Serving God Through Minimalist Fashion

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

-1 Peter 3:3-4

I have always loved shopping.  Especially for clothes.  Then, when I adopted a minimalist lifestyle, I reflected on my choices, which conflicted with my need to be fashionable.

One selling point aligned with my faith.  I realized several things when I updated my wardrobe, all in respect to my relationship with God:

1. I focused less on my appearance.  Instead of feeling insecure as well as vain, I viewed clothes as functional.  I did not want them to define whether or not I was someone who could hold a conversation.

2. I wasted less money. I realized I could survive on fewer materials, which is what God intended for me all along.

3. I wasted less time. I found myself spending more time in prayer and reflection instead of shopping or stressing about what to wear to work the next day.

4. I prayed with a more grateful heart.  Lots of reflection came naturally with my lifestyle change.  I started praying more, either for strength in this endeavor or in gratitude for a clear mind and an open heart.

5. I donated to those in need. I realized that I had many usable items that another person could use, so I happily gave them away.

6. I cursed less. There was less crap all over the floor and my car keys were easier to find.  This significantly lowered my negativity.

7. I leaned toward modesty. As a children’s librarian, I couldn’t minimize my wardrobe to crop tops and denim shorts.  I wanted my closet to be versatile, featuring items that made me look professional at work, but could also be worn leisurely and comfortably on my days off.  I realized that my clothes were more modest and did not expose lots of skin.  It made me feel beautiful! Everything I wore was safe for Church.

8. I wasn’t as impressed by high maintenance beauty and expensive fashion.  I started to notice simpler beauty and style, which enamored me.  Instead of false eyelashes and fancy dresses, I quickly became impressed by top-knot buns, simple makeup, and chambray shirts.  These women radiated beauty with their style and their under-accesorizing, which is how I believed God called them to be.

9. I cared more about quality over quantity. My clothes were a metaphor for other areas of my life, like friendships and relationships.  I would rather have a lasting garment that made me feel good and confident over something trendy that would only last one season.

I learned many things and I am continuing to grow with this adventure.  Other minimalists… how have you grown through your experiences?  SHARE!

Minimalist Makeup

In the eighth grade, I wrote an opinion paper about makeup and how it is unnecessary.  I didn’t care about my bushy eyebrows and matted hair.  I was content with chapped lips and naked eyelashes.  Even after my first boyfriend saw me with makeup for the first time and insisted that he liked me better without it, I got sucked into the whirlwind: the beautiful Sephora displays in pretty pinks; the flashy Nordstrom consultants wearing all black with deliberate jewelry pieces and tattoos; the stream of Youtube and Pinterest tutorials, convincing me that I would be a professional overnight.

Then for three years, I gave up makeup for Lent.  It was weird and painful and scary.  Instead of feeling like I wore nothing, I felt like I was wearing something very big and obvious and noticeable on my face.

Even today, it consumes me.  On my way to work, I choose not to glance at the car next to me, where the driver is rolling his eyes at my primping during every stop light.

I think about famous women in history: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, Elizabeth Blackwell, Malala Yousafzai.  These women have made permanent marks in history without making a single mark on their faces.

I think about “famous women” of “today”: Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, Kate Upton… lots of makeup, lots of money, lots of attention.

So how do we achieve the goals of minimalist makeup?

1. Determine what “minimalist makeup” means to you. This can mean “I only wear mascara.” This can mean “I only use what I can carry around comfortably in my jeans pocket.”  This can mean “I only wear makeup on days that have an ‘R’ in them.”  This can mean “I can only spend x amount each year.”  Everyone is different.  Moms who stay at home may not feel the need to wear as much makeup as a news anchor.

2. Buy less. When you purchase less, you are likely using less.  Do you need a rainbow of colors or can you survive with a few neutrals?  Do you need ten different brushes or can you swoosh and go with one or two?  Can you carry everything in a small cosmetic bag in your purse, or do you have to tote around luggage? Another perk of buying less: you save more money!

3. Minimize screen time.  When you are constantly looking at your Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook feeds, it is easy to get caught up in how others look impeccable and airbrushed.

4. Steer clear of reflections.  Until you feel comfortable, looking in mirrors or car window reflections can be daunting.  Don’t obsess over every pore.  Instead, think about other things that make you happy.  Have you read a chapter from a book you enjoy today?  Have you eaten a delicious meal today?  Have you had a good conversation with a friend today?  Focus on something else.

5. Wash your face.  A clean, clear complexion will make you feel better in many ways.  It will make your skin brighter and your mood lighter.  Don’t forget to use moisturizer!

6. Stay hydrated. It’s a no-brainer.  If you love makeup, I’m sure you’ve read lots of articles about skin and the importance of drinking water.  The better your skin looks in natural light, the less likely you are to see a difference between your face with makeup and your face without it.

7. Discard old products. Most women, out of ignorance or laziness, do not throw away makeup when it is expired.  Clear your makeup bag of anything you haven’t used recently or anything that is falling apart.  Yes, I am talking about crumbled foundations and hot purple eye shadow.  Do yourself a favor and toss it.  It will be eye-opening to see what you actually use and what has been taking up lots of space.

8. Set a goal.  This might just be an exercise and not how you want to live the rest of your life.  You like blush and lipstick.  Instead, give yourself a “30-day challenge” or something doable.  It gives you perspective and time to reflect.

So how does minimal makeup support “minimalism”?  Less makeup means LESS STUFF.  It means LESS SPENDING.  It means focusing less on material things.  It means focusing more on a simpler lifestyle.  It means breeding contentment in a discontent world.

You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.  -Song of Solomon 4:7