This blog is about practical minimalism. It's about the how, rather than the why. Here we are going to assume you've decided to take the plunge and begin a simpler life. We'll leave the philosophies to those who do it better and for now stick strictly to how to create a minimalist environment without depriving yourself of those things you love to do.
Today's topic is hygiene and personal care. You can definitely be broke and minimalist without being a dirty hobo. Keeping in mind that we do not want to deprive ourselves of things we need, let us realize that we do not need ten thousand bottles of lotions and potions. We do not need ten different bottles of perfume or cologne, nor a hundred half-used sticks of deodorant clogging up our cabinets. We do not need enough makeup to provide for the entire cast of the next Star Trek movie.
We do need to be clean, healthy and presentable.
What do we really need in our bathrooms, when you get right down to it? Here is a short list that will cover most folks:
toothbrush/paste/floss/mouthwash
a razor and/or tweezers, if you so choose
Those of us with dry skin may also need a quality lotion on hand. If you have hair that requires styling, you may need a product or two for that. These things are the bare minimum to make yourself presentable to the world and to yourself. (If you're depressed, a good hot shower can make you feel worlds better. Trust me. Go take one now and report back.)
Go look at your bathroom. If you have a cluttered mess of stuff you'll never use, all hope is not lost! It can indeed look like ours does:
Yeah ok, the grout is a little grungy but the point is, there’s no clutter! We can take this step by step. Let’s begin:
Audit dates: Go through and throw away anything that's expired, dried up, contaminated, or otherwise unusable. This one is easy. Even if you paid good money for it, you can't use it anymore and it needs to go in the trash. Done and done.
Audit scents: Go through your perfumes, colognes, lotions, etc. and choose just a couple of scents that you are really crazy about. Get rid of the rest. Donate it, give it away, throw it in the trash. Whatever gets it out of your bathroom, do it.
Audit doubles: You don't need two pairs of tweezers (however, you do need a pair for each person in your house. Sharing tweezers can spread bacteria, so don't do it!). You do not need five eyelash curlers or thirty sticks of lipstick. Pick one or two colors, throw the rest out.
Audit your medicine cabinet/first aid kit: This one is pretty easy too. Toss expired medications and ointments, empty pill bottles, and any bandages, cotton balls, etc. that may have gotten wet or contaminated. Take an inventory and decide if you need to replace anything. A good basic first aid kit can be a lifesaver. Band aids, alcohol and peroxide, ointment, analgesics and cold meds are a great foundation. If you have an injury or illness that needs much more than that, you probably should see a doctor. PS, mason jars make great containers for corralling small items and they look nice.
Ladies, hear us now! If you like wearing makeup, that's great. Go through your stuff and make sure none of it is bad, throw out bits you haven't used in six months, and reduce as much as you can. If you are like us, however, this is just an extra chore. Take good care of your complexion and you don't really need to spend time painting your face. We here at Brokest Minimalist do not own makeup, nail polish, hair dye, or any of the bits and bobs that go with them. They are bad for the environment and your body. Lots of makeup is tested on animals, which we oppose. If you find that you'd rather be doing something else when you're putting on your eyeliner, consider putting it aside for a week. Scrub your face daily with moisturizing soap and a wash cloth, then dab some coconut oil on it. That's your entire routine. You'll feel freer and you'll be a little less broke. (And if not, you can always go back to the makeup. But we bet you won't!)
Gentlemen! A word of advice. Chuck all your stuff and get yourself a safety razor. You'll get a better shave with less hassle. Instead of aftershave, hit your face with a dab of coconut oil. Or just don't shave, if that floats your boat.
Audit your cleaners: This one is pretty easy too. Pick one spray that will work for counters, tub and tile. Pick a toilet bowl cleaner. Pick a floor cleaner, preferably one that you can use for the whole house. Bam, you're done. Three bottles under your sink. If your mirror gets dirty, hit it with some white vinegar, no Windex needed. Pick one day a week to wipe everything down and scrub the toilet, and you'll never have a filthy bathroom again.
Audit your linens: Throw out holey towels, mismatched towels, etc. Stick to one color. To reduce washing, hang them to dry and reuse them. Leave your bathroom door open after you shower though, to make sure they really do get dry and you don't get mold growing in your bathroom. That's gross.
Get rid of your wet wipes. They aren't necessary, as toilet paper will do just fine. They do say they are flushable, but they are damaging sewer systems all over the country and they are wasteful. Don't buy any more. Your wallet and your city's sewage inspector will thank you.
Rub soap on your mirror. Yeah that sounds crazy, but it will stop your mirror from fogging up. Rub a light coating of soap all over it (bar soap, not liquid soap) and then buff it with a towel until it looks clean again. You're welcome.
Get a basket to put your soaps in and stick it on the back of your toilet. It'll freshen the air, it's great minimalist décor, and you'll have soap at hand when you run out unexpectedly. Plus, anytime your friends come over they'll think you've got your shit together. Here’s ours:
Coconut oil is the holy grail of skin care. It's a great replacement for lotion, it's a great moisturizer for your entire body, even hair, and it smells nice. Put it on while your skin is still wet after a shower, then dry off normally. It'll save you from itchy dry skin and winter, and it takes maybe an extra minute in the shower. Plus, a jar will last you most of a year so it's very economical for the brokest of us. It’ll be in the baking section at your grocery store.
Ladies, you probably already know this, but do not douche and do not powder. It's bad for you, it's extra junk you don't need cluttering up your nice empty bathroom, and it's extra money you don't need to spend.
Finally, a word on soap. You do not need a separate soap for your face unless you have super sensitive skin. You do not need six different bottles of body wash. Purchase one decent quality moisturizing soap and use it for everything. Dove claims to be just for your face, but it will clean your feet and your pits too. Ivory and Irish Spring will do just as well on your face as they do on your butt. We lean toward handmade soaps procured locally, they are very moisturizing and eco-friendly. If you can’t find a local soapmaster, take a look on Etsy or try your hand at making your own!
Links: Adam ruins personal hygiene, safety razors
