7 Common Makeup Items You Don't Actually Need ...

After going through old makeup a few weeks ago, I uncovered quite a few common makeup items you don't actually need. While you might use them, they're not vital to your daily makeup routine. Skip these items and you'll notice the same thing I did. It takes far less time to apply and you still look incredible. Go ahead, clean out your makeup drawer and skip a few steps each morning.

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Eye Liner

Unless you're going for ultra dramatic, you don't need eye liner. You can get the same effect by using the edge of an eye shadow applicator or an eye shadow pencil. Plus, you get the added benefit of your liner and shadow matching. For a darker line, dampen the tip of your applicator before putting shadow on it. This creates a much darker line. Just be sure to apply foundation first and use water proof shadow to help the line last longer.

Primer

Another common makeup item you don't need is primer. Many foundations already have primer built in. For most of us, a long wear foundation is all that's needed. After all, do you really need another layer of makeup on your face? If you really think primer is a must, buy a foundation with primer already included. It'll help you skip a step and keep your pores from makeup overload.

Lip Liner

For the most part, lip liner isn't as popular as it used to be. Sure, you still see it sometimes, but between the plumping and no-bleed lipsticks available, it's not a necessary makeup item. Lip liner is normally used to give the lips more shape, make them look larger and keep lipstick on longer. All day wear lipstick with a layer of foundation underneath gives the same result. A plumping lip gloss gives you more volume without trying to perfectly outline your lips everyday.

Highlighter

Personally, I'm a huge fan of highlighting and contouring. Yet, I don't really see a need for a separate highlighting product. A bit of light concealer, bronzer and luminizing powder does the same thing. Plus, they're items you likely already have on hand. Of course, it you don't use these items, a highlighting cream or stick is a must have. Usually, I get the same result by using concealer and bronzer.

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Indeed, highlighting can seem essential for that sought-after glow, but it's often more about technique than hoarding specialized products. For an everyday look, mixing a bit of your regular moisturizer with your foundation can achieve a subtle sheen, accentuating your features without the need for a separate highlighter. Furthermore, strategically applied eye shadow with a touch of shimmer can double up as a highlight on the high points of your face. Simplifying your routine not only saves time but also allows you to become more creative with the products you already own.

Multiple Individual Concealers

I jumped on the concealer train years ago and had a drawer full of different types. It wasn't until I got tired of digging for the right color for each flaw type that I realized I didn't need multiple individual concealers. I opted for a simple concealer palette with yellow, white and green. However, most days, a yellow based concealer is all I need. If you have redness or acne blemishes, a green is highly useful. Otherwise, dump the extra concealer.

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Investing in a concealer palette has completely transformed my makeup routine. Not only is it space-efficient, but it's also versatile for any look or skin issue. The yellow helps to brighten the under-eye area on darker skin tones, while white can be used for highlighting purposes. But honestly, simplicity is key — stick to what matches your skin the closest and use it to your advantage. After all, our beauty bags are precious real estate; there's no need to clutter them with products that serve the same purpose. Conserve your space and your time, and embrace a streamlined approach to beauty.

Blush

I've never been a huge fan of blush. With pale skin, even the lightest pink or beige made me look like I'd been slapped. Blush is supposed to give your cheeks a natural glow. I say it's a makeup item you can skip. Bronzer gives you a much more natural glow. Top with a luminizing powder and you'll look far more alive and vibrant than you could with blush. Plus, you don't run the risk of over application and the dreaded clown look.

Setting Powder

I know many of you won't agree with this one. Setting powder is usually the finishing step to help set your makeup for the day. However, I've found most of us apply too much and it causes dry skin, wrinkles and fine lines to look like bulls-eyes on our faces. Instead, use a luminizing or translucent powder very lightly. It helps highlight your face while setting your foundation and concealer without filling up your pores and fine lines.

I know we all of our favorite makeup items, but these are items you don't really need. Imagine having less makeup clutter to go through each day. Trust me, you'll save time, money and hassle by getting rid of these and multi-tasking with other items instead. Are you ready to give these common cosmetics up?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Hmm I don't know how I feel about this.. It's true eyeshadow with a tip brush makes a great eyeliner replacement, but fades quick! I find a little eyeliner underneath holds it all day. Primer smooths the skin and gives a real even base for foundation! If you don't use heavy foundation then maybe you don't need it but if you do a full face it's a must. Lip liner I don't use Everytime with lipstick but for more of a complete look I do, it evens out my lipstick and stops it from getting messy. Highlighter is another thing I use every once in awhile too, my concealer too can replace it but a highlighter as a shimmer if you are looking for a more brightening look. Like this said one concealer is enough find one you love and stick to it! I use green sometimes but I find it just doesn't work like id like it too. Now blush is something you once again don't really need if you aren't wearing a full face of foundation, but when I first started doing my full face and not putting on my blush my mom would always tell me I need some color! Full foundation is used to even out skin tone which will take away any natural pretty flush! You don't wanna look wiped out! I think you need setting powder but maybe not on the whole face! I am loving matte foundations right now so I put setting powder with a small brush on my undereyes and nose. Unless you have a dewy foundation you don't need a heavy amount of powder. Sorry guys if that was super long but after going to school for makeup and now doing makeup as a profession I've experimented a lot cause I wanted to give my clients the best tips of things I found out. But it's everyone's personal preference of what makes you feel good!

Every one should really go thru their own make-up to swee hat they haven't used for awhile...these you can do without for daily routine, but may be needed for special occasion looks. I would use the article for general information, but no one else has my face or complexion. I did like the multi tasking info for some products. Made me think of what products I could use for another purpose. I also am very fair and also have Discoid Lupus. It's facial feature is s "Butterfly Rash" that looks just like a red Butterfly landed on your face...concealer is my best friend! Wipe out the red, to begin with a natural all over color, then add my "natural blush". Using a natural fluff brush with my favorite color blush, that is actually quite dark for my fair skin... Too light a blush looks more unnatural than a deeper shade, we don't naturally blush in light pink!!! The old saying says if best...know thy self, and your face!

Whaaaaat? I'm pale and I love using blush. I think I looked washed out from my light make up without it.

Tbh if you're wearing foundation you really should wear a primer. It makes the foundation look really smooth and it also create a barrier between the skin and the makeup. It makes your makeup look so much better, and can often reduce the cakey look that you see on so many people

Who owns an eye shadow pencil? I have my eye liner and shadows in solid form and use a brushes to apply them.

This article is a common opinion we don't need

The only thing i use the most of is mascara to be honest, i'm really bad with eye makeup, i tend to rub it out shortly after i put it on! Sometimes i use eyeliner and eyeshadow but only on rare occasions - i think I'm sensitive

All the points you made were just based off your opinion....

Blush and eyeliner are my best friends, i can do without many things, but not these two.

This article is so stupid. I don't agree with one of these. It's a matter of opinion. What seems unnecessary to some is important to someone else. As an esthetician and makeup artist I am very annoyed by this article. 👎

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