As a “smaller but better” girl, I’ve loved seeing minimalism come back into the cultural conversation. From digital minimalism and the resurgence of analog to the subtle recovery of ’90s aesthetics (hello, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy), it just feels good to tone things down. But after years of planning and taking care of my life—and a lot of trial and error—my biggest minimalist-curious lesson is this: minimalism, especially when it comes to style and beauty, isn’t about copying one exact look. It’s about finding what works for you and coming back to it again and again.
However, even the most dedicated minimalist can accumulate quite a bit over time. Earlier this year, I opened my makeup drawer and realized that it had crossed the line from curated to cluttered. So I decided to start over.
Over the past few months, I’ve been streamlining my ways—from purging my closet essentials to simplifying weeknight cooking—and finally organizing my beauty products down to the pieces I reach for each day. The result is a minimalist makeup routine that feels understated, polished, and completely my own. Ahead there are products that have made the cut.
Featured image from our interview with Sanetra Nere Longno by Michelle Nash.
Check Out Your Everyday Makeup Essentials
Low makeup doesn’t have to be boring—in fact, I’d argue it’s one of the best things a girl can have. There is something confident about knowing exactly what you like and reaching for a few of the same products every day. In a world that’s always pushing for the next launch or trend, that kind of clarity feels refreshing.
So how do you choose a collection of everyday makeup essentials that really work for you?
Step 1: Clean
First comes the slightly harder part: letting go of products you no longer need. The good news? The power of spring—and its built-in sense of reset—makes this the perfect time to get rid of beauty.
I like to start by moving everything that is useless to one place where I can see it at once. From there, I start planning. Expired products and anything I haven’t touched in months are best. Then I go through a second time and get rid of shopping items or things that were once fashionable and no longer make me happy.
What’s left is a small, manageable collection—and a great starting point for building an organized, minimalist makeup routine.
Step 2: Find What You Really Use
Since then, I’ve been taking a closer look at the products I’m naturally drawn to. Are these things that I genuinely love, or are they things I’ve been using out of habit? Products I really can’t live without. Others are leaving.
Of course, I keep a few extras for special occasions—the occasional bright lip or glittery eye—and a few shade variations for different seasons. But the goal is simple: keep my daily makeup products front and center so my morning routine feels effortless.
Step 3: Raise Your Values
I used to save my “best” beauty products for special occasions while reaching for mid-tier basics every day. But according to Joan Didion, “every day is all we have.”
The foundation of a minimal makeup routine is fewer—but better—products. And nothing feels more aligned than starting the day with things you really love to use.
Step 4: Take it for a test drive
Once your planning is complete, test your schedule for a few days. Does it sound easy? Do the products work well together? Is it taking longer than you would like?
Refine as you go—plan, adjust, and simplify until you arrive at a makeup routine that suits your taste and lifestyle. Trust me: once you get your plan, getting ready will feel a lot easier.
10 Favorite Makeup Products
My little makeup essentials are a mix of staples I’ve repurchased over the years and a few new finds that have quickly found permanent status in my routine. Although the brands and formulas differ, they all share two important things: exceptional quality and effortless flexibility.
As a beauty editor, I’m always checking out the hottest new launches—products with trending ingredients and packaging designed to stop your scrolling. But the things that make it into my daily makeup routine are the ones that have staying power. They wear well all day, don’t irritate my sensitive skin (which is negotiable), and work just as well over a hundred uses as they did at first.
Step 1: Prepare
I will always believe that good makeup starts with good skin. A well-groomed complexion makes every other product look better—and usually means you need less makeup overall.
Because I love a multi-tasking formula, many of my skincare products double as the first step in my makeup routine. Consider a light sunscreen that changes tone while protecting the skin or a light liquid that adds a subtle glow. Together, they create a hydrated, healthy-looking foundation that makes my entire minimal makeup routine feel effortless.
Step 2: Create a Foundation
For me, minimalist foundation means keeping the coverage light—I want my skin to still look like skin. A touch of concealer or a perfect complexion product is often all that’s needed to even out things while letting your natural texture shine through.
If you prefer a more plump look, the key is to find formulas that work well with your skin. The goal of understated makeup isn’t minimal coverage—it’s choosing products that feel effortless, reliable, and worth reaching for every day.
Step 3: Eyes
Some days I wear nothing but mascara. Some days, I skip it altogether. My eye makeup often changes depending on the day and mood—but the three products I reach for the most remain the same.
Step 4: Pop of Color
Whether it’s a bold lip or a natural flush, even a minimal makeup routine benefits from a touch of color. It’s an easy way to bring life to the face while maintaining a perfect look without working hard and understated.
Bonus: Set and Protect
The last step in my routine is a light setting spray to keep everything looking fresh all day. I also like to keep a sun setting spray in my bag—an easy way to freshen up my makeup while protecting my skin on the go.
This post was last updated on March 23, 2026, to include new information.