Even though this is the most financially stable period of my life, my skin has never looked better—is it some kind of magic? No, it’s probably because I, as an adult, have finally understood the importance of “subtraction.”
This time, I’m sharing the secrets of how I, a 33-year-old minimalist, live comfortably without hesitation. I’m not doing anything special. Yet perhaps that in itself is the shortcut to beauty.
Skincare Items – The Three Essentials
↑These are the items I currently use. All are reasonably priced drugstore products. My only criterion for choosing them is purely sensory—“color or scent that I like.”
As long as my skin doesn’t break out and I get basic hydration, that’s enough. However, it took quite a journey to reach this simple truth. In my twenties, the luxury creams I tried only ended up irritating my skin and bringing days of frustration. It was precisely that experience that led me to the “subtraction style.” My current skincare routine is astonishingly minimal: just toner, lotion, and sheet masks!
I lightly apply toner and lotion after washing my face with lukewarm water in the morning. As for sheet masks, a certain Japanese celebrity suggested, “Even cheap ones are fine, but use them daily.” I followed that advice with some skepticism, and my skin genuinely transformed. *1
By the way, I secretly dream of making my own skincare products someday, once I have more free time.
Cosmetic Pouch Contents – All 9 Items
Compact as it is, even cosmetic (?) items have snuck in, which is part of the charm. Here’s a rough order of how I use them. *Prices are at the time of purchase.
- Foldable Comb (100-yen store)
Also appeared in my bag essentials; naturally, it fits in my makeup pouch too. - Sunscreen (iHerb / ¥2,289)
Called “thinkbaby,” gentle enough for even a baby’s skin, and I use it as a base. I stopped using foundation during the pandemic because I disliked white masks turning beige, and in letting it go, I felt my skin could truly breathe again. Slightly firm in texture, it adheres well and gives a natural translucence—five years and counting with this one product. I just hope it never gets discontinued. - No-Sebum Mild Powder (CICA / ¥750)
Any smooth, silky powder works! I’ve tried Innisfree and iHerb versions, but this size is perfect for my pouch. - Designing Eyebrow 3D (KATE / ¥1,210)
A staple by now. I’ve repurchased it countless times and have never felt the need to try another. I use EX-7, an olive-gray shade. - Lighting Up Eyeshadow (CEZANNE / ¥693)
Using 02 Petal Pink. Fresh and fruity, this versatile shade suits any situation. Apply the lighter shade on the eye hole and the central color on the double eyelid—done, a quick, complete palette. - Powder Cheeks P05 Classy Mauve Pink (CANMAKE / ¥660)
A soft sweep on the high points of the cheekbones, tip of the nose, and chin adds a touch of happiness called “healthy glow.” - Moisture Lip (NIVEA / ¥300)
Fragrance-free with a superb texture. Honestly, any blue-packaged product might do the trick… - Juicy Lasting Tint (rom&nd / ¥1,200)
The color is fantastic, and all Rom&nd lip tints smell amazing! I’ve gone through countless tubes. - JILL by JILLSTUART Eau de Toilette (JILL by JILLSTUART / ¥2,750)
For weekends or outings, an eternal feminine touch. A scent I’ve loved for years, and amusingly, the priciest item in my current pouch.
↑My reliable companion. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve repurchased it. I love both the old and new packaging equally.
↑The pouch holding all nine items is from a 100-yen store, matching a toothbrush case. Washable and transparent inside, a reliable supporting role.
Even with such a slim lineup, I carry only the essentials. Touch-ups outside are completed with just one tinted lip.
Some might call it single-minded, others lazy—but this simplicity reflects my light, current version of minimalism.
My cosmetic pouch embodies “elite few, simple is best,” and the next update seems far off.
*1 Depending on skin condition, consulting a dermatologist and receiving treatment may be necessary. Do not try on your own—always follow a doctor’s guidance.