How to Save Time, Money, and Space on Skincare

If you’re like me, you have more skincare and makeup products than you know what to do with!

After all, there are only so many lipsticks you can use in one day.

And what about that intense face mask that you splurged on but haven’t found the time to use yet?

Don’t worry, I’ve been there, and I’ve done that.

We can all get a little carried away with our beauty and skincare “closets” sometimes.

But the question is, at what point is it too much? And at what point is it time to make a change?

Well, my lovely ladies, I like to say that there’s no time like the present!

Besides, it’s not too late to start the year off on the right foot, is it?

I know, I know, sometimes you’ve got so many beauty products that the task of sorting them (or getting rid of some) is a daunting one, but that’s why I’m here!

I’ve rounded up some tips for saving time, money, and space on skincare so that you can take your favorite ideas and apply them to your own lifestyle.

Let’s be honest, who couldn’t use an extra five minutes in the morning? Or an extra $5 in the bank?

Are you in?

Here’s where we’ll start:

• What does sustainability mean for you?
• Reusing with style
• Subscribe to a low-waste skincare routine
• DIY — or with a friend or two!
• Travel-friendly time (and $) savers

Ready? Set? Go!

Let’s Talk About Lingo — What Does Sustainability Mean for You?

We all hear the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” quite frequently, and we all have heard about “sustainability,” but sometimes it can be tough to sit down and figure out how to make it work for our own lifestyles.

Well, that’s what I’m here to help you with!

To break it down, living sustainably means reducing harm to the environment and potentially even reversing some harm that’s already been caused.

Living sustainably can also mean that you’re living a life in harmony with nature.

That being said, there’s no “official” term for how to live sustainably, and any step (even a baby step) goes a long way!

Reusing with Style!

Want to know about some of my favorite quick-hitters when it comes to reducing?

Multi-use products!

By using one product in tons of ways, you not only save money, but you also save space and minimize waste — that’s a trifecta!

And when you buy a new product that doesn’t do wonders for you?

Try to find another use for it, or pass it on to a friend who might love it more.

For example, let’s say you purchased a new conditioner that isn’t doing the detangling action you hoped.

Why not use it as a shaving cream instead?

You can also use the products you do like in surprising ways that might not be your first instinct.

Yes, your favorite products can multi-task, just like you!

There are tons of ways to get more out of your products (read more about my minimalist hacks here), but here are some of my favorite multi-taskers that save time, space, and waste!

• 3-in-1 powder eyeshadow

Who has a nice neutral shade of powder eyeshadow lying around?

Yes, that shade can be incorporated perfectly into a special event-worthy smoky eye, but what about for more daily wear?

Well, with the right small angled brush, that powder eyeshadow can work great as an eyeliner substitute — especially for a smoky look.

It can also do double-duty as an eyebrow filler if you have the right shade (and trust me, dig a little deeper in your makeup drawer - I’m sure you do).

If you’re looking for a darker shade and can’t seem to find it, wet the brush for a darker appearance!

I have a feeling you’re suddenly going to have way more uses for your eyeshadow than you thought!

• Lip + cheek dynamic duo

Reducing and recycling are great, but as an added bonus, this trick also reduces the number of things you need to carry around in your purse for last-minute touch-ups!

For a monochromatic and natural look, try using your favorite cream lipstick on your cheeks as a blush!

If you’ve never tried it, it might sound crazy — but I promise you that trying it at home will turn you into a believer!

A soft red, pink, and peach lip color will work beautifully as a blush — and you can skip the brush to boot!

Just dab the lipstick onto your finger, then dab it onto the apples of your cheeks where you’d normally apply blush.

Easy, breezy, and perfect for the nights you want to head out with a tiny clutch that can only fit your lipstick.

• Pretty as a primer

Can I let you in on a little secret? I don’t always use a facial primer before doing my makeup.

It might sound shocking, but listen here: I use my favorite moisturizer as a primer, especially on days where I may not be doing a full-on makeup look, and it works wonderfully!

Chances are, your skin would fare beautifully with a moisturizer as your primer as well.

Besides, we could all use some extra moisture on our skin in these cold winter months, don’t you agree?

Another product that you can swap out for your primer is BB cream, which can also add a foundation-like effect if you purchase a tinted BB cream.

I’d never tell you to throw out your primer, but if it’s not doing much for you, maybe you should try using something else that packs a bigger punch!

After all, why use a product with one use when you could use a product with multiple uses?

Subscribe to a Low-Waste Skincare Routine

Lots of ladies (and some men, too) have laborious step-by-step skincare routines that can involve three, four, or even 10+ products.

Remember the Korean 10-step skincare routine?

While using tons of products on our face can make us feel pampered and give us that good clean feeling, sometimes the products aren’t actually doing much for our skin.

Or, even worse, the medley of products could be confusing our skin and lead to breakouts and irritation.

But, aside from all that, what we’re here to talk about today is how paring down your skincare routine can help save you time, money, and space.

In this case, a shorter skincare routine means less time in the morning and/or evening at your vanity, less money spent on products that you don’t really need, and more space in your bathroom cabinet!

Sounds like a win-win to me, but how can we apply this to our own lives?

Similar to hygge, the process depends largely on you and your needs, but here are some tips I’ve gathered to make your journey easier!

And remember, just like with your diet or fitness goals, transitioning your skincare routine to low-waste doesn’t happen overnight!

Any step in the right direction is a positive step to be celebrated!

Now, let’s get into it:

1. Reuse your empties!

There’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a bottle of product — but do you just toss it in the garbage or recycling bin after?

Why not find a use for it?

You might be able to wash and reuse smaller product bottles for travel containers.

Larger bottles can be used to hold the DIY masks and other goodies you make at home.

More artful bottles (like the bottle from a fancy perfume) can be used to store fresh flowers or incense! Tres chic!

2. Win with wood

Next time you find yourself needing a new hairbrush, toothbrush, or even a body brush — think wood!

Not only do wooden products last longer (therefore saving you money), they’re also recyclable and replenishable resources.

These bamboo toothbrushes are great for kids, and I personally love these hair brushes by Sheila Stotts — they’ll last you so long with the proper care and are great for reducing hair fall-out!

3. Try washing less

By now you’ve likely heard that it’s not good for your hair to shampoo it every day, but have you implemented it into your routine?

If not, I challenge you to!

Of course, this depends on your hair type and texture, but many women (celebrities included) swear by giving their locks a break from shampoo.

Not only will this cut down your shower time and product use, it can also improve your hair’s texture, length, and moisture level.

Many people actually prefer ingredients they can find in their kitchen rather than store-bought shampoo.

If you’re worried about the appearance of grease, try styling your hair in a sleek and slicked back bun or ponytail.

Dry shampoo also works wonders.

Try it for yourself and see!

DIY — or with a Friend or Two!

If you’re a regular reader of my blog posts (and if you’re not — welcome!), you probably notice that I’m regularly sharing fun DIY hacks for making your own products — whether it’s for boosting your lashes or softening dry skin.

Maybe you’ve found the time to try some of these DIY projects (most are super quick and easy).

But, have you ever thought about DIY-ing something for a friend?

Or, what about inviting a group of your gal pals to join in on the DIY fun?

Bonding over DIY face masks and more is one of my favorite past times — check out 10 of my favorite mask ideas here.

It’s especially a great idea if you’re looking to save some money.

After all, going out to that new bistro downtown for girl’s night out might be expensive, but inviting your ladies over for DIY spa night at your place isn’t!

You can provide the ingredients, and they can provide the snacks!

And you can’t deny that it can be hard to shop for your friends these days!

We all have that one pal who seems to have everything.

A handmade gift with some beauty cred to boot is a wonderful way to show your friend that you spent time and effort on their gift.

Who wouldn’t like a nice sugar scrub in a cute mason jar with a bow on top?

Or, maybe some zero-waste, handmade hair-ties?

Plus, your present is something that they can’t buy in stores.

It’s one of a kind, just like your friendship!

Travel-Friendly Time (and $) Savers

How many times have you rushed to the drugstore before a big trip to pick up the travel size of your favorite moisturizer or sunblock?

You know I’m the #1 advocate of wearing sunscreen at all times, but travel size products might not be the most wallet-friendly (or environmentally friendly) option.

Here’s another question: what do you do with the free samples you get from your beauty shopping sprees?

I know it’s tempting to break into them immediately and see if that skin brightener does the trick for you, but try to save them if you can!

That way, you can throw those samples in your bag for your next trip.

Not only will it save you space, it’ll also save you money and the time that you would’ve spent running to the nearest store!

Another life-saver for travel is small plastic containers like these guys that you can buy on Amazon or at your local beauty supply store.

If you’re more particular about your routine (or you have sensitive skin or allergies) and the odd beauty sample moisturizer won’t do for you, you might want to make the teeny-tiny investment into containers like those.

Like I mentioned above, you can also reuse old containers from beauty products you’ve finished!

It saves money, is environmentally friendly, and ensures that you can rock your flawless go-to look wherever you are!

Final Thoughts

While we’d all love to live a life that's perfectly in harmony with mother nature and the environment, it’s not realistic for everyone’s busy lifestyle.

However, saving time, money, and space on our skincare routines is something I think we can all get behind.

Making the small changes you can where it counts is still a step in the right direction, and I applaud you immensely for that!

In the meantime, I hope these tips have helped you to take a step back and reconsider your beauty and skincare routine so that you can minimize time, money, and space and make more room for the other things that bring you joy!

Do you have a foolproof tip for saving money, time, and space on skincare? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!