrossover.blogspot.com

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 10:34 am

      Haha, yes! I’m a makeup artist 🙂 I do have a kit that I use only on clients, but my own collection has just gotten too big! Thanks so much for your support! xx

  • Reply Danielle January 6, 2018 at 4:57 am

    This is a fantastic idea! You are inspiring me!

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 10:32 am

      Thanks, Danielle! <3

  • Reply Dominika January 6, 2018 at 3:02 pm

    I hope it’ll go well. It’s such a great idea especially when you try to be more mindful and be minimalistic.
    https://miss-uncover.blogspot.com

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 6:54 pm

      Thank you so much, Dominika! <3

  • Reply Heather January 6, 2018 at 3:55 pm

    Fun idea!
    I spy NYX Lip stick. Love their stuff! 🙂

    • Reply Madison Marie January 6, 2018 at 6:54 pm

      Totally recommend that one! It is super moisturizing and the color is gorgeous! 😉

  • Reply Linda Conley January 10, 2018 at 5:21 pm

    {{big smiles}}} you are so brave, Madison, smiles. Good Luck.

    • Reply Madison Marie January 10, 2018 at 9:07 pm

      Awe, thank you! 🙂

  • Reply Charlotte January 25, 2018 at 3:58 pm

    I might try and follow in your footsteps. I’m going to university in September and I really need to get out of the habit of spending a ridiculous amount of money on makeup and beauty products every month. This has really inspired me, thankyou for this post <3

    Charlotte <3 https://charlotteidek.com

    • Reply Madison Marie January 26, 2018 at 12:06 pm

      I am so glad you liked the post, Charlotte! I wish you the best of luck. It is such a great idea to declutter and downsize your beauty collection before heading to university. <3

  • Reply Going Sulfate- and Silicone-Free // Healthy Hair | Breakfast at Madisons June 9, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    […] is quickly becoming a year of change for me, and it is only January 8th! If you missed my 2018 Beauty Challenge post, it was all about my ‘no-buy’ plan to simplify my makeup, skincare, and hair care. […]

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