I did a makeup purge and it felt SO good

After about five weeks of barely opening my makeup drawer, I decided it was time to clean house. This was much more than mere sorting and organizing—this was taking everything out, washing the plastic organizers, vacuuming the drawer (with my ultimate quarantine purchase) and wiping it out. Seriously, it was like I just moved in (although that was almost 12 years ago). Then came the actual purging. I said bye-bye to anything I haven’t used in a while, random stuff that was sent to me for review that I only tried a few times and anything that was past its prime. I probably threw away a third of my products, and then put everything back in its now-less-crowded place.

Of course this meant I had a few things to replenish… I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to work more “clean” makeup into my rotation, so I set my sights on products I would use nearly every day. Off to The Detox Market I went (virtually, of course) and here’s what I got.

RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in “Beloved”
I first got this pot of multitasking color more than 5 years ago and pretty much forgot I had it. I had no choice but to toss it since it had dried out—and being that it’s natural and free of preservatives, I decided to play it safe. But after assessing my post-purge cheek color options, I decided I needed a true poppy-red and bought it again. It looks so fresh on skin prepped with Glossier’s Futuredew, and it gives lips a long-lasting subtle stain.

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
It’s been quite some time since I got a new concealer, and this one launched with such fanfare it was a no-brainer. I literally spent 2 hours trying to figure out which shade to get based on reviews, and fortunately I made the right choice with “4.” The texture is light, the coverage is buildable and it blends seamlessly with my skin. I’ve been wearing just a bit under my eyes and around my nose—and nothing else.

Kosas 10 Second Eyeshadow
This is another Kosas product that fans swear by, so I thought I’d check out the champagne-y “Globe” shade that reminded me of the Stila “Kitten” I wore many moons ago. I absolutely love it. Unfussy and easy to apply, all you have to do is dab on a bit with the applicator and blend with your finger (and go back in for a second layer if you want more color payoff). Once dry, the color isn’t going anywhere—and I feel like I need the gold “Supreme” hue, too.

Kosas Weightless Lip Color in “Rosewater”
I have no shortage of lip color options (even after the COVID cleanout) but this is another Kosas offering that has basically achieved cult status within the clean-cosmetics set. It’s truly a lovely lipstick that glides on smoothly and keeps lips hydrated. This shade is definitely on the natural, subtle side, but a few extra swipes yields a bolder look. I’m happy she’s part of my collection, as she works for day or night—and all points in between.

I might not be wearing makeup all that much, but I do peek into my newly refreshed drawer several times a day simply because it makes me happy, and we all need something to smile about now more than ever, right?

P.S. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m really into Kosas. For the record, I also have the Tinted Face Oil, Wet Lip Oil Gloss and Lip Fuel Lip Balm which have become daily staples. I can’t wait to try the new Sun Show Moisturizing Baked Bronzer—but that will have to wait until I finish my Chanel Soleil du Tan.