It doesn’t matter if you have dozens of mascaras, several shades of nude lipstick, or even a shelf full of serums and moisturizers.
I can totally understand wanting to stick with a particular product just because it’s limited edition or the packaging is gorgeous, but if it’s never been worn and storage is a bit of an issue, management It’s time for someone
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Here’s how to quickly and efficiently shrink your collection without sacrificing too much of your beloved purchases.
Step 1: Clear the Deck
Start by getting everything out of your bathroom cabinets, the back of your wardrobe, and even your loft storage bins.
It can be a bit of a shock to realize how much you’ve amassed over the years, but seeing it all laid out can help you decide what to keep, throw away, and share with friends, family, or charity. You can decide whether to return to the group.
Step 2: Check your product’s expiration date
Like food, beauty products have expiration dates.
It can be hard to let go if you invested in it, but if it’s past its expiration date, it’s less efficient and can cause skin irritation.
Have you ever noticed a small open bottle symbol followed by a number and the letter “M” on skincare packaging?
Expiration date after opening (PAO) indicates the number of months of use after opening.
For makeup, mascara 3 to 6 months, liquid or cream foundation 6 to 1 year, lipstick about 18 months, and dry formulas like powder, blush and setting powder up to 2 years. I can do it.
But if it looks or smells a little different, it probably does, so put it in the bin.
Step 3: Rehome
This is a pile of products that have not yet been used, but are unlikely to be used.
Please consider donating unopened products to charities such as Beauty Banks (Beautybanks.org.uk).
Or check to see if there are any local organizations in need of raffle prizes or donations.
If the product has been opened and is still in good condition, your family and friends may appreciate your beauty butt.
If not, take it to the recycling bin at your local boot store. You’ll earn Advantage Card points instead.
Step 4: Edit
Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Sam Bunting suggests that the perfect capsule skincare wardrobe essentials include: Two moisturizers (one lighter and one richer for flexibility depending on the season and skin type). Two sunscreens (one unstained for daily use and one water-resistant, possibly tinted for days without makeup), and finally an antidote such as vitamin C for use in the morning. Active ingredients such as oxidants, and “irritants” such as retinoids for nighttime use.
In makeup, put all your items on the floor and put them in separate categories to see what you’re repeating.
Now, pick staples you wear almost every day to store in your beauty arsenal.
Small extras, like TikTok trending lipsticks and celebrity-approved highlighters, can be added if you want, but only if you know they’re good enough, if not perfect.
Step 5: Organize
Cosmetic box: Keep everything in one place and take it anywhere.
The ultimate beauty buff accessory with a mirror and convenient compartments.
I love the Nyx Professional Makeup Artist Travel Case, £50.
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drawer organizer: They help keep certain product types together, like serums in one section and eye creams in another.
It also saves space as the products can be stacked vertically.
shower caddy: It’s not sexy, but it’s great for keeping unglamorous but essential items like soap, shower gel, shampoo, etc. out of the way and in one place.
Clear makeup bag: These allow you to see the products, and if you can see them, you are more likely to use them.
Primark, Boots and Superdrug all offer these at very wallet-friendly prices.
Similarly, different sized mason jars are great for storing makeup pencils, hair grips, and cotton swabs.
Applicator storage: Brushes and sponges can be breeding grounds for bacteria, especially if they are not cleaned regularly.
So decant the brushes into a clear acrylic organizer and place the sponges on the sponge holder stand (yes, they do exist).
A quick search on Amazon.co.uk will bring up various options for both.
Rotating organizer: A great option if you have limited space. This makes it easy to store and retrieve all products.
The Home Edit & iDesign Divided Turntable Storage Container, £22, John Lewis & Partners is perfect for tricky corners where space is not often used.
Refill: Most reputable beauty brands offer refillable options for many of their products.
This means you don’t have to buy new bottles, so you reduce waste and space, and get your favorite refills instead.
Backup storage: Having a supply of Beauty Reserves is nice, but don’t try to hide them completely out of sight as you’ll be buying duplicates you already have.
A rack over the door or a labeled box at the bottom of your wardrobe is ideal.
best all purpose palette
Another good way to cut down on the amount of makeup and keep the mess out is to focus on multi-purpose palettes like…
Morphe 2 Quad Goals Multi Palette, Oh-So Nuddie, £16: Playful formulas housed in neat stacks that are easy to apply with a swipe of your finger.
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look In A Palette in Beauty Glow, £49: Bronzer, highlighter, two blushes, three eyeshadows – the perfect palette for the weekend.
Engraved by Amy Connolly Radiance Full Face Edit, £32: Makes the entire face beautiful. If you want a staple in your handbag, this is it.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit, £42: Three highlighters and three contour shades are your secret weapon for defining, shaping and brightening.
