As a “less but better” girlie, I’ve loved seeing minimalism make a comeback in the cultural conversation. From digital minimalism and the analog resurgence to the sleek simplicity of ’90s beauty (hello, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy), it suddenly feels chic again to pare things down. But after years of editing and curating my life—and plenty of trial and error—my biggest lesson for the minimalism-curious is this: minimalism, especially when it comes to style and beauty, isn’t about copying one specific look. It’s about discovering what works for you and returning to it again and again.
Still, even the most devoted minimalist can accumulate a little too much over time. At the start of this year, I opened my makeup drawer and realized it had crossed the line from curated to crowded. So I decided to start fresh.
Over the past few months, I’ve been streamlining my routines—from refining my closet essentials to simplifying weeknight cooking—and finally editing my beauty products down to the pieces I reach for every single day. The result is a minimalist makeup routine that feels effortless, polished, and completely my own. Ahead are the products that made the cut.
Featured image from our interview with Sanetra Nere Longno by Michelle Nash.
Curating Your Everyday Makeup Essentials
A minimalist makeup routine doesn’t have to be boring—I’d actually argue it’s one of the chicest things a girl can have. There’s something confident about knowing exactly what you love and reaching for the same few products every day. In a world that constantly pushes the next launch or trend, that kind of clarity feels refreshing.
So how do you curate a collection of everyday makeup essentials that truly works for you?
Step 1: Purge
First comes the slightly daunting part: letting go of the products you no longer need. The good news? The energy of spring—with its built-in sense of reset—makes this the perfect time for a beauty declutter.
I like to start by moving everything from my vanity into one place where I can see it all at once. From there, I begin editing. Expired products and anything I haven’t touched in months go first. Then I take a second pass and remove the impulse buys or once-trendy items that no longer excite me.
What’s left is a smaller, more manageable collection—and the perfect starting point for building a streamlined, minimalist makeup routine.
Step 2: Find What You Actually Use
From there, I take a closer look at the products I naturally gravitate toward. Are these the items I genuinely love, or simply the ones I’ve been using out of habit? The products I truly can’t live without stay. The rest go.
Of course, I keep a few extras for special occasions—the occasional bright lip or sparkly eye—and a couple shade variations for different seasons. But the goal is simple: keep my everyday makeup products front and center so my morning routine feels effortless.
Step 3: Elevate Your Essentials
I used to save my “best” beauty products for special occasions while reaching for my mid-tier staples every day. But in the words of Joan Didion, “every day is all we have.”
The cornerstone of a minimalist makeup routine is fewer—but better—products. And nothing feels more aligned than starting the day with items you truly love using.
Step 4: Take It for a Test Drive
Once your edit is complete, try your routine for a few days. Does it feel easy? Do the products work well together? Does it take longer than you’d like?
Refine as you go—editing, adjusting, and simplifying until you land on a minimalist makeup routine that fits your taste and your lifestyle. Trust me: once you find your edit, getting ready will feel effortlessly chic.
10 Favorite Minimalist Makeup Products
My own minimalist makeup essentials are a mix of longtime staples I’ve repurchased for years and a few recent discoveries that quickly earned permanent status in my routine. While the brands and formulas vary, they all share two essential factors: exceptional quality and effortless versatility.
As a beauty editor, I’m constantly testing buzzy new launches—products with trending ingredients and packaging designed to stop your scroll. But the items that truly make it into my everyday makeup routine are the ones with staying power. They wear beautifully throughout the day, don’t irritate my sensitive skin (a non-negotiable), and perform just as well on the hundredth use as they did on the first.
Step 1: Prep
I’ll always believe that great makeup starts with great skin. A well-prepped complexion makes every other product look better—and often means you need far less makeup overall.
Because I love a multitasking formula, many of my favorite skincare products double as the first step in my makeup routine. Think a tinted sunscreen that evens tone while protecting the skin or a brightening fluid that adds subtle luminosity. Together, they create a hydrated, healthy-looking base that makes the rest of my minimalist makeup routine feel effortless.
Step 2: Create a Base
For me, a minimalist base means keeping coverage light—I want my skin to still look like skin. A touch of concealer or a sheer complexion product is often all it takes to even things out while letting your natural texture shine through.
If you prefer a more full-coverage look, the key is simply finding formulas that work beautifully with your skin. The goal of a minimalist makeup routine isn’t necessarily less 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. Other days, I skip it entirely. My eye makeup tends to shift depending on the day and the mood—but the three products I reach for most consistently are always the same.
Step 4: A Pop of Color
Whether it’s a bold lip or a natural flush, even a minimalist makeup routine benefits from a touch of color. It’s the easiest way to bring life to the face while still keeping the overall look effortless and understated.
Bonus: Set and Protect
The final step in my routine is a light setting spray to keep everything looking fresh throughout the day. I also like to keep a resetting sunscreen spray in my bag—an easy way to refresh my makeup while protecting my skin on the go.
This post was last updated on March 23, 2026, to include new insights.