It’s estimated that women in America spend an average of over $1,000 a year in cosmetics. That’s a lot of moolah, ladies, to just toss casually in your bathroom drawer! Plus, who’s been on the hunt for that one lipstick you bought months ago that you suddenly realize would match your new top exactly?
Learn how to organize your makeup like a pro. It’s a pretty simple and fun project, really! Here’s how to get started.
Make a pile.
First, collect and assess how much makeup you actually have from those various drawers, makeup bags and old purses. Hmm, that’s a lot of eyeliners. Curse those coupons from Ulta and Sephora!
Toss the expired.
Yes, it’s hard to part with some of our fav beauty-makers, but cosmetics do have a shelf life. Bacteria can grow, especially in a humid bathroom environment. They also tend to lose their luster, literally, after time. You can check for expiration dates and use this when-to-toss guide to determine what stays and what goes:
- Mascaras: 3-4 months
- Eyeliners: 3-4 months (liquid), 2 years (pencil and powders)
- Eye shadows: 6 months (cream), 2 years (powder)
- Foundations: 6 months (liquid), 2 years (powder)
- Blushes: 6 months (cream), 2 years (powder)
- Lipsticks and lip liners: 2 years
Pick a spot.
Organization like a pro means choosing the right place so it doesn’t go back to clutter a week later. Ideal locations are obviously in your bathroom or bedroom where you get that beautiful face ready for the day.
- A drawer is a great option because you can buy or make your own dividers for low cost.
- Another choice is open countertop or shelf space. This works great if you plan to purchase a pretty organizer and like your collection on display.
- Inside a cabinet works well when you have a carry organizer and need the portability.
- If you’re limited on space with mirror frontage, you can even use the back of a door where you can hang a hook and try one of those hanging jewelry organizers with clear pockets!
Shop or DIY.
Determine if it’s time for a shopping trip for drawer trays, a new cosmetic caddy or if you prefer the creativity and low budget of a DIY makeup drawer organizer. To do-it-yourself, you just need some cardboard or small boxes and old hair ties or rubber bands to sort and separate. Then, decorate as desired. A magazine rack also works well if you have a lot of those box collections.
Group friends.
Now it’s time to match up the eye stuff, lipsticks and liners, face products, etc. Don’t forget to separate the tools and brushes as well. Speaking of bacteria, when is the last time you cleaned those makeup brushes?! All you need is a little bit of shampoo and warm water to get them looking like new. Rinse until the brush is clear and lay flat on a towel to dry.
Now it’s time to enjoy the beauty of your beauty supplies and finding that perfect peach lipstick just when you need it!
