We’re almost to June and you’re probably over all the spring cleaning posts. This one is a bit different though because I’m talking makeup. I keep my typical makeup routine very simple (as in, if I’m not seeing anyone I know or I’m not ‘going out’ I’m likely to wear no makeup). But, I like the idea of makeup (I do live in LA) and the feeling of possibility it brings. Because of that, I have quite a bit of it (not like beauty blogger level…I NEVER claim to be a beauty blogger) and recently reorganized it during an inspired weekend.
My initial inspiration was simply to get some new storage pieces from the Container Store closet essential sale (and make some pretty, new labels). I really can’t resist their sales for myself and typically find a need for SOMETHING new when they are happening. I absolutely love the clear, stackable drawers. Any size over the standard shoe size drawer comes with the option of buying internal dividers making these bad boys valuable far beyond the closet.
I didn’t want to go with a ‘traditional’ acrylic makeup holder as I have more than these typically hold, I didn’t want to take up TOO much space on my vanity, and I don’t need these items at my fingertips on the daily. My ‘everyday’ makeup is actually kept in a navy and white (naturally) zippered makeup bag stored in my vanity. Because I traveled weekly for work for so long, I’m just used to keeping my everyday makeup stored this way and it works for me.
While making the switch over to the new system, I, of course, took the opportunity to do some spring cleaning of my makeup. I parked myself on my bathroom floor (yes, my bathroom floor as my boyfriend and I have separate bathrooms…it’s a relationship saver) and dumped out everything I had. Naturally, I found things I didn’t remember I had, and things I knew I’d never use again (I’ve realized orange-red lipstick is NOT my shade). This process inspired me to look up the recommended shelf-life of cosmetics. The US doesn’t require makeup to have expiration dates but there are some standard guidelines around how long you should keep products based on type. Note: these durations are for after the makeup has been opened.
Now, I’m not going to promise you that I threw out EVERYTHING that was past its date. I have mascaras I’ve never opened that should still be safe. I also have powdered eye shadow from years ago that I’m just going to take my chances with and, because I wear this makeup so infrequently, I’m also keeping some eyeshadows that are probably past their time. However, I didn’t’ keep anything that has separated or smells rancid. Those things should ALWAYS be tossed. I also took the opportunity to clean all my makeup brushes. It’s not a glamourous task but it’s a necessary one. Personally, I just use baby shampoo for the task (also what we bath our dog with). But, if you want tips from a real beauty blogger, head over to my girl Lindsay’s website, Blushing in Hollywood, for this post on what she uses to clean her makeup brushes (there’s even a great video explaining the process).
Once I had all the makeup I was going to keep, I continued with my standard organizing process. I grouped like items with like items and designed how I was going to use the dividers I purchased. I originally bought three containers but ended up being fine with just two. After my items were contained in their respective new homes, it was time for my favorite part…the label. I used my cricut machine to cutout vinyl labels and attached them to the drawers. Now I have a new, organized system with the best of the best makeup, clean brushes, and clear labeling. I’ve even found myself using my ‘special’ makeup more often. And isn’t that the goal? We should use what we have spent our hard-earned money on and not let it live unused and hidden away.
As always, I hope you found this post interesting, informative, inspiring, or entertaining (I’ll take any one as a success). If so, please let me know in the comments section. Also let me know if there is anything you’d like to see on this blog by writing me at feedback@theorganizingblonde.com.
XOXO,
The Organizing Blonde
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