Do an Inventory and Get Rid of Expired or Unused Products
It’s time to go through my makeup and skincare products and take stock of what I really use on a regular basis. Having a cluttered vanity or medicine cabinet filled with unused and expired products isn’t good for my skin or my mental clarity.
I’ll start by taking everything out and sorting items into categories like face makeup, eye makeup, lip products, cleansers, moisturizers, etc. This will help me see just how much I’ve accumulated over time.
Next, I’ll go through each category one by one and check expiration dates. Most makeup has a small symbol that indicates how many months the product is good for after opening. Any products past that timeframe need to be tossed out. Mascara should be replaced every 3-6 months to avoid eye infections.
I’ll also get rid of any makeup or skincare that has changed in smell, texture or performance. An example would be foundations that no longer blend smoothly or moisturizers that have separated.
Finally, I’ll be ruthless about discarding products I never or rarely use. That hot pink lipstick from 2 years ago that I’ve only worn once? Out it goes. The mask my friend gave me that broke me out? In the trash. Being surrounded only by products I love and use makes me happier.
Clean and Sanitize What’s Left
Now that I’ve pared down my stash to just the essentials, it’s time to thoroughly clean and disinfect everything. This helps extend the life of my products and prevent breakouts.
I’ll start by wiping down the exterior of any bottles or compacts with rubbing alcohol to remove oil, makeup residue and bacteria buildup.
For powder formulas like blush, bronzer and eyeshadow, I’ll spritz the surface lightly with rubbing alcohol and let dry completely.
Beauty blenders, makeup brushes and washcloths should be deep cleaned with brush shampoo or a gentle soap and water.
Finally, I’ll finish by sanitizing my makeup tools like tweezers, lash curlers and sharpener blades with isopropyl alcohol. A quick wipe down keeps them ready for safe use.
Organize and Store Smartly
With my makeup and skincare collection pared down to just the essentials I use regularly, I can now organize and store them for convenience and longevity.
I like to keep my everyday makeup in a caddy on my vanity for easy access when getting ready. Items like concealer, mascara, lip gloss and eyeliner get daily use.
For tools like brushes and sponges, I’ll store them handle down in cups to avoid bending the bristles.
In my medicine cabinet, I’ll group cleansers and serums together and moisturizers and masks together so my routine is streamlined.
To make products last, I’ll store them in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight, which can break down formulas over time. Items like vitamin C serums are especially sensitive.
Doing a deep clean and getting my makeup collection organized helps me save money by not buying duplicates and gets me excited to play with the products I already own. It’s amazing how refreshed I feel!
