Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.
Am I the only ones who wonders if there’s anyone out there who actually uses up their makeup before it goes bad or they move on to something better? As a lifelong makeup minimalist, have I been naïve about how others wear makeup? I was thrilled to find a request from Vanda in Chicago this week about this very thing:
“Make-up for occasional wearers (over 50!). I wear it so rarely now, I need something that can work for very occasional use and won't go off/gross because it's opened and left for months. Is there such a thing? I love Clinique, Nars, Lancome, Laura Mercier, but they've been in my make-up bag for around 8 years and I'm still wearing them! Yuck! Except for the mascara, but it's too expensive to pay $30 for a twice yearly outing.”
Dear Vanda,
First, some frustrating news: all makeup goes off at some point. Most of the packaging will tell you that you should use it anywhere from 6-24 months from opening, but use that information as you wish. If you have sensitive skin, old makeup is more likely to cause reactions or breakouts but the real risk is that bacteria can grow. That said, products that come in tubes are likely to last longer because there’s less contamination and exposure to oxygen. The more you understand the ingredients in the products, the better you can assess their shelf life, too! Always read the label, and consider the type of packaging. Personally, I’d love it if more products came in smaller quantities. I’ve never finished an eye shadow, and as much as I love the fabulously versatile Jones Road Miracle Balm, how the hell am I ever going to use the whole massive jar?! With all of this considered, and not knowing what exact product types you require, I’ve got some recommendations in pretty much every category to help freshen up and streamline your minimal makeup situation (with NO tools required!):
RMS Signature Set Palette ($48) has two highlighters, two lip and cheek tints and a lip balm. These products are soooo easy to use (dab dab rub with your fingers!) and though they normally come in jars that are impossible to finish, this palette gives your multiple products in smaller quantities, so it’s less bulk in your bag and less waste.
KUSH Fiber Brow Gel from Milk ($20) is the best in its class, as far as I’m concerned. There’s more product in the tube than many alternatives and it’s super simple to apply. This is the one and only makeup product that I use every day because I feel like it instantly makes me look more put together.
Well People Bio Correct Concealer ($22) comes in a really small tube, many shades, medium coverage and can I tell you a secret? When I want more coverage or need to even out my skin tone, I mix a dab of this with my moisturizer to make a tinted cream. I am firmly in the no foundation camp, because unless you’re an expert at choosing and applying it, it’s always going to look and feel like you’re wearing foundation. This product is a nice middle ground.
Are you tired of me recommending Bobbi Brown’s Jones Road products? Well, I’m not done yet. The Best Eyeshadow (yes, that’s what it’s called) is wearable, not too sparkly, and can be layered, blended, or simply smudged onto your lips with the tip of your pinky finger. Pick an easy, flattering color for daytime and a sassier one for night. That’s all a makeup minimalist needs!
Eyeliner is a beast I know very little about these days, but I’ve done a lot of research and have experience in my past life to lean on. Skip the liquid liner (it’ll dry out), and the pencil (a sharpener is one less thing you’ll need) and find one that feels comfortable to you that’s retractable. This one from Kulfi is my pick, but you’ll find this type from many other brands, too.
Mascara is the one product that you don’t want sitting around for too long! Since it’s so close to your eye, it’s just not worth the bacteria and irritation risk. I had a bad reaction to a mascara back in 2009 and lost ALL of my eyelashes. Grab a travel sized tube at Ulta when you need it if you’re not using it regularly (this is what I do!), or stick with something cheap so there’s no guilt (can’t go wrong with good ol’ Great Lash for $8)
You know what product I really miss? Covergirl Lip Slicks. Do you remember this early 2000s drugstore staple? They were basically chunky slightly-more-tinted lip balms in universally flattering colors. The current version (called “Smoothies”) just isn’t the same. In a similar vein, another universally flattering early aughts fave that still exists and that I would recommend to anyone is Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey ($22). It’s simply the best.
QUICK ANSWER
Wendy in New York: “My beloved Blunt umbrella recently broke, and as much as I love the rounded edges and great 'no flip' durability, I'd love something with a small folded profile to easily toss in a bag for travel and commuting - bonus points for fun prints/colors/patterns!”
London Undercover (about $40) makes quality compact umbrellas that come in 24 colors and patterns! I discovered them last year when I was on the hunt for something that was going to survive a windy storm but wouldn’t cost me an arm and a leg. This umbrella is about 2 1/2 inches shorter than your Blunt, and should stand up to whatever mother nature throws at it. There are really really small umbrellas out there, but I’ve never met one that is truly flip-proof, and in NYC you really need it to be!
Susanna in Richmond: “I’m looking for a set of coasters! Something that won’t slip around or scratch our glass coffee table, won’t stick to glasses due to condensation, is simple but not boring, and doesn’t take up too much space when not in use. Preferably not too expensive!”
I can’t stop talking about fabric coasters! They’re flatter, chicer, washable and totally scratch-proof. All of the ones I’ve tried in my own home are double layered, so even the iciest, sweatiest glasses are no match. The types of coasters I’m talking about aren’t the same as a cocktail napkin — they’re a little smaller and thicker. Linen Tales has the widest array of colors I’ve seen, at the best price ($16 for 4).
FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
It seems that everyone is sick right now. I just got over something gross and mucus-y and Matt has a cold and frequent headaches. I’m surprised my cats aren’t sneezing, too. One product that we love in my household, that was introduced to me years ago by my dear friend Vita is a Japanese headache product that works better than anything I’ve ever tried. It’s called Megumi Tomiyama Pharmaceutical Kerorin and it is little packets of powder that contains aspirin, caffeine and cinnamon. I like to put it in a shot glass with a little water and take it down in one gulp. Important reminder: I am not a medical professional! Do not use this product without consulting an actual doctor first. Every body is different! But seriously, have you ever seen an OTC medical product with such beautiful packaging?!
Before I sign off, I have two things to note:
Ya’ll have been sending in so many great submissions lately!! Gone are the days when I can get to all of them, unfortunately, so I’ve been choosing the ones that are the most interesting to me, or most in my wheelhouse. Lately, I’ve been receiving a lot of requests for things I’ve already covered in past editions, so if I don’t answer your request, be sure to look back at previous posts.
I wrote a fun lil review of my beloved Pocket Coffee for The Strategist this week! Read it here.
Is there a product you’re looking for? Submit your request here. See you next week for fresh recommendations! xo Caroline
Edition 39: Calling All Makeup Minimalists!
Lip Slicks! They really were the best. I always chose the yellow tube--copper maybe? I continually hope that, in the 90s retro craze, they will bring them back.
Heh, another product I've done decades of research on. Powder products last MUCH longer than anyone expects. If they get a layer of oils on the top, you can scrape it off -it's called hardpan- and keep using it. Creme products will last longer than the labels, but if they smell off or are clumpy/separated then don't keep using them. Mascara is the one product I won't keep if opened for any length of time. Most bacteria transfer from the applicators, so those one definitely needs to either use disposable, or keep very clean. Beautysoclean is a brand of cosmetic sanitiser products for makeup artists that can help keep your products usable far beyond their "expiration" date. Cosmetic companies want you to buy more stuff, so they tell you to chuck it far too frequently.
Also, FYI Nail polish lasts indefinitely. I have polishes from the 1960's that are still usable, just thin with polish THINNER (not remover/acetone!!) and let sit/shake. They can look weird, but are still usable.
Most cosmetics are pigments (inert) + fillers/extenders.
Also, Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey was introduced in 1971 (originally in a pot). I've personally been buying Clinique's Almost Lipstick in the current tube form factor since 1989 and it was a cult product even then, of course. It comes and goes in fashion in waves. ( https://www.clinique.com/thewink/cult-classic/black-honey )