Believe it or not, cosmetics do go bad! If you have not used an item in 6 months, you can probably let it go. Less is always more, and you will be able to use the cosmetics you do have more freely, when you can see them. Getting ready in the morning may even be more enjoyable when you have less and renewed order in your space. Here are some tips for decluttering and organizing cosmetics.
Time to let some cosmetics go!
As with any organizing project, the first step is the sort. Put like with like and create categories, such as eyes, face, lips, and tools. A more detailed sort will create sub-categories, like eye cream, toner, foundation, bronzers, blushes, and highlighters. Decide what makes the most sense to you. Once you have all your cosmetics sorted, weed out any products that are broken, cracked, dry, used up, or that have expired. Too much is too much. Use the space and containers you have as your boundaries. Declutter and let some cosmetics go, but don’t buy more items if you don’t have the space to put them. You also know that recycling is important to us. Did you know that you can recycle your cosmetic containers? It doesn’t matter what brand you use. Find a Terracycle bin near you or a Bare Minerals. They both provide recycling in their stores.
How long can I keep cosmetics?
There is usually a tiny open jar symbol with a number and the letter “M” on the bottom of all cosmetic and skincare items. This number is the number of months that the product is safe to use after being opened. Can you remember when you bought the product and opened it? If not, it might be time to let it go. Here are some general guidelines for how long a product is safe after opening:
- 3 months: Mascara, Liquid eyeliner, Eyeliner
- 1 Year: Eyeshadow, Concealer, Cream blush, Foundation, Lip gloss
- 2 Years: Powder blush, Eyeliner pencil, Lipstick
Tips for organizing cosmetics:
- Store cosmetics on shelves, in drawers, or in containers in order of use. For example, you can organize your cosmetics in drawers from left to right according to what you use first, use second, and so forth. Skincare routine items first, then primer(s), then eye makeup and so forth.
- Containers like pantry bins, that can be taken in and out of drawers or cabinets, especially work well if you do not have the counter space to hold your cosmetics.
- If you often get ready at the gym or find yourself doing your makeup downstairs while your little one is eating breakfast, then store your cosmetics in a transportable container or bag.
- It is always a good idea to check-in with your travel supplies and make sure your travel toiletries are packed and ready for use.
Organizing products for cosmetics:
Here are some of our favorite organizing products for cosmetics. Before you put your cosmetics away though, don’t forget to wipe down every item that you are keeping.
- Luxe Acrylic Modular Makeup System: Especially for those of you who are makeup virtuosos, these containers make organizing your makeup a breeze. You can find small and large drawers that also grab brushes and keep all the items separate yet visible. These items go great on counters, in cabinets, on vanities, on dressing tables, and just about anywhere. They containerize items, yet make cosmetics visible and accessible. They are just really aesthetically pleasing.
- Water Hyacinth Storage Bins: The uniformity that comes from using these eco-friendly baskets makes any area aesthetically pleasing. These go great on cabinets or in drawers to hold any cosmetics.
- Pantry Bins: These work great anywhere for cosmetics. You can find different sizes as well to fit any narrow and longer spaces you may have. Here is a great blog post on using pantry bins in the bathroom.
- Bamboo drawer dividers are wonderful for keeping cosmetics organized in bathroom drawers. They work great in an array of different sizes of drawers,too, because they are spring loaded and flexible.
- IDesign Drawer Organizers: These acrylic drawer organizers work beautifully to containerize everything from your toiletries to silverware. Just don’t forget to measure the drawer itself before purchasing the containers-this will ensure that you purchase the correct amount of containers and that all your containers fit.
What are some of your favorite tips for decluttering and organizing cosmetics? Check out our Abundance Declutter Group on Facebook for more on this topic during our 16 Day Declutter Challenge!