We’ve all seen those immaculate makeup vanities on Pinterest, right? Wouldn’t it be nice to have all of your cosmetics clean, organized and within reach?
I understand that the task can be daunting, especially if you have drawers of products. So in an effort to make this as painless as possible I’m breaking down the process into easily digestible steps. Here’s the first step in how to organize your makeup:
Step 1: The Sort
What to Toss*
- The old stuff. Makeup degrades over time, loses it’s pigment and dries up (sounds lovely, right?) Most makeup products have expiration dates so look for the open cream jar icon, known as the PAO (or “Period After Opening”) symbol, which includes the number of months a product is safe to use after it has been unsealed.
- The last dregs. When you’re down to the stump of a liner or using a q-tip to dig out lip color, toss it. That goes for those palettes with one shade left in it, too — that color has faded over time anyway. Buy replacements and if you can’t find the exact color, embrace something new. It may end up to be a blessing in disguise.
- The products have gone off. Toss anything with a noticeable change in texture (drying, thinning, thickening or separating), pigment change or BAD odor.
- The tools that are falling apart. Torn sponges, broken or matted brushes (hello, Mom!) aren’t doing their job properly and have a host of bacteria… toss them.
Keep or Repurpose
- The flattering tones. Keep cosmetics that complement your skin tone and work with our skin type.
- The favorites. Keep products that suit your personal style.
- Clean brushes and sponges. Keep your tools clean with weekly washing and enjoy how clean they feel and look. I recommend using a cleansing palette for brushes, like Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette.
- Duplicates. Keep if you use them often and they are in good condition. Toss if you have more than two (unless it’s unopened).
- Bland or bright lipstick. If you don’t like the color for your lips try it on your cheeks as a cream blush.
- Broken lipstick. Purchase an empty lip palette and melt broken lipstick.
- Beautiful Containers. Clean pretty packaging and use them for art or storage.
Give Away
- The bad match. Foundation or concealer shades that don’t match your skin. Exception: if foundation is too dark, you can use a drop or two to customize your matching foundation if you get a tan or spray tan.
- The meh. Makeup that doesn’t look good on you or ‘give you joy’. This may sound obvious, but how many products do you never wear, but hold onto because it’s a good brand or was expensive. Ask your stylish friend for her honest opinion and if the consensus is still ‘meh’ give it away. Life is just too short.
- New and never-used products. Give yourself a deadline to give away the cosmetics that just aren’t for you, don’t just throw them back in the drawer and add to the clutter. Put them aside in a small shopping bag and remove them from the bathroom.
*If you’re having problems with what to toss, try selecting the products that you must-have. Once you’ve chosen your favorites it may be easier to lose their rest.