SIMPLICITY TIP #3

TOILETRIES/MAKE UP

Streamlining or simplifying your toiletries and make up doesn’t mean getting rid of everything except for a bit of soap and a face cloth; what is does mean is sorting out exactly what you need and only keeping that; anything else is useless and not enhancing your life and therefore not enhancing you.

Getting ready to face the day or to go out is, for many, done in a bit of a rush; instead of being a special time to attend to personal grooming, make the best of the way you present yourself or to take care of your skin.

If you find you don’t have a lot of time in the morning to get ready then all the more reason to make your routine as streamlined as possible and rid it of anything that isn’t needed.  Make the action of getting ready as calm and nurturing as possible, surround yourself with items which add not detract from your life.

THE TASK:

This task should not take too much time (15 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of stuff you have).   If you only have a very short amount of time take one shelf, section of the cupboard or your make up bag and do a small bit each day – set your timer for 5 or 10 minutes and work steadily

~ Get all your toiletries and make up together and sort through it.  Throw out anything that has passed its day – 3 year old mascara, lipsticks you hate the colour of, aftershave that stings your face, creams you never finished because they made you break out, foundation that is too dark or light, shampoo that gives you dandruff  etc.

~ If you cannot bare to part with some items because you ‘paid a lot for it’ then put them on top of the cabinet or in a small container in the bathroom and use them up.  If you haven’t used the item within a week > chuck it!  You may have paid a lot for it in the past; but how much is it costing you now in terms of dead energy or space?

~ Unwanted rich face creams are a luxurious treat for your feet going to bed.  Lather it on after a bath or shower and put a pair of cotton socks on to help it all soak in

~ Don’t keep any make up that is not flattering.  If in doubt ask a friend or family member what they think or take a picture on your phone or camera and have a look.  Sometimes when we see ourselves in a photo we see from a different perspective and can make a more objective decision. Again if you don’t have time then use it the next day and see how it makes you feel or look and decide if you should continue to use it or not.

~ Give the cupboard or shelf a good clean.

~ If your make up bag is looking a bit ratty, now might be a good time to treat yourself to a new one or find a nice container you have already to store your essentials in.  Don’t overlook the drawered containers that are often used for hobbies or to put screws and nails in, they are usually see through which gives the added advantage of being able to see what you have and where.

~ After going through all the items, replace the ones you have now decided are flattering and useful to you.   As well as simplifying your products you may rediscover something that looks nice on you that you had for gotten about.

Make this week a pampering week and use up all the bits of bottles of stuff that are cluttering up your space.  Take the luxurious bubble bath and don’t spare it, use the face mask you got last Christmas and freshen up your drawers with that last little bit in the perfume bottles.   Life is meant to be enjoyable – so put the candles out and make your bathroom your own private spa (for no cost at all!)  Not only will you feel great afterwards but you will have more space to feel great in.

Enjoy

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