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."
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Tip 3: Separate your brushes
Now tackle the brushes. "Most likely you have brushes that are snarled, knotted or frayed. Toss them," says Wade. "Brushes should always be stored in a separate makeup bag or pouch (whether you travel with them or leave them at home). These are the tools of the trade and so they should be treated with TLC," she continues. (See the only makeup brushes you actually need here.)
If you store brushes at home, "keep them upright in a container or invest in a brush roll like the pros," says Wade. Also, never neglect to clean them. Wade recommends aiming to clean brushes once a week with warm water and shampoo, then laying them out overnight to dry.
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Tip 4: Keep it in a drawer
When it comes to organizing your at-home makeup stash, Klosky recommends keeping your now categorized makeup in a clear drawer organizer, which you can find at the Container Store or a beauty supply store. Keeping makeup in a drawer and not out on the counter where it is exposed to sunlight and steam will also ensure the life of your products. In the drawer, "you will be able to keep like products together and the clear plastic of the organizer will show any powdery residue that needs to be cleaned," he says. For some keep-it-clean inspiration, Klosky says to "put a cheerful patterned drawer liner" beneath it as "you will subconsciously want to keep the drawer looking nice."
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Tip 5: Try not to stack
Stacking eyeshadows and blushes on top of each other so that you have to dig is a sure fire way to annoy yourself and make you late for work. Instead, lay them flat when you can and for storing items that do not have a clean or clear top lid, "store them upside down," says Klosky, that way "you can read the label and know what color you�re grabbing."
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Tip 6: Tote carefully
When it comes to keeping makeup organized in a makeup bag (if you don't have drawers or simply like to tote your stash with you), try to keep your makeup separated as best you can "into three major categories: powders, creams (or anything liquid) and tools (brushes, lash curler, etc.)," says Wade. This means that you don't necessarily want to have one big bag that all of your products are tossed in -- especially since makeup bags are a breeding ground for bacteria. Look for bags with various sections and zipper compartments (to avoid spills). Try Sephora Core Vinyl Double Handle Makeup Bag, $38.
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.
