When was the last time you organized your makeup collection or thought about how long you’ve had your concealer or mascara? Do you know what’s lurking within that seemingly endless bottle of foundation? Are you constantly digging through eye shadows in every color of the rainbow even though you only use a few shades? Get your cosmetic collection under control with the following tips.
Toss, Wash and Stay Safe
Does makeup expire? Yes! Although makeup likely won’t be growing green fuzzies when past its prime, it does have the potential to cause infections. Makeup collects bacteria that can make its way into eyes, pores and cuts, potentially leading to infections, sties and blemishes.
Cream-based makeup should be tossed after one year, max. Powder-based makeup and lipstick can be kept for two years since there isn’t moisture present in the makeup to invite bacteria as readily. Makeups used at the lash line, like mascara and eyeliner, need to be treated with special caution as eyes are especially vulnerable to infection and irritation. Keep these items three months or less. Although it may be difficult to toss these items when there is still makeup left in the tube, the benefit of staying healthy will far outweigh the discomfort of tossing. An added benefit is that with new fresh products, your makeup will perform better for you with less of the caking and clumping that comes with using old makeup.
Along with expired makeup, toss or donate the items with colors that don’t match your palette or you won’t use. Toss nail polish that no longer mixes properly when you shake the bottle, has caked on residue on the brush or rim of the bottle, or has become thick and gummy.
Toss old sponges and wash your makeup brushes with a drop of shampoo, then lay them out. Do this every month to keep tools clean.
The Right Setup for Your Style
Once you’ve whittled your collection down to current products you will use, determine how and where you will store your cosmetics. When making this decision, consider your space, lifestyle and preferences. Do you want items out on display or tucked away behind closed doors? The following ideas can be used alone or in combination to organize your everyday products and supplies that are used less frequently.
Countertop Collections - For the daily cosmetics that you want readily available and easy to see, utilize an acrylic, wood or bamboo countertop cosmetic organizer. There are various sizes available, and some have built-in drawers or are specially designed to fit into a corner space. Create your own combination with a set of acrylic drawers and a cosmetic organizer of your choice placed on top or alongside. Utilize these at a vanity, dresser or bathroom countertop for a swift morning ritual that is easy to maintain.
Picture via beautysoiree.blogspot.com
Picture via ebay.com
Drawer Organizers - If you have the drawer space to spare, utilize modular drawer organizers to separate each type of product into it’s own compartment. This option spreads out and separates your collection, making it easy to find what you are looking for while keeping items hidden when not in use. Choose a drawer that is easy to access. A space with bright lighting is best, and using either the first or second drawer in a bank of drawers is key. Be diligent about putting items back in their specific places to maintain order within the drawer.
Picture via kbbonline.com
Contained Behind Closed Doors - You may prefer to keep products stored neatly in bathroom cabinets or on shelves. If this is the case, choosing the right case or container to corral and organize your cosmetics is important. Here are some ideas:
- Utilize a divided tote with a handle to easily move products to wherever you need to use them.
- A hanging travel makeup bag may be a good option if you are often on the go. You can grab the bag quickly, organize the contents into easy-to-see divided pockets, and open up and hang your collection wherever you are.
- If you have a varied lifestyle with different makeup for each look or activity, separate the makeup into smaller, zippered makeup pouches. Label each pouch and “file” the pouch into a basket or tote to keep them all together. This system allows for an easy grab of the makeup you need without having to dig within your entire collection, whether you’re preparing for a glammed up evening, a professional event or an active day outdoors.
- Who says hobby cases are only for sewing supplies or fishing tackle? These can make for a nicely organized option that is compact.
Organize and Revisit Regularly
Once you determine which storage option or combination is right for you, be sure to purge expired items and reorganize every six months. You can even use a fine-tip permanent pen to mark the month and year each product is opened. That way you will know when it’s time to replace a product.
Get your makeup collection looking beautiful, and stay healthy at the same time. Just as these cosmetics keep you looking good, return the favor back in no time flat!
Warmly,
Laura Leist, CPO
Organizing with Laura
Must-Have Makeup Organization
http://www.engage360.me
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