Summer has arrived, and it’s time to update your makeup bag for the bright days ahead! Decluttering and organizing your cosmetics collection not only makes room for new favorites but also guarantees that you’re using items that are still fresh and effective.
Table of Contents
The Basics
Start by checking the expiration date. Like any product, makeup has a shelf life. You’d want to avoid using a product that has lost its efficacy or is breeding bacteria. Mascara, for example, should be replaced every three to two six months, whereas most foundations are good for six months up to a year.
Most companies list the expiration date or an expected timeframe from the day you open their product. Take a moment to check the bottom or side label for this crucial information. If the product specifies a certain number of months from the day it is opened, grab a Sharpie and a piece of tape and label when it expires for your convenience. Now, be honest with yourself—unless you’re keeping a limited edition package for sentimental reasons, bid farewell to those expired goodies and make room for fresh replacements!
To give you a general idea of expiration times, here are some average time frames:
- Primer: 6 to 12 months
- Foundation: 6 to 12 months
- Concealer: 6 to 12 months
- Face Powder: 12 to 18 months
- Blush: 12 to 18 months
- Eye Liner: 3 to 6 months (liquid), 12 to 18 months (pencil)
- Mascara: 3 to 6 months
- Lip Liner: 1 to 2 years
- Lipstick: 1 to 2 years
- Lip Gloss: 1 to 2 years
Remember, these are just general guidelines, and checking your product labels for the manufacturer’s recommendations is always wise. Also, remember that a natural or sustainable product may not last as long as one that is not. You want to be mindful of the ingredients and formulations.
Quality Control for Your Makeup Bag
Now that you’ve bid farewell to the expired products and cleared out the clutter let’s focus on evaluating the quality of what’s left. Changes in texture, unusual odors, or product separation are all signs that your makeup has seen better days. Does that once-beloved foundation now resemble cottage cheese or something inside a lava lamp? It’s time to let it go. Trust me, holding onto these expired or spoiled products can lead to unfortunate makeup mishaps. If your favorite lipstick has a ‘powder-like’ coating or smells off and your lip gloss has become a new color, let the potential bacteria breeding grounds go.
Collection Declutter
While it’s tempting to cling to every makeup trend, evaluating whether they still align with your style is essential. Trends come and go, but classic looks endure the test of time. Take a moment to assess your makeup collection and identify those timeless essentials that will always have your back, regardless of the season. Do you still have that collection of ColourPop or MAC single eyeshadow pans in your beloved magnetic case? Or a reliable nude lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury that effortlessly complements any look. While these staples may hold sentimental value, consider their age and whether newer formulas offer better quality and longevity. You might find that color you love in a new product that won’t compromise your skin.
Less Is More
As we continue our spring cleaning journey, it’s time to address the issue of excess. Let’s face it—we’re all guilty of accumulating more makeup than we can use. It’s time to declutter and embrace the KonMari Method. The KonMari Method is a decluttering and organizing approach developed by Marie Kondo, a Japanese organizing consultant. It aims to create a more joyful and harmonious living environment by focusing on keeping only the items that spark joy and letting go of the rest.
To use the KonMari Method to spring clean your makeup bag, follow these simple steps:
- Gather all your makeup: Start by gathering all your makeup items from different locations, such as your bag, drawers, and countertops. Place them all in one spot so you can see them all at once.
- Assess each item individually: Take each makeup item in your hands and assess whether it sparks joy for you. You should consider color, texture, scent, and how it makes you feel when you wear it. Let it go if it no longer brings you joy or you haven’t worn it in years.
- Discard expired or unused items: Check the expiration dates of your makeup products. Discard anything expired, as using old makeup can harm your skin. Check if you have any items you rarely or never use. If they are still in good condition, consider donating them to someone who would benefit more from them.
- Sort and categorize: Makeup items should be organized into categories: foundation, blush, eyeshadow, lipstick, etc. The categories will help you see what you’ve got and make organizing easier.
- Organize by storage solutions: Find suitable storage solutions for your
makeup bag. Consider using dividers, small containers, or makeup organizers to keep your items neat and accessible. KonMari suggests finding a designated place for each item to ensure everything has its spot. - Create a joyful makeup bag: As you put your makeup back into your bag, be mindful of the items that truly spark joy. Only include the products you love and use regularly. Letting go of unnecessary things will declutter your bag and make finding and enjoying your favorite products easier.
- Maintain the order: The KonMari Method emphasizes maintaining the order and organization of your belongings. Regularly review your makeup bag to ensure you still love and use all the items. If you acquire new products, consciously let go of something else to maintain a clutter-free and joyful makeup collection.
makeup bag. Consider using dividers, small containers, or makeup organizers to keep your items neat and accessible. KonMari suggests finding a designated place for each item to ensure everything has its spot.Applying the KonMari Method to your makeup bag lets you declutter, organize, and create a makeup collection that brings you joy. This approach allows you to curate your products based on what you love, simplifying your routine and making your makeup experience more enjoyable.
Consider donating gently used (but not expired) items to friends, family, or local charities. Pass on the joy of makeup to someone who will truly appreciate it. I can relate to the challenges of parting with an extensive makeup collection. It was a battle between my sentimental attachment and the need for a more streamlined beauty routine. However, finding a balance and letting go of what no longer serves you is incredibly liberating.
Summer Essentials
Now that we’ve cleared out the clutter and identified your essentials, it’s time to curate your makeup bag for the summer season. Prepare for those sunny days with SPF-infused foundations that offer protection and lightweight primers that keep your makeup in place. And let’s remember the importance of long-lasting waterproof mascaras to prevent makeup meltdowns. If you want more in-depth info on summer makeup essentials, check out “Beat the Heat: 8 Summer Makeup Essentials for A Fresh and Flawless Look,” where I talk about summer makeup essentials in detail and give some awesome product recommendations.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to keep things that make you feel confident and ready for anything. Personalize your collection and focus on what truly sparks joy for you. It’s your makeup bag, your style, and your unique beauty. Embrace it.
You can take on the summer with style and grace with a refreshed and organized makeup bag. By spring cleaning your makeup collection, you’ve created space for new favorites, ensured the effectiveness of your products, and embraced your style. So, grab a trash bag, put on some lively music, and enjoy any season with a clean and fabulous makeup bag!
