Minimalism Archives - That Isle Life

The Best Minimalist Jewelry Collection For Every Day

Lilian — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 16:30:00 +0000

Are you looking to pare down your jewelry collection but don’t know how or where to start? Keep reading to learn how you can create a minimalist jewelry collection that works for your lifestyle.

Is your massive jewelry collection taking over storage space at home?

Are you spending a huge chunk of your hard-earned money on jewelry only for them to tarnish or break a few months later?

If you answered yes to both questions, it sounds like you need to declutter your jewelry and build a minimalist jewelry collection!

Don’t worry, I’ve got you. I’ve been through this situation before…

As someone who loves fashion, I used to think an outfit wasn’t complete without jewelry.

Plus, costume jewelry was something I always bought impulsively because of its price and availability.

Over the years, I accumulated a huge pile of costume jewelry. Unfortunately, these pieces never lasted long. They eventually became severely tarnished or broken or looked tacky after a while.

Five years ago, I stopped buying costume jewelry because I did not want to waste more money on poor-quality pieces. By doing this, I was able to focus on building a capsule jewelry collection instead.

Keen to get started on a minimalist jewelry collection? Keep reading to discover my tips and tricks on how to create the best minimalist jewelry collection for everyday use.

Related:

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase any products via my links. I only recommend products that I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. Read the full privacy policy here.

5 simple tips to create a minimalist jewelry collection

If you’re a fashion lover like me, decluttering your jewelry collection may be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Fret not, I’m here to guide you.

Here are five simple steps to create a minimalist jewelry collection:

1. Evaluate your lifestyle

As we grow older, it’s common to experience lifestyle changes. For example, you might be a mother now and childcare is all on you. Or perhaps you have a job that doesn’t permit you to wear jewelry.

You may still be holding on to all of your jewelry from high school or college days, but let’s be honest. When was the last time you wore them?

That’s why it’s so important to evaluate your lifestyle. Answer the questions below truthfully to figure out which jewelry you’ll be wearing most often:

Does your job allow you to wear jewelry?
If yes, are there any rules regarding this policy?
Are you a stay-at-home mother who’s with young children all the time?
How active is your current lifestyle? E.g. are you someone who’s on your feet a lot or do you enjoy doing outdoor activities?
Do you often attend formal occasions like events and weddings?

Write your answers down in your notebook or on your phone, so you can come back and refer to them later.

2. Gather all of your jewelry

Now, gather all of your jewelry in one area in your home. You can assess how much jewelry you have and want to keep when you view your entire collection at a glance.

3. Remove tarnished and broken jewelry that cannot be repaired

Like every decluttering session, I like to start easy.

In this case, it means removing tarnished and broken jewelry that cannot be repaired. You certainly don’t need these in your collection anymore!

4. Determine what you like AND wear most often

Decluttering jewelry is difficult, especially if you still like most of them.

But, there’s no point in liking and keeping your jewelry if you don’t wear them! You may want to keep a couple of sentimental family heirlooms, but the majority of your collection should be pieces you like and wear often.

Need help deciding how many pieces to keep? Well, it’s time to whip out your answers from Step 1.

You DON’T need a lot of jewelry if you’re…

working in an industry that doesn’t permit you to wear jewelry (e.g. doctors, nurses, contractors, etc)
a busy mom with young children
leading an active lifestyle who enjoys outdoor activities
not attending a lot of formal events

Once you’ve determined which pieces you like and wear frequently, set them aside. These will become a part of your jewelry collection.

5. Declutter the rest

What about the rest of your jewelry, you ask? Doesn’t it feel like a waste to get rid of them?

Well, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Just because you’re not going to keep them doesn’t mean you have to throw them away. You can sell them on marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist or donate them to family, friends, and charities. You can even host a yard sale in your neighborhood!

Here’s a list of places you can donate all of your costume jewelry.

What to consider before building a minimalist jewelry collection

If you’re starting your collection from scratch, there are a few things you need to consider before you purchase anything.

Jewelry Material

There are certain materials like copper that can cause chemical reactions. I still remember when my finger turned green when I wore cheap costume jewelry.

If this happens to you, you may want to invest in pure gold or silver jewelry. If that’s above your budget, try stainless steel or sterling silver jewelry, or gold-plated sterling silver jewelry, also known as vermeil or demi-fine jewelry.

When shopping for jewelry, look out for these terms:

Vermeil
Solid gold
Sterling silver
Gold-plated sterling silver
Stainless steel
Diamond
White topaz
Natural gemstone

Sensitivity of your skin

I didn’t realize I had sensitive skin until I noticed my ears would get red and itchy when I wore certain earrings.

If you’re like me, this means that you have an allergy to a metal (likely nickel) often found in earring posts. As a result, the best earrings for sensitive ears are made from nickel-free materials like pure gold, silver, platinum, and titanium.

Jewelry Metal Color

Do you lean towards gold or silver jewelry? Gold pieces look great for people with warm undertones whereas silver jewelry looks stunning on people with cool undertones. Personally, I prefer gold because it complements my skin tone.

Why invest in demi-fine or fine jewelry?

Since I’m in my 30s, I have spent a lot of time and money learning about which jewelry has worked for me.

Now, I only purchase demi-fine or fine jewelry because:

I have sensitive skin
I don’t have the patience to remove my jewelry before showering and I don’t change my jewelry often
and I don’t want to waste money on low-quality pieces

Knowing this about myself has made it easy for me to curate my minimalist jewelry collection.

Minimalist jewelry collection essentials

Rings

Custom engagement ring – Since I’ve been married, my engagement ring and wedding band are the only rings I wear daily. My engagement ring is custom by a local jeweler, but the design is inspired by Catbird’s Violette The Swan. I fell in love the minute I saw it, and I still love it as much today!

Custom wedding band – I wanted something simple to pair with my engagement ring, so we went with the same local jeweler to custom-make a half-eternity band similar to this Edge of Ember version. I’m so pleased with how the combination turned out. It’s exactly like how I pictured my wedding stack to be – pretty, elegant, and delicate.

Statement ring – I love statement rings but can’t pull them off because I have short and stubby fingers. If you prefer something bold, I highly recommend getting a stacker ring or a croissant dome-shaped ring. All you need is one ring to complete your look!

Bangles / Bracelets

Gold classic bangles – I’ve been wearing a trio of gold bangles (a gift from my late grandmother) for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, one is a little wonky and keeps slipping off, so I’m down to just two for now.

I’m not one to stack wristwear because they can be a little noisy and off-putting especially when I’m typing away on my computer. But, I love the look of one solid bangle or a delicate bracelet on a wrist. It just looks so elegant!

Here are six of my favorites:

Earrings

Small gold hoops – My go-to earrings for every day are a pair of 14K solid gold hoops. I bought mine from a local jeweler, but this Edge of Ember pair is very similar in design. Solid gold can be heavy, but this pair is the perfect size and weight for daily wear.

Diamond earrings – You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic diamond studs. I’m a huge fan of the brand Vrai, and I especially love their beautiful bezel solitaire studs. The best part? You can customize the type of gold (14K yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold) AND the size of the diamond depending on your budget. I like a little sparkle in my jewelry, and this pair is great for both day and night.

Pearl earrings – Pearl studs are a classic. They match with every outfit and are casual yet polished enough for everyday wear.

Statement earrings – Of all the different jewelry categories, earrings are my absolute favorite. That’s why my jewelry collection consists of mostly earrings. I’m usually in my hoops, but on special occasions, I like to switch them out for statement earrings. These are my favorites:

Drop earrings – The Sunseeker Earrings are my go-to for girls’ nights out and date nights. Although they’re not made from solid gold or vermeil, I haven’t experienced any allergies to them due to the nickel-free stainless steel earring posts. I’ve had them for about five years now, and they still look brand new!
Large Hoop Earrings – If you’re looking for a pair of timeless statement earrings, you can’t go wrong with simple large hoop earrings. Want something bolder? Try an organic-shaped pair instead.
Statement gemstone or pearl earrings – As much as I love classic designs, I try to keep one or two statement earrings for special occassions like weddings, anniversaries, etc. A pair of statement gemstone earrings is great to inject a pop of color to an outfit. If pearl earrings are more your style, this dramatic drop pair will take your outfit to the next level.

Necklaces

Delicate gold chain – A delicate gold chain is a must-have in my minimalist jewelry collection. I find that it elevates an outfit effortlessly. I occasionally pair it with a tiny diamond pendant I inherited from my mother.

Looking for timeless delicate chains? Here are four great options:

Statement gold chain – Worried thin chains might be too fragile for you? Go for a statement gold chain instead. They may be chunkier but they’re just as classy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pieces of jewelry should there be in a minimalist jewelry collection?

Minimalism looks different for everyone. What may work for me may not work for you and vice versa, so there are no hard rules about this. I wear about 5-6 pieces of jewelry daily, and my jewelry collection consists of about 15-20 items.

What is demi-fine / vermeil jewelry?

Demi-fine jewelry sits in between costume jewelry and fine jewelry. Rhodium or solid gold is plated over high-quality sterling silver pieces. Precious or semi-precious stones are used instead of crystal, glass, or rhinestones.

Which jewelry brands do you recommend purchasing from?

In addition to offering great value for gold jewelry, the brands I love are committed to using ethically-sourced and conflict-free jewelry. Plus, they’re made in a sustainable, eco-friendly way.

Check them out:

Conclusion

Are you ready to declutter and create your own minimalist jewelry collection?

In addition to helping you save money, having a minimalist jewelry collection will save you time when you’re getting ready.

My final advice to you is when curating jewelry, choose versatile and timeless high-quality pieces so they can last you for generations.

Need to declutter other areas in your wardrobe? Check out these posts:

The post The Best Minimalist Jewelry Collection For Every Day appeared first on That Isle Life.

Minimalist Shoe Collection For Women – How To Get What Works For You

Lilian — Thu, 19 May 2022 16:30:00 +0000

Want to have a minimalist shoe collection but don’t know how or where to start? Keep reading to learn how you can build a minimalist shoe collection that works for your lifestyle.

Is your massive shoe collection taking over storage space at home?

Are you spending a huge chunk of your hard-earned money on shoes only to reach out to a few favorite pairs?

Answered yes to both questions?

Well, it sounds like you need to declutter your shoes and build a minimalist shoe collection!

Before you panic, hear me out. Building a minimalist shoe collection doesn’t mean you have to throw everything away and live with 1 to 2 pairs of shoes.

Minimalism looks different for everyone. It’s far more important to build a minimalist shoe collection that works for you and your lifestyle.

Don’t know how or where to start? You’re at the right place!

Read on to discover how and why you should build a minimalist shoe collection.

Related:

How to build a minimalist shoe collection for women

Decluttering shoes may not be easy for some. Here are 6 simple steps to help you to create a minimalist shoe collection:

1. Evaluate your lifestyle

First, you have to be honest with yourself and evaluate your lifestyle. Answer these questions to figure out what type of shoes you need:

Do you experience cold and wet weather where you live?
Do you work mostly indoors or outdoors?
Are you someone who likes outdoor activities like hiking and camping?
Do you often attend formal occasions like meetings and weddings?
Does your lifestyle require you to be on your feet a lot? For example, if you have children or grandchildren.

Write your answers down on a piece of paper or on your phone, so you can come back and refer to them whenever necessary.

2. Gather all of your shoes

Next, gather all of your shoes in one area in your home. Seeing everything you own at a glance helps you to make better decisions.

Lay them out neatly, as you’ll be reviewing each pair in the next step.

3. Put shoes you frequently wear aside

Once you have all of your shoes in front of you, it’s time to put the shoes you frequently wear aside.

Remember, wearing a particular pair once a month does not qualify as ‘frequently’. Be honest with yourself – choose shoes you wear at least a few times a week.

4. Remove worn shoes that cannot be repaired

Done with the third step? Great!

Now, look at that pile and remove worn shoes that cannot be repaired. It’s OK if you find more than one worn pair. This means you’ve used them a lot, and that’s the whole point of a pair of shoes.

However, it can be dangerous to continue wearing shoes that are overly worn. According to The Seattle Times, a loss of support and cushioning can cause shin splints and knee pain. Additionally, the likelihood of twisting an ankle increases if a shoe’s sole and heel wear down unevenly.

Don’t forget to take note of which pair you’re discarding – you’re going to replace them later!

5. Declutter the rest of your shoes

Now, it’s time to declutter the rest of your shoes. Here are 3 easy ways to get rid of your excess shoes:

Give them away to family and friends
Donate them to homeless shelters, local charities, and religious organizations that may need them
Sell them to local thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army

6. Replace your worn shoes with new ones

If you’ve arrived at this step, this means you’ve decluttered your shoe collection and you’ve only kept shoes you frequently wear.

Congratulations! Give yourself a pat on the back because you’ve made amazing progress.

The only thing left to do is to replace the worn shoes you got rid of earlier.

You can also use this time to purchase shoes you need that are missing from your collection.

For example, you can buy a new pair of pumps if you have a new job that requires you to attend more formal meetings, and it’s not something you currently have.

Minimalist shoe collection essentials

Are you building a minimalist shoe collection from scratch? I got you. Here’s a list of my minimalist shoe collection essentials:

White sneakers

White sneakers are my ultimate favorite shoe because they go with everything! They match every pair of clothing e.g. jeans, skirts, maxi dresses, etc.

They’re comfortable and stylish. Plus, you can wear them during the summer, fall, winter, and spring. You can literally wear these casual shoes everywhere.

I can’t think of a more timeless shoe than the white sneaker.

My picks:

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Women’s Shoes – I love how this all-white leather pair looks casual yet classy!

Athletic sneakers

Don’t want to wear out your white sneakers? Get a different pair of sneakers for working out, sports, and other physical activities.

It’s important to invest in a good pair of athletic sneakers because they are designed to provide extra support and strength.

There are many different types of athletic sneakers for various activities, so make sure to do your research and pick the best pair for you.

My picks:

Adidas Ultraboost 22 Shoes In Grey – Perfect for running, as the narrow heel fit is designed to avoid heel slip and blisters!

Flats

Every woman needs a good pair of flats. They’re comfortable, functional, and come in so many different styles.

From ballet flats to brogues, there’s a style for everyone.

My picks:

Allbirds’ Tree Breezers – I love this for casual wear because it is lightweight and feels like you’re wearing nothing! It’s also machine-washable and minimizes odors.
Everlane Italian Leather Ballet Flat – Made from buttery-soft Italian leather, this pair is all about luxurious comfort. A great day-to-night option.

Boots

If you experience winter yearly, you’ll need to invest in a pair of high-quality boots.

Just like flats, boots come in a wide range of styles. There are knee-length boots, thigh-high boots, sock boots, snow boots, ankle boots (my fav!), and more.

When in doubt, always go for something classic. Think neutral colors, a rounded toe, and a comfortable heel height.

My picks:

Soludus Greenpoint Chelsea Boots – These real leather/suede boots are a steal at less than $80! Super easy to slip on and off and comes with a padded footbed that gives extra comfort.
Hunter Original Tall Women’s Rain Boots – These rain boots keep your feet (and legs!) dry and warm in the rain and snow.

Sandals

Sandals are a must, especially if you experience warm weather all year round as I do! That’s because they’re breathable and lightweight, which helps to keep your feet cool during a hot summer’s day.

They are usually easy to slip in and out of and don’t take up much space, making them a convenient choice of footwear.

There are so many different types of sandals to choose from. Nevertheless, popular styles include flip-flops, slides, and strappy sandals.

My picks:

Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

$49.90

Pros:

Sturdy
Very comfortable
Long-lasting
Waterproof
Washable

Cons:

Not stylish
Expensive

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11/03/2025 05:03 am GMT

Havaianas Top Flip Flops for Women

~~$18.00~~ $11.52

Pros:

Affordable
Comfortable
Waterproof
Comes in many colors

Cons:

A little flimsy

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11/03/2025 05:03 am GMT

Heels

Heels are optional, but it’s always nice to have a pair if you want to dress up for a girls’ night out or a friend’s wedding.

They also come in various styles such as pumps, slingback heels, wedges, kitten heels, stilettos, etc.

My favorite is a block heel. I love that it gives me additional height without sacrificing comfort.

My picks:

DREAM PAIRS Womens Chunk Low Heel Pump Sandal

~~$38.99~~ $31.99

Pros:

Comfortable heel height
Comes in many colors
Wide sizes available
Affordable

Cons:

Tight around the toes

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11/03/2025 05:02 am GMT

PIZZ ANNU Women's Square Open Toe Low Block Chunky Heeled Sandals

$32.99

Pros:

Comfortable heel height
Comes in many colors and sizes
Thick wide strap
Affordable

Cons:

Can be slippery

Buy Now

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11/03/2025 05:02 am GMT

Benefits of a minimalist shoe collection

Here are 5 reasons why you should build a minimalist shoe collection:

Saves money

In a 2010 study, research showed that women spent up to $25,000 on shoes in their lifetime. Imagine how much we are spending on shoes today!

Your shoe collection may look pretty, but shoes will not last forever, even if stored and handled with care. They will eventually wear down even if you don’t wear them.

You’re essentially wasting money if you buy shoes to keep them in your closet. Investing in a few high-quality pairs will help you to save money in the long run instead.

Saves time

If you have a vast shoe collection, chances are you’ll spend more time getting ready in the morning trying to decide what to wear. And, it’s likely you’ll gravitate towards your favorites anyway!

Save yourself time and the stress of making decisions! by downsizing your shoe collection.

Saves space

Shoes take up a lot of room. So, it’s not surprising to find that some people run out of storage space at home because they have too many shoes!

Not only will having a minimalist shoe collection take up less space, but it will also make it easier for you to clean and organize your shoes!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many pairs of shoes should a minimalist own?

Firstly, there is no definite number because minimalism looks different for everyone. Ultimately, the number of shoes depends on your lifestyle.

However, 5 pairs of shoes is a great starting point. Here are my recommendations:

Sneakers/athletic shoes
Boots
Flats
Sandals
Heels

2. What is a shoe that goes with everything?

For casual wear, you can’t go wrong with white sneakers. They go with every outfit. If you’re looking for something formal yet comfortable, I highly recommend a pair of ballet flats in neutral colors like black, beige, or navy.

Conclusion

Are you ready to declutter your shoes and start building a minimalist shoe collection?

Remember, what may work for me may not work for you. All of us have very different lifestyles, so be sure to pick the right shoes that work for you. All the best!

Like this post? You may enjoy these other posts about minimalism…

The post Minimalist Shoe Collection For Women – How To Get What Works For You appeared first on That Isle Life.

The Best Minimalist Makeup Collection For Beginners

Lilian — Thu, 05 May 2022 16:30:00 +0000

Do you want to save time and money getting ready in the morning? Read on to discover how to get a minimalist makeup routine with a minimalist makeup collection!

Are you always running late because you spend a lot of time getting ready in the morning?

Are you spending too much money on the latest makeup products?

Or perhaps you’re new to makeup and you’re not sure which products to use.

If all of the scenarios above sound familiar to you, you need a simple and minimal makeup routine.

Many people assume they need a huge makeup collection to look good. Well, that’s simply not true!

How do I know this? Well, I started a minimalist makeup routine five years ago and have zero regrets!

Not only did my minimalist makeup collection save me time and money, but I swear my skin has never looked better.

Read on to discover the details of my minimalist makeup collection and routine below.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you. I may earn a small commission. Read the full privacy policy here.

Related: The Best Minimalist Bag Collection For Every Day

Minimalist Makeup Collection

Makeup is very personal, so do bear in mind that what may work for me may not work for you.

After all, it took me a few years of trial and error to figure out what works for my skin type.

Here are the minimalist makeup products in my collection.

These products are staples in my minimalist makeup collection because they make me look good and feel good.

They are also easy to use, suitable for my skin, and reasonably priced.

Sunscreen
Moisturizer
Skin Tint
Tinted eyebrow gel
Eyeliner
Concealer
Blush
Contour stick
Lip balm
Lipstick

Let’s take a closer look at my minimalist makeup essentials.

Sunscreen

Now, I know sunscreen technically isn’t makeup, but applying sunscreen before makeup is a non-negotiable for me.

It is so important to take care of your skin, and sunscreen helps to protect our skin from damaging UV rays, which can cause skin cancer, discoloration, and wrinkles.

I use sunscreen daily, even when the sun isn’t out.

My pick

Supergoop! Glowscreen (SPF 40) - 1.7 fl oz - Glowy Primer + Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

$38.00

Pros:

All-in-one sunscreen, primer and highlighter
SPF 40
No white cast
Flattering blurring effect on skin
Hydrating

Cons:

Expensive
Can appear too shiny on oily skin

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11/03/2025 03:01 pm GMT

I’ve been a loyal fan of Supergoop sunscreen for years. I love that this sunscreen feels like three products in one!

If you have healthy and clear skin (lucky you!), you don’t need to apply a foundation or concealer after applying this.

Best Budget

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30 | 1.7 Fluid Ounce

~~$15.99~~ $13.97

Pros:

100% mineral sunscreen and tinted moisturiser
Hydrating
Lightweight
Affordable

Cons:

Color may not look good on everyone

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11/03/2025 03:01 pm GMT

Moisturizer

Similar to sunscreen, a moisturizer is a must for me!

My mother introduced me to moisturizing when I was 16, and I genuinely believe it is the key to my healthy and supple skin!

Here are 4 benefits of moisturizing:

Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Makes your skin plump and radiant
Balances your skin’s natural oil
Helps your makeup to apply better

My pick

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, 4.2 Fl Oz

$88.00

Pros:

Lightweight
Hydrating
Absorbs quickly
Sits perfectly under makeup
Fragrance free

Cons:

Expensive

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11/02/2025 08:16 pm GMT

I’ve been using Clinique’s Moisture Surge since 16, and it has never failed me. It has a gel-like consistency that feels refreshing on the skin.

Best Budget

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 | 3 Ounce

~~$19.99~~ $14.97

Pros:

Lightweight and non-greasy
Hydrating
Comes with SPF
Fragrance-free
Oil-free
Affordable

Cons:

May leave a white cast on the face

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11/03/2025 04:04 pm GMT

Skin Tint

If you need more coverage but don’t want anything too thick, I recommend using a skin tint.

Skin tints offer very light and sheer coverage with just a hint of pigment.

Most also include hydrating ingredients to help nourish the skin.

Fun fact: I haven’t used a foundation in over five years. I find that it dries out my skin and it makes my skin look cakey.

I don’t use a skin tint daily, only when I need a bit more coverage or when I think my skin looks dull.

It’s just what I need for a minimalist makeup look.

My Pick

ILIA - Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

$48.00

Pros:

Comes with SPF
Medium coverage
Buildable
Long-wearing
Comes in 30 shades
Clean ingredients
Fragrance-free and oil-free

Cons:

Pricey
Smell is off-putting to some

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11/03/2025 04:04 pm GMT

Pro Tip: This skin tint gives good coverage, moisturizes skin, and protects you from the sun. All you need is one product to replace your traditional foundation, sunscreen, and moisturizer!

Eyebrows

Eyebrow makeup may look subtle but it can make a big difference to how you look.

After all, our eyebrows frame our eyes and define our appearance.

That’s why having the right brow shape and color is essential in a minimalist makeup routine.

A brow gel is used to comb, shape, and lock eyebrows in place.

Although I microblade my eyebrows every year, I prefer using a tinted brow gel because it adds color and thickness to my sparse brows.

My Pick

Glossier Boy Brow 3.12 g / 0.11 oz (Black)

$31.08

Pros:

Lightweight
Natural finish
Long-wearing
Alcohol-free

Cons:

Pricey for its size

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11/03/2025 04:04 pm GMT

I love how this brow gel makes my eyebrows look full yet natural.

Eyeliner

Eyeliner is a staple in my minimalist makeup routine.

I have short and sparse lashes, so using eyeliner makes my eyes look larger and more defined.

My Pick

MAC Liquidlast Liner in Point Black

$27.50

Pros:

Waterproof
Long-wearing
Great for oily skin

Cons:

Hard to remove

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11/03/2025 04:09 pm GMT

This has been my go-to eyeliner for more than 15 years because it doesn’t smudge or fade even after a long day of wear.

Concealer

Since I don’t use foundation (read more below!), I have to use concealer to cover any blemishes, redness, and dark circles.

My Pick

Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer

$32.00

Pros:

Full coverage
Easy to use
Blends beautifully
Doesn't crease

Cons:

Pricey
May be drying to some

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11/03/2025 03:02 pm GMT

I use this daily to cover my dark circles, but when it’s out of stock, I use the Huda Beauty Faux Filter Concealer, and it’s just as good!

Best Budget

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer

~~$12.99~~ $9.77

Pros:

Good coverage
Brightening
Affordable

Cons:

Creases sometimes
Doesn't have a wide range of shades

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11/03/2025 04:03 pm GMT

Pro Tip: Make your concealer last longer by letting it sit for 30 seconds to a minute before dabbing it with a damp B eauty Blender.

Blush

Blush is great for adding color to the face. Not only does it give depth to your face, but it also brightens and warms up the skin.

Overall, it makes you look fresh-faced, rosy, and healthy.

My Pick

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

$25.00

Pros:

Very pigmented
Long-wearing
Value for money

Cons:

A little difficult to blend if too much is applied

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11/03/2025 04:09 pm GMT

This blush needs no introduction. It’s very pigmented so a little goes a long way.

1-2 dots will give you a beautiful flush with a hint of glow!

Pro Tip: You can apply the Rare Beauty dewy finish blush on your nose and lips too for a monochromatic makeup look.

Contour

Do you have round puffy cheeks?

If you do, welcome to the chubby cheeks club!

I use a contour stick to sculpt my cheekbones and jawline to make them look more chiseled and defined.

My Pick

FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Match Stix Matte Skinstick

$28.99

Pros:

Cool contour colour
Easy to blend
Very smooth

Cons:

Can be a bit dry to some

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09/10/2025 07:04 am GMT

I’ve been using this for years because it’s so easy to apply and blend. Plus, it lasts for a long time.

Pro Tip: Want to warm up your eyelids? This looks great as an eyeshadow too! Use your fingers and blend the color on your lids.

Lipbalm

I have very pale lips, so I use a tinted lip balm daily.

I love that they hydrate my lips while adding a pop of color to them.

My Pick

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm Trio

$73.38

Pros:

Hydrating
Not sticky
Natural color
Smells good
Nice subtle shine
Vegan

Cons:

Pricey

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11/02/2025 04:25 pm GMT

Best Budget

Burts Bees Lip Tint Balm, Red Dahlia

~~$9.98~~ $7.99

Pros:

Hydrating
Natural color
100% Natural
Affordable

Cons:

Waxy texture

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11/03/2025 04:04 pm GMT

Lipstick

For a night out, I typically put on a long-wearing lipstick that lasts through a whole night of eating and talking.

My Pick

Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Longwear Liquid Lipstick, 0.14 fl oz

~~$13.99~~ $10.98

Pros:

Long-lasting
Very pigmented
Beautiful color
Nice high shine
Affordable

Cons:

A little sticky

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11/02/2025 04:25 pm GMT

I’ve tried many luxury lipsticks, but I always come back to this because it is so pigmented and lasts all night.

My favorite shade is Peachy, a soft nude peach that’s great for fair skin tones.

Minimalist Makeup Bag

Got your minimalist makeup collection?

Great! Now, don’t forget your minimalist makeup bag.

These options are stylish yet functional, easy to carry, and convenient for travel.

Related: Minimalist Shoe Collection For Women – How To Get What Works For You

Minimalist Makeup Routine

This is my everyday minimalist makeup routine for work and casual days. Perfect for beginners!

Moisturizer
Sunscreen
Eyebrow gel
Eyeliner
Concealer
Blush
Lip balm

Minimalist Makeup Brands

These minimalist makeup brands offer a wide range of products to help you achieve a natural and minimal makeup look.

Glossier
Ilia
Saie
Merit
Summer Fridays
Tower 28
The Honest Company
Milk Makeup

5 Practical Tips To Create A Minimalist Makeup Collection

Stick to classics and avoid trends

Skip makeup trends! When you stick to classics, you’ll never have to worry about creating an embarrassing makeup look ever again!

Opt for neutral colors in your minimalist makeup collection so you can create natural timeless looks.

Use one product for each area

You don’t need two eyebrow pencils or three blushes.

Simplify your makeup collection and get rid of any duplicates.

Identify your skin’s needs

It’s important to identify your skin’s needs so you don’t make impulse purchases that may be completely wrong for your skin.

For example, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to look out for natural and clean products.

People with oily skin should go for matte products whereas people with dry skin (like me!) should keep an eye out for products with hydrating properties.

Invest in good-quality makeup

Quality is key when you’re putting together a minimalist makeup collection.

Investing in good-quality makeup will help your makeup last longer and keep your skin healthier.

Avoid makeup palettes

I’m the type of person who only uses 2-3 shades in a makeup palette.

Makeup palettes are beautiful, but they are unnecessary.

Instead of purchasing expensive palettes, choose multipurpose products like a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen or cream blush that can be used as eyeshadow and lipstick as well.

Benefits Of A Minimalist Makeup Collection

Saves time

Want to get ready in 5-10 minutes? You can if you have a minimalist makeup routine!

With a minimalist makeup collection, you know exactly which products to use and what steps to take to complete a look.

Say goodbye to rummaging in a cluttered drawer to find something that looks good on you!

You will also spend less time cleaning, organizing, and shopping.

Once you have your favorites, it will only take you minutes to re-order everything. How amazing is that?!

Saves money

According to a new study conducted by OnePoll for Groupon, the average woman spends about $313 per month on her appearance.

This adds up to almost $4,000 a year, which is A LOT of money.

If you haven’t decluttered your makeup collection, take a look and be honest with yourself.

How many of these items do you use on a regular basis?

A minimalist makeup collection will save you loads in the long run.

Use your hard-earned money to make valuable purchases like going on holiday with your family!

Saves space

Are your vanity table and drawers filled to the brim with makeup?

If you answered yes, chances are you are often stressed trying to find what you need whenever you’re getting ready.

Well, you’ll no longer run out of space on your vanity table if you have a minimalist makeup collection.

Furthermore, it will only take you minutes instead of hours (or days!) to organize your vanity area.

Makes your skin healthier

Makeup is great, but using too much of it can lead to skin irritation or acne.

Taking a break from makeup can help the skin to repair itself.

A minimalist makeup routine will let your skin breathe and keep your skin healthier over time.

Enhances natural beauty and boosts confidence

When I wore heavy makeup daily, I used to think I could not live without it.

I was worried people would think I looked tired, sick, lazy, unprofessional, and the list goes on.

That’s the thing with makeup. Once you’re completely dependent on it, you will feel insecure without it.

However, using less makeup has helped me to appreciate my looks more. Plus, I think it brings out my natural beauty, which is pretty amazing!

I know it might take a while to get used to but once you get there, you’ll feel more confident than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I include in a minimalist travel makeup collection?

My trick to a minimalist travel makeup collection is to bring multipurpose products.

This means you can bring less but still have enough to look as fresh as a daisy.

Here’s what I normally bring on my travels:

Skin tint – make sure to choose one that has SPF and hyaluronic acid
Cream or liquid blush – you can use this on your lips, cheeks, eyes
Tinted eyebrow gel – add color and keep your brows locked in place
Eyeliner
Contour – choose an easy-to-blend formula so you can add warmth to your skin and sculpt your cheeks and jawline. Works as an eyeshadow too
Lip balm or hydrating lipstick
Waterproof and TSA-approved makeup bag

How do you look fresh with minimal makeup?

The key to looking fresh with minimal makeup is to make sure your skin looks dewy with a hint of color.

Start with a tinted moisturizer or a skin tint for a smooth base.

Then, hide your dark circles with a hydrating concealer.

Finally, use a cream blusher or tinted lip balm to add some color to your cheeks and lips.

Conclusion

Having a minimalist makeup routine and collection has worked wonders for me for the past 5 years.

I have no regrets, I only wish I’d done it sooner!

Try it for yourself and use this post as a guide to starting your own minimalist makeup collection.

All the best!

The post The Best Minimalist Makeup Collection For Beginners appeared first on That Isle Life.