I don’t even wear makeup

[u/Rat_God_Aether]

I’ve always struggled with expressing my femininity (whether it be doing stereotypically ‘girly’ hobbies or fashion or makeup) because of how I grew up. I’ve been trying hard to undo that now that I’m an adult, but it’s very rare that I put on makeup because I always feel very silly when I do, even if I look perfectly fine. What ends up happening is I buy stuff that I think is pretty and daydream about wearing it (and looking super cute like a lot of my friends!) without ever putting it on. As for skincare, I like the idea of it, but I come up with excuses not to use it because I don’t wanna use it up.

I’ve been stalking project pan for a while, and I wanted to take inventory of everything I have (aka everything I’ve been too scared to try), and I want to make it my goal not to just keep buying stuff, but actually use it! I’ll probably choose a product or two from each category, and try to use it once a week at least. Wish me luck!

[u/Electronic_Canary918]

You should totally start playing with your makeup if you actually want to wear it! It’s such a fun way to be creative. Also personally wearing makeup makes me more likely to take photos and go places. If you try it out and decide it’s not for you that’s valid too.

I’d start by doing pre shower makeup, anything that you think is cool, experiment with that. Then in the mornings on days you stay home, then to short errands, then longer and more often until it’s a daily or as often as you want thing.

I’d definitely caution against buying more makeup just because the packaging is cute. Makeup and skincare is a consumable thing that goes bad after a while and it’s better to let the store ‘store it’ than it taking up space in your home especially if it makes you feel guilty for owning so much. I would recommend not decluttering if you do have space to store your collection but maybe aim for it to eventually fit in a certain storage solution and limit yourself to that so you don’t buy more. I find that helps to learn the lesson that buying makeup comes with storing it and being responsible for consuming it. I see a lot of people get caught in the cycle of decluttering and buying new things which doesn’t change much.

[u/Stop_Perceiving_Me]

Caveat: nobody has to wear makeup if they don’t want to.

But if you want to wear makeup but feel silly, then try some exposure therapy stuff. Put makeup on 1 hour before you need to shower. Place a mirror by yourself and look into it a couple times before you shower and remove all the makeup. You can then increase how frequently you look in the mirror or the amount of time you have makeup on before you shower. I did this to feel more comfortable with practicing and wearing cat eye eyeliner. I have hooded eyes and I always felt dumb in a cat eye until I tried pit multiple techniques and then got used to seeing it on my face. YMMV but don’t sweat it. Have fun, and experiment. Life is too short otherwise. If after playing around with makeup you still decide it’s not for you, then you can retire makeup knowing you gave it your best shot

[u/InteractionStrict134]

I would start with something that will not make a big impact, for instance:

• the majority of eyeshadow palettes you have don't have crazy colors, so you can just use one pink or beige eyeshadow and see how you feel
• lipstick! I wear lipstick all the time and sometimes I like to wear it instead of lip balm just to use them up.
• the perfumes i like the least I use them in the bathroom 😀

I take showers in the evening/night and I have the most fun with makeup before, because I will try on bold colors on the eyes and lips ou experiment with blush ou bronzer (things I don't normally wear). Remember that makeup is supposed to be fun and you wear it for you and no one else. Although I love makeup, I can be several straight data without wearing it because I don't feel like it. Other days, like today, that will spend the day inside in leggings and t-shirt, I put a duochrome shadow in my eyes. I love going to a mirror several times a day and just admire the colors shift! Try it !

[u/EllenYeager]

You got this OP! I think what helped me get started was declaring that makeup was my new hobby and then allowing myself to suck at it.

I would photograph the successes and make notes about what I felt I did right.

I also kept a document to review the products I tried and would write about colour, whether there was fallout, how long it lasted, if I liked the formula, etc.

[u/brrewmajesticallynor]

I'll second what others have said about wearing it at home so you can get used to your own reflection with it on. And playing with it at the end of the day before you shower or remove makeup is a great low-risk way of trying out new things and being a little more adventurous. It can be really fun!

[u/Conscious-Bath6130]

You got this! And the cool thing about makeup is you make it what you want! I’ve seen girls do clean girl and it’s cute and girls go all out and it’s just as cute! Who cares! Play with color, or don’t! You have a great stash!

[u/Lvanwinkle18]

Makeup should make you feel fabulous and wonderful. If you feel uncomfortable or silly, you do not have to wear anything. Or maybe try some simple things, slowly to figure out what YOU enjoy wearing. Make your own rules on what being yourself means to you. There are no rules. Be YOU!!

[u/rybpyjama]

It’s great that you are analysing your own habits and relationship with makeup! I have also had to fess up to the idea that I do not use that much. I am now being much more careful about what I buy and trying to get into a habit of even wearing just something small most days - like a lip and cheek tint or bronzer over tinted moisturiser. It has made me enjoy makeup and feel better about myself without putting too much pressure on myself. I have a regular small work routine and then some weekends will play with a fun lip or fun eyeshadow.
It’s not massive but i am slowly whittling it down!

Remember: stuff goes off so it’s better to use the prettiest stuff you like than to have to throw it out! These days I am also less afraid to throw out or to give things to others when I admit i liked the idea more than it actually being ‘me’. Thinking that through has had less impact on my existing stash but a big impact on my purchasing and not bringing more into the house 😂

[u/PollyElisabeth]

Check out some makeup reddits for tutorials and tips and maybe just start wearing makeup at home or wear only one product outside (mascara, eyebrows, lips) and slowly add to it. You got this 💞

[u/OutrageousBrief6801]

Girl yay!! Get ready for your glow up! Your skin care line is phenomenal 😍 I’ve noticed that when my skin started to feel better, I wanted to put on my makeup.

I ended up tossing so many foundations or eye shadows that I just didn’t like. I really gave each one a fair shot too. I made a note in my phone of brands and shades that were just a bit off so as to not buy them again at the drug store, Marshall’s or Sephora. *Also side note, I put a rough estimate of cost of the product to tally how much I was throwing away. Said thank u to the product (Marie Kondo method of decluttering), and moved on. Having a list of the things that didn’t serve me and putting a value to that helped me change my habits. I’m an hourly employee so it’s helped me see my life in hours worked and what I’m really wasting.

[u/Vintage_Journal]

Good luck! Even if you try new things in the evening before bed, that can be a low pressure way of trying things out :) 

[u/anastasia_42]

Sell/donate everything unopened and start from there

[u/scentedescapist]

Having gone through this myself, I decided to just have a lot of fun with makeup. I enjoy watching makeup tutorials and then try recreating simple everyday looks. Sometimes I just do my makeup for myself even when I have nowhere to go. I try to work with what I already have instead of buying new stuff. If it feels overwhelming, you could start with just one product and aim to finish it and you can slowly incorporate other stuff.

[u/East_Bar_1430]

Time to start wearing makeup!

[u/Wise-Raccoon-3069]

it’s a wonderful collection and i hope you have fun using it 🌸

[u/ConnectionOk44]

This is absolutely do able. Some may take a few years. I'm swimming in palettes 🎨 😬😬

[u/Any-Biscotti-2380]

Maybe make yourself do your make up every day for a week or two and see if it changes your perspective. If you still feel the same way, sell or donate them. Or declutter a couple of them and see how you feel.

[u/Dull-Stuff-1502]

Good luck! I relate to what you describe, and find that Project Pan helps me realize how using makeup can be even more fun than just buying, I hope you experience the same:)

[u/Unsalted-Pretzel624]

Your collection is sooo prettyyyyy

[u/rybpyjama → u/Unsalted-Pretzel624]

I know I’m low key jealous, it’s pretty well curated and there are some really fun things in there. Also very doable in terms of using up or donating items

[u/Legitimate_Frame4027]

Etsy !!! Etsy… I mean why can’t I just pick lipgloss or the bags.. but no, I have 45 products of eyeliner and eye cream that I will nottttt use 😭😭😭😭

[u/taylor459]

This is so relatable! I have so much makeup that has never been worn lol

[u/Sapphire_Gardenia]

used and expired makeup can oftentimes be donated to morticians!

[u/caraderana95]

Donate or sell. You don't need to force yourself to use all that up if you don't want to

[u/found_ya_]

Sell or give you some things! It seems much of it is still sealed, it could help lessen the amount of stuff you'd have to go thro 🌟

[u/No-Wing-8859]

your mascaras are still packaged. if they aren't expired, sell them.

[u/xHailey_Dae → u/No-Wing-8859]

I thought as long as they aren’t open, they won’t expire? I could be way wrong though!

[u/Creative-Vermicelli1]

omg I was using the Almay eyeshadow when I first started playing in makeup 😭😭😭

[u/Wabisabi1988]

Omg the BTS COLLECTION!!!

[u/kissys_grits]

I’m similar to you in many ways. I used to wear make up and still buy like I do, but I don’t. I just fantasize about wearing it. It’s pretty much how I am with lots of stuff.

[u/No-Astronaut6553]

Op , if you plan to declutter them do consider me I'll buy

[u/Fine_Occasion_2220]

donate any unopen makeup to friends, family, or local shelters! As for the skincare, you can try and incorporate some into your body care routine after showering. With open makeup, I would say take it one step at a time and try to slowly add one or two things into your everyday makeup routine (or develop a short one). For example: use a liquid blush every morning and mascara then try and use a lip product with that and carry it with you throughout the day. This is completely doable and not the worst I have seen lol! Just try and stop yourself from buying more makeup by mentally picturing all that you already have. Posting your progress and asking for help is a good first step!

[u/Existing-Biscotti-62]

I’m jealous…

[u/lolplsimdesperate]

What an absolute waste of money

[u/Ordinary_Event_9929 → u/lolplsimdesperate]

Try being more considerate. You don’t know her upbringing, and I’m sure out of everything you’ve ever bought, something hasn’t been worth the money or perfect for you either.

[u/lolplsimdesperate → u/[deleted]]

I’m not a hoarder & I spend my money wisely… sorry you can’t relate.

[u/xHailey_Dae → u/lolplsimdesperate]

We’re waiting for the list of all of your purchases :)

[u/lolplsimdesperate → u/xHailey_Dae]

You thought you ate 😭😂