Why do we accumulate makeup?
A little product can solve some big problems… at least, that’s what Harriet Pudney tells herself.
It’s the kind of thing you don’t notice until it’s pointed out to you, or you move house: you’ve got enough makeup to ready an entire hall of residence for the law ball, and a quantity of skincare that could keep a day spa running all weekend.
Where did it all come from, and why do we buy so much of the stuff? Sure, there’s simple curiosity and interest. When you’re a makeup fiend, you want to know what the latest Chanel foundation is all about. But that can’t account for the kinds of packed drawers and groaning makeup bags that live in so many of our bathrooms.
Look, if you’re a pillar of self-control, that’s admirable, but this isn’t for you. I’m talking to those of us who would rather get Korean sheet masks than discounted spirits at duty free.
There are a few different profiles at play here, and we each have our weaknesses.
MAGPIE TENDENCIES
If you have more lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes than you could use in a lifetime, this could be you. Your kryptonite is colour, newness and sparkle – when shopping online, you sort by latest arrivals and, in store, light-reflective packaging is what catches your eye. That’s not to say you’re indiscriminate or lack an eye for quality. Right now, you’re probably eyeing up Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture – the brand’s new liquid matte lip colour ($66). The gorgeous shade range, long wear times (it’s as much a stain as it is a lipstick) and the gold top make this irresistible to the magpieinclined among us.
If there’s anyone reading this who owns the $379 Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance, Baccarat Rouge 540, it’s the magpie. This warm, woody scent has notes of jasmine and saffron, plus a bottle fit for its price.
SELF-SOOTHING
Whether or not lipstick sales actually go up in times of economic hardship is cause for debate, but for some of us, personal setbacks lead to the beauty counter. There’s a pleasing sense of order there, and the opportunity to play at being an entirely different person. Before you know it, your shelves are full.
Bad day at work? The woman you’ll become when you wear your new burgundy nail polish wouldn’t let it bother her. Try Ciate London Dangerous Affair ($26) if this sounds a bit like you.
If winter’s dragged-out nature is getting to you and this is your type, you might be considering Maison Margiela’s Beach Walk EDT ($178). Its notes of coconut milk, pink pepper and bergamot promise that warmer temperatures will return eventually.
OH, THE POSSIBILITIES
Saying that skincare ads tend to include overblown promises is along the same lines as saying water is wet, but in the right state of mind, we can all be inclined to suspend our disbelief for long enough to make a purchase or two.
That doesn’t necessarily make us easy marks, as long as we don’t take it too far, but if this is your type it’s probably what has led to your bathroom cabinet full of serums, essences, night creams and face mists. It could be said that I fit into this category, and at the moment,
I’m looking at Bareminerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Infusion
($92) and Josie
Maran Cosmetics Whipped Mud Mask ($76).
The Bareminerals product bills itself as a lightweight cross between an essence and a serum, set to soften fine lines and promote moisture and radiance. Will it give me a whole new face? Likely no, but I’m ready to find out.
Similarly, the Josie
Maran mask holds a lot of promise with its blend of Moroccan clay, argan oil and phytic acid – it aims to brighten, exfoliate and hydrate. I’m willing to try, even though I know full well this is the attitude that has crowded my bathroom cabinet. There’s room for one more.