My Makeup Purchasing Habits
This post is a little different from what I typically write, but I don’t care. This blog is called All of Her Things, so I can write about whatever I want. If you know ANYTHING about me, it’s that I love makeup. I love playing around and trying new looks. I love mid to high-end makeup, and I won’t stop buying that, but I’m looking to be better about what I buy. I’d like to prevent clutter and waste with things I won’t use, so on that note, I NEVER buy dupes of the product I want. In the past, I realized it never scratched the itch I had when I liked a specific item. I’d end up buying more; maybe multiples of the dupe in different shades, or I eventually buy the thing I originally wanted, thus creating more waste. I’ve stopped lying to myself in recent years that the cheaper product would do. I’m not that person. It’s never good enough. I have some drugstore or lower priced makeup as well, but it’s because I wanted it. Ultimately, I’ve saved more money and created less clutter shopping this way— by being honest with myself.
I’ve tried a lot of makeup over the years, but I’ve been trying to slim down my collection a bit, so I did a little “declutter” of makeup I haven’t been using. There are a few things that are just old, and I refuse to put them on my face anymore, or I bought them thinking they’d be perfect for my skin tone, and realized it actually didn’t work well on me. The list below includes items I thought were perfect at one point, but there was something off, and over time, I managed to find some new products that achieve what I hoped. Others made me realize I should stick to my tried and true favorites.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush
Shade: Truth
Why I bought it: I really wanted a blush that would lean purple, and I wanted to try something from Rare Beauty.
The issue: It’s basically a metallic purple highlighter. I have nothing against that type of highlighter, but the description of this product is off. The color was pretty, but it felt unwearable.
Am I getting rid of it? Absolutely, yes.
What’s making me happier: Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed in Dancing Queen
Why I’m loving it: Honestly, the Danessa Myricks blushes are probably the best on the market. The balmy texture is beautiful, and this shade is just a lovely berry / purple shade, no extra frills.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Brightening Flawless Finish
Shade: Tan – Deep
Why I bought it: I actually bought this specifically for my wedding. I learned how to do my makeup really well, and I wanted to include a light brightening powder under the eyes. I love the regular Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder (I’ve repurchased it multiple times).
The issue: There’s no issue with this powder, but I just never used it outside of my wedding. It wasn’t my favorite thing, so I didn’t use it much after. I also started to prefer peach under my eyes instead of yellow.
Am I getting rid of it? Unfortunately, I do not see myself using this in the near future. I will see if my friend wants it.
What’s making me happier: Kosas Cloud Set Loose Powder in Translucent Peachy
Why I’m loving it: I prefer the shade on this one!
Armani Luminous Silk Bronzing Powder
Shade: 110
Why I bought it: I wanted to try something new, and this shade looked similar to my tried-and-true. When I swatched it in person, it looked like a similar shade, and it has some light shimmer, which I thought would be pretty.
The issue: This was so hard to pick up on a brush, and the shade looked off on my skin when it did show up. I couldn’t go down a shade or it would be way too light, and I couldn’t go up or it would look too dark and look more like contour.
Am I getting rid of it? It’s going to a friend, especially now that it’s summer, the shade won’t work for me at all.
What’s making me happier: Sticking with my tried and true Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer in Tan.
Why I’m loving it: I’ve been using this bronzer for years, and the shade has never been off.
Saie Dew Bronze Soft Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer
Shade: Stinson
Why I bought it: I think I got influenced on this one. I prefer liquid and cream products on no-makeup makeup days, and beauty influencers raved about this. It even has good reviews online.
The issue: This was not it at all. I used it for a period because it was all I had, but I knew I needed something else. I tried using a brush and just using my fingers, and it would completely disappear. This isn’t even the first time I’ve been disappointed by Saie, so I’ve decided I won’t be buying from them anymore.
Am I getting rid of it?: 100% yes. Not only am I so disappointed in this product, but the bottle even started leaking.
What’s making me happier: Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops in Soleil Parfait 4.
Why I’m loving it. This gives me the effect I’ve been looking for in a liquid bronzer. I can use a brush or my fingers, and it leaves a healthy bronze, not too dark or red. The shade is just right for me. The issue I have with this product is that it’s so small for the price, and I’m the darkest shade. My skin tone is not that deep. I think the brand should release more shades.
Makeup By Mario Soft Sculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer
Shade: Dark Deep
Why I bought it: This is another product I wanted to try because of influencers. I hoped this would be the replacement for that Saie bronzer, and maybe I’d like it more than my tried-and-true cream bronzer.
The issue: The shade is too dark and red. I did swatch the shade below, and it seemed a little too light, but maybe I would have been happier with that shade. I don’t know what convinced me to get the darkest shade when I never wear the darkest in bronzer. I think the product is fine for what it is, though; good for light makeup days.
Am I getting rid of it? Not yet! The good thing about getting the wrong shade in the winter/spring is that it works on my deeper summer skin, so I’ll give it a shot this summer!
What’s making me happier: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sunkissed Glow Bronzer in Tan
Why I’m loving it: I think this cream bronzer is being overlooked by everyone. I wore it for my wedding and will continue to wear it when I want a “full beat”. The Mario bronzer would have only been used for no-makeup makeup days, but I’m happy I found the Westman Atelier to fill that gap.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighters
Shade: Sunset Glow and Rose Gold Glow
Why I bought it: I bought it because I wanted a high-shine highlighter that would “glow to the gods.”
The issue: They’ve passed the expiration date. I’m not a huge fan of these shades anymore, and I typically go for more subtle looks on a daily basis. If I’m going for a full glam look, I typically reach for other highlighters. I also have the shade Champagne Glow, but that shade is a little more subtle than the others, not straight up pink and copper.
Am I getting rid of them? I think I might. They have passed the expiration date at this point, and I’m a little weary about putting old makeup from over 2 years ago on my face.
What’s making me happier: Gucci Glow Highlighter Powder in Warm Gold
Why I’m loving it: This highlighter is actually more of a balm to powder. It’s way more subtle, but pretty on the skin. A little more “candlelit” rather than “metallic,” if that makes sense.
Huda Beauty Blush Filter Liquid Blush
Shade: Coco Loco
Why I bought it: I really love brownish/terracotta looks and wanted a liquid or cream blush in a brown shade. I think you can use this as a bronzer, but it has more of a red undertone.
The issue: I loved this “blonzer”. It was pretty, but it was hard to ignore the scent. It smells like sickening candy.
Am I getting rid of it? : I think so.
What’s making me happier: Juvia’s Place Blushed Liquid Blush in Lily Love and Rhode Beauty Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy
Why I’m loving it: Both of these blushes are unscented! I highly recommend Juvia’s Place for people with tan to the deepest of skin tones. I usually use these blushes to “underpaint” before putting on foundation (more for my “full beat” makeup). I actually have a few shades in the Pocket Blush. I find myself reaching for these more than any blush because they are so easy to use. They are more for everyday use.
Shade: Hot Chocolit
Why I bought it: The shade and shine are so gorgeous. I wore it a few times in the fall!
This issue: I only wore it a few times because the scent and taste are HEAVY with fruity candy. Unfortunately, I can’t use these, but I do recommend them if you don’t mind scents.
What’s making me happier: I didn’t buy anything that would be a replacement, but I do reach for Rhode Beauty Peptide Lip Tint in Toast.
Why I’m loving it: This is just nice for everyday and has no scent. I think this is the only glossy lip product I’ve repurchased and use regularly.
What I’d like to ask myself before purchasing anything:
- Is there currently a hole in my makeup routine that I’d like to fill?
- I do not need to buy backups.
- Do I have something similar?
- It’s time to play with the makeup I already have to figure that out!
- When I play with what I have, many times, even if I don’t have something similar, I’m satisfied with what I have.
- Am I thinking of buying this because I’m depressed or lonely? What is a better way to cope?
- I like to read, write, listen to a podcast, and exercise.
- Have I had issues with this brand before?
- Why waste money when the product probably won’t work?
- I told my friend that if I mention I’d like to try something from Saie, remind me that I’ve been burned one too many times already.
- If I want to experiment with a new product, have I done the research?
- Give it a few days of thought.
- Confirm it’s a shade I like/that works on my skin tone.
- Does it have a scent?
What am I learning:
I’m trying to be more thoughtful about my makeup purchases, especially since makeup is expensive and I clearly have a preference for mid to high-end brands. The list above isn’t even complete. I have lip products and a few more blushes that I do not intend to “replace” and they will go right in the trash because they are old and no one should use them. I’d really like to be mindful of my makeup and fashion choices and find ways to minimize my waste. Some of these on my list need to be thrown out for sure, but I can also give them to friends if they’re still good. An issue I’m aware I’ve had in the past was making purchases without really thinking them through, but I think I’ve gotten better. I think that has more to do with my mental health; I’ve seen videos of people who may have a real shopping issue. I don’t think I have an issue, but this declutter has shown me that I could be doing a lot better.
All of Her Things 
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