Makeup
The Items in Your Beauty Bag You Need to Toss ASAP
What to keep and what to toss, according to six experts who tend to Selena Gomez, Khloé Kardashian, and Anna Wintour.
06 July, 2019
10 November, 2021
Look inside any twenty or thirtysomething’s medicine cabinet, and you are sure to find an assortment of abandoned beauty products. Each year, the industry tries to entice us with newer, better, and faster formulations and tools to help us look our best.
But honestly—do we really need them? Trends come and go, so should we opt in to all of them? We spoke to a handful of A-list experts to help us decipher what really deserves real estate on your counter and in your makeup bag, and what you should chuck. Here’s to a little breathing room in your bathroom!
But honestly—do we really need them? Trends come and go, so should we opt in to all of them? We spoke to a handful of A-list experts to help us decipher what really deserves real estate on your counter and in your makeup bag, and what you should chuck. Here’s to a little breathing room in your bathroom!
Who: Joanna Czech, Aesthetician
Clients:Anna Wintour, Kyra Sedgwick, Uma Thurman, and Christy Turlington Burns
Toss: Separate Day and Night Moisturizers
“I’m not a big fan of separate day and night moisturizers,” Czech explains. “I recommend getting one great product that you can use in the morning and at night. However, during the winter it is important to use an oil-based moisturizer during the day.”
Try: All-in-One Facial Moisturizers
“This facial cream contains 80 percent hyaluronic acid, 10 percent lipids, and 10 percent proteins,” explains Czech. “It deeply hydrates and can be used as both a daytime and nighttime moisturizer—just make sure to apply an SPF on top during the day.”
“I’m not a big fan of separate day and night moisturizers,” Czech explains. “I recommend getting one great product that you can use in the morning and at night. However, during the winter it is important to use an oil-based moisturizer during the day.”
Try: All-in-One Facial Moisturizers
“This facial cream contains 80 percent hyaluronic acid, 10 percent lipids, and 10 percent proteins,” explains Czech. “It deeply hydrates and can be used as both a daytime and nighttime moisturizer—just make sure to apply an SPF on top during the day.”
Who: Maisha Oliver, Celebrity Hairstylist
Clients:Naomi Campbell, Lauren London, Keri Hilson, Kim and Khloé Kardashian
Toss: All-in-One Shampoo-and-Conditioner Combos
“They don’t clarify the hair and tend to make the hair limp and under-conditioned,” says Oliver.
Try: Separate Shampoo & Conditioner
“Redken’s All Soft shampoo and conditioner is [a] gentle cleaning and conditioning combo that helps soften dry, brittle hair,” shares Oliver. “One of its best benefits is that it is a detangler for all hair types.”
“They don’t clarify the hair and tend to make the hair limp and under-conditioned,” says Oliver.
Try: Separate Shampoo & Conditioner
“Redken’s All Soft shampoo and conditioner is [a] gentle cleaning and conditioning combo that helps soften dry, brittle hair,” shares Oliver. “One of its best benefits is that it is a detangler for all hair types.”
Who: Jessica Wu, MD, Cosmetic Dermatologist in Los Angeles
Clients: Ellie Goulding, Maria Bello, and Kelly Wearstler
Toss: Skin-Cleansing Instruments
“Some of my patients have told me they developed rashes and infections from using [their skin-care brushes),” says Dr. Wu.
Try: Muslin Cleansing Cloths
“You can use them to cleanse, tone, and remove makeup,” shares Dr. Wu. “They’re more hygienic than a brush, gentler than a washcloth, and more eco-friendly than cotton pads—just toss them in the washing machine.”
“Some of my patients have told me they developed rashes and infections from using [their skin-care brushes),” says Dr. Wu.
Try: Muslin Cleansing Cloths
“You can use them to cleanse, tone, and remove makeup,” shares Dr. Wu. “They’re more hygienic than a brush, gentler than a washcloth, and more eco-friendly than cotton pads—just toss them in the washing machine.”
Who: Camara Aunique, Celebrity Makeup Artist/ Beauty Expert
Clients: Chloe and Halle, Justine Skye, and June Ambrose
Toss: Faux Lashes or Lash Extensions
“Lash extensions are a hit right now—and they’re addictive—but [they] can wear down your beautiful lashes,” explains Aunique.
Try: Lengthening Mascara
“Give your lashes a rest from extensions every three months to save them, and use mascara instead,” explains Aunique. “My go-to mascara for myself and clients is Dior’s It-Lash Mascara; the color is vibrant, and the brush is known for giving maximum volume and length.”
“Lash extensions are a hit right now—and they’re addictive—but [they] can wear down your beautiful lashes,” explains Aunique.
Try: Lengthening Mascara
“Give your lashes a rest from extensions every three months to save them, and use mascara instead,” explains Aunique. “My go-to mascara for myself and clients is Dior’s It-Lash Mascara; the color is vibrant, and the brush is known for giving maximum volume and length.”
Toss: Powder Highlighters
“Personally, an overdose of powder highlighter looks like amateur hour,” explains Anthony.
Try: Highlighter Kits
“I’d recommend SMASHBOX L.A. Lights blendable lip and cheek color [as an alternative to powder]. My favorite is Hollywood & Highlight and Mulholland Mauve,” says Anthony.
“Personally, an overdose of powder highlighter looks like amateur hour,” explains Anthony.
Try: Highlighter Kits
“I’d recommend SMASHBOX L.A. Lights blendable lip and cheek color [as an alternative to powder]. My favorite is Hollywood & Highlight and Mulholland Mauve,” says Anthony.
Toss: Taupey-Nude Lipsticks
“Can we please move away from all of the dead-girl colors?” asks Murdick. “Toss all of those taupey-nude shades, and find some colors with more life to them!”
Try: Bold, Vibrant Hues
“With their amazing lasting power and bold look, liquid lip colors are still great,” explains Murdick. “Hourglass Cosmetics makes the most beautiful, flattering red called Icon that makes you look instantly chic and put-together.”
Want more stories like this?
The 8 Best Lipstick Shades for Fall
The 32 Best Beauty Products That Launched in September
How-To Beauty: Bold Iridescent Eyes for a Serious Night Out
“Can we please move away from all of the dead-girl colors?” asks Murdick. “Toss all of those taupey-nude shades, and find some colors with more life to them!”
Try: Bold, Vibrant Hues
“With their amazing lasting power and bold look, liquid lip colors are still great,” explains Murdick. “Hourglass Cosmetics makes the most beautiful, flattering red called Icon that makes you look instantly chic and put-together.”
Want more stories like this?
The 8 Best Lipstick Shades for Fall
The 32 Best Beauty Products That Launched in September
How-To Beauty: Bold Iridescent Eyes for a Serious Night Out
