It’s Monday morning, you’re running late and rummaging around in your makeup bag thinking “where the heck did that eyeshadow brush go?!” Sound familiar? As a busy grad student, this is literally me EVERY morning. There are always so many meetings to attend and to-do lists running around in my head that getting ready for the day is usually a rushed, last-minute afterthought! So, in an effort to be more efficient with my time, I’ve simplified my beauty routine and created systems that will help me maintain a simple, sustainable routine. Read on to learn how I simplified my routine and why it was a game-changer doing it with Alleyoop!
1. Declutter and Reduce
Step 1 of any simplification process is decluttering your existing collection! In my early 20s, I was quite the beauty junkie and, as a result, I’ve accumulated a lot of products that I no longer use or are past their expiration dates (whoops!). By decluttering my existing collection, I am able to see what products I reach for most and which ones can be gifted to a friend who might get more use out of them! Tracking my own use patterns is also useful in determining what kinds of products I should be investing in and how to reduce my consumption in unnecessary areas.
2. Invest in Multitasking Products
Alright, friends. THIS is where discovering Alleyoop has truly been a game-changer. I thought I was good at finding multitasking products – many of my lipsticks double as blush when I’m in a rush! – buuut my multitasking game has picked up/changed since integrating the Multi-Tasker 4-in-1 Makeup Brush into my daily routine. I probably have at least 100 makeup brushes, yet I always find myself digging for the same eyeshadow brush – so clearly I could do with some downsizing! The multi-tasker brush has 4 tools in one and has been essential when I travel, need to save time in the mornings, or when I want something to throw in my bag for touch-ups during the day.
3. Prioritize Quality
In the past, I’ve bought low-quality products that didn’t work well for me – which just ended up being both wasteful for the planet and a waste of my own time. Nowadays, I’m focused on buying from brands that prioritize the quality and functionality of their products. Two of my favorite examples of this are Alleyoop’s Stack the Odds Multi-Face Stacker and their 11th Hour Eyeshadow Stick. These products both go onto the skin SO smoothly, which means I don’t have to spend any time furiously blending it in like I might for a lower quality product! Also, as an Asian American woman, I really appreciate that on Alleyoop's website, they show each of their products on a variety of different skin tones. This, along with the Alleyoop beauty quiz that recommends products based on your skin tone, makes my buying experience easier because I don’t have to guess what a product will look like on my skin and promotes inclusivity in the beauty industry.
4. Use Clear Make-up Bags
Using a clear make-up bag seems like a no-brainer now that I’m using one, but this was a totally new strategy to me – and I LOVE how effective and simple it is! Although I’m generally an organized person, when I get busy with work, the apartment becomes (what my husband affectionately calls) a tornado of STUFF. Having a clear make-up bag, like Alleyoop’s In The Clear bag, means that even when life gets busy, I can still easily see all of my beauty products and don’t need to spend any unnecessary time digging around for the things I need.
5. Consider Sustainability
Finally, my absolute favorite part about Alleyoop is their focus on sustainability. Sustainability goes hand in hand with simplifying my beauty routine because, in the long run, I want to buy fewer products that will reduce my footprint on the planet. When it comes to sustainability, however, it can feel like a very daunting task to research every product and company. Alleyoop prioritizes sustainability in the way they design high-quality multi-tasking products, package their products, and most recently, with their commitment to becoming plastic neutral. I’m a bit of a worrywart when it comes to sustainability issues, so it feels incredible to support a company that values sustainability the same way I do.
