the 5 product makeup challenge

I don't know if this happens to anyone else, but I find myself using more and more products in the morning as my makeup collection grows. Makeup used to be just another part of my daily routine -- something I slapped on after I brushed my teeth and right before throwing my hair in a ponytail.

Somewhere along the way, my time in front of the mirror became something therapeutic and really enjoyable. A few minutes to myself with a cup of coffee and Colbie Caillat streaming on my laptop was my recipe to a perfect start to the day.

The more time I spent at my vanity, the more products I applied. I wasn't walking out the door looking like a leader of the Ringling Brothers Circus or anything, but it did spark a thought - am I wearing too much for just a day in the office?

So I decided to dial back for a day; pare down my makeup routine to the bare essentials.

Thus the 5 product makeup challenge was born.

Here's what I used:

Challenges of the challenge:

- the temptation to use an eye shadow palette and count it as one item

- having to get rid of a lip product

- finding a buildable shadow that delivers multidimensional application (thank you, L'Oreal infallible!)

At first I felt a little naked, a little lacking - but I also felt fresh and natural and young.

I'd love to make this a weekly routine! 

What would you choose for your 5 item challenge?