In order to tackle any organization project without getting overwhelmed, you need to start by assessing the situation. "Pile all your makeup in one spot, to assess how much you actually own," says Wade. Cover your kitchen table with a trash bag and place everything out on it -- that way you can see everything clearly, she advises.
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Tip 2: Divvy it up
Next, "divide everything into categories: lips, eyes, foundations, etc. That way, off the bat, you can see how many like items you own that you probably don't even realize," she says.
Then, grab the trash bin. "Within each sub-pile, instantly [throw away] any item that you haven't worn in over 8-12 months. If you haven't worn it yet, chances are you're not going to ever," Wade continues, and it likely has bacteria. To be safe, find out the expiration date for all your beauty products here.
Next, toss "anything that is shattered or missing tops," says Klosky. We know you think you will salvage these items and use them to their battered bits, but don�t, he continues. "Any broken powders or blushes will spill in your makeup bags and you will spend more time cleaning them than actually applying the product," he warns. The only exception Klosky gives is "eyeliners without lids -- as long as they are kept in a small brush bag or a plastic baggie."
We aren't all neat freaks and one too many overzealous trips down the makeup aisle has left our bathroom drawers, medicine cabinets and makeup bags overflowing with stuff. Because that's what all your precious makeup becomes when you have one too many of everything, everywhere.
But it isn't just stuff ladies, it is the makeup you used to love, but now resent as it never seems to remain organized. And we feel your pain. We know the clutter causes anxiety. We know you stop using things because it becomes too much effort to weed though all your lip glosses to find what you are looking for. We know you secretly just want to dump all your makeup in the bin and start new. We know.
Well it's time to get it together. Spring-cleaning mumbo jumbo aside, now is the time for you to get organized. You and your makeup deserve it. It's time to toss the cracked eyeshadow, the six tubes of mascara and that lipstick you loved in 2005. It's time for a total overhaul.
To find out the best and smartest ways to keep your stash in check, we went to Raychel Wade, New York City makeup artist, La Prairie Colour Ambassador and founder of Cheek to Chic as well as Justin Klosky of The O.C.D. Experience (Organize and Create Discipline). They offer up expert tips that'll help you keep your makeup organized and up-to-date.
