'I'm a beauty editor. There are 4 products I'm ditching from my makeup bag in 2025.'

Well, well, well. Here we are again. The start of another year.

Meaning? It's time for one thing. My annual makeup bag cull, of course!

Because as someone who tries and tests an awful lot of products as part of her job (we even made a whole show out of it on You Beauty!), I tend to end up with a whole lotta products positively bursting from every crevice of my teeny flat.

Along with half of the stuff being expired and no longer appropriate to smear on my face/eyes, there's also the fact that beauty moves quickly and there are a lot of products that don't really fit into my routine anymore.

For this reason, I've emptied out my makeup bag and ditched a whole lot of stuff that doesn't actually do much for my face anymore. These days, I'm significantly more frugal about how much time I spend on my face in the morning — and it's forced me to realise that looking like you 'made an effort' doesn't have to involve eleven million products (unless you want to, that is).

Watch: Speaking of beauty, here's Kelly McCarren and Sarah Marie Fahd talking about the best concealers on You Beauty podcast. Post continues below.

Before I get into it though, it's worth keeping in mind that when it comes to makeup it's all about personal preference and just because something is on my 'ditch' list doesn't mean you can't love it. Of course not! Don't be silly. What you put on your face is totally up to you.

For me, it's about noticing what kind of formulas are on a higher rotation in my makeup bag, and the other stuff that's kinda taken the (beauty) bench for a while.

On that note, shall we?

1. Eyebrow gel.

Okay, not ALL eyebrow gels, of course! Just the ones that give you that 'laminated' look. Because these days I'm all about a natural, fluffy brow look that looks less structured and frozen — and I bloody love it.

I've ditched the gels that are stiff or give you that gross crusty, flaky business. Because there's truly nothing more heartbreaking than looking in the mirror to find your brows look like they have glue in them.

For this reason, I've been loving going gel-free (and just brushing my brows up with a spoolie!) or using more flexible formulas that are invisible, lightweight and still give your brows some hold without making them look really intense (Benefit Cosmetics 24-HR Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel, $48, can do no wrong!).

2. Bronzer.

Look. Bronzer and I have tried. For years. But in 2025, this is one product that's officially making an exit from my makeup bag — because I've finally come to the realisation that it's just not meant to be.

I used cream bronzer formulas sporadically throughout the year when I was 'going out' but it's never been a staple for me and every time I wear it, I'm not a huge fan of how it looks on my face. I just feel like it's 'too much' or makes my makeup look a little muddy and weird.

While there are a lot of good bronzers for pale skin out there (I actually really like the Milk Makeup stick formula), I kind of like my usual makeup look without it and prefer using cream blush to add a bit of colour back into my face, anyway.

3. Eyeshadow palettes.

Big, impressive eyeshadow palettes tend to get wasted on me. As someone who wears the same colours all the time (varying shades of brown), I find big jazzy palettes overwhelming as I only ever use one or two shades.

For most of this year, I've exclusively worn single cream-based eyeshadow formulas or easy stick products that make doing your makeup on the go much more achievable — so I think it's finally time to ditch the bulky eyeshadow palettes. I also love how foolproof individual cream shades are — you can literally just use your fingers and apply everything in a second, making you look like you put in way more effort than you did. Also, SO much easier to throw into your makeup bag!

I'm still having a lengthy love affair with Rare Beauty All Of The Above Weightless Eyeshadow Sticks, $43, but also having a serious moment with Rationale Beautiful Bronze, $82, used on the eyes.

4. Black liquid eyeliner.

We're having a break! I said the same last year, I'm aware, but in recent months I've become a little bored with my usual black winged liner. It's starting to make my makeup look a little outdated and I think it's time to officially give it a rest. And no, it's nothing to do with Gen Z cancelling eyeliner, I swear!

In all honesty, though — I'm having fun using kohl liner and brown liner or just going completely without. I've noticed that (with a good lash curler and mascara) my eyes actually look bigger and brighter without my usual black wing. Also, makeup takes way less time when you're not trying to nail a sharp wing 145 times over — and I'm very lazy.

So, for now — I'm giving it a rest!

What are you ditching from your makeup routine in 2025? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied.