Purge Makeup: The Ultimate Guide to Decluttering Your Beauty Stash

Purging Makeup: What You Need to Know

As makeup enthusiasts, it’s easy to get carried away with our ever-growing collection of products. We think we need every shade of eyeshadow, every type of lipstick finish, and every possible foundation formula. But the reality is, we don’t use every single item in our stash. In fact, some products may go untouched for months or even years. This is where makeup purging comes in.

Purging makeup means getting rid of products that have expired, don’t work for our skin type or tone, or simply don’t bring us joy anymore. It’s a necessary step in decluttering our beauty stash and ensuring that we’re using products that are safe, effective, and suitable for us. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of how to purge makeup, including when and how to do it, what to keep and what to toss, and some tips for maintaining a streamlined collection.

When to Purge Makeup

There are a few indicators that it’s time to purge your makeup. Here are some signs to look out for:

– Expired products: Most makeup products have a shelf life of 6-24 months, depending on the formulation. Check the packaging for a symbol that looks like an open jar with a number inside (e.g. 12M), which indicates how many months the product is good for after opening. Once the time is up, toss the product as it may harbor bacteria that can cause skin irritation or infection.
– Damaged packaging: If a product’s packaging is cracked, broken, or leaking, it’s time to let it go. This can expose the product to air, which can cause it to dry out or become contaminated.
– Ineffective products: If you’ve tried a product and it doesn’t work for your skin type, tone, or preference, it’s better to pass it on to someone who can use it than to let it collect dust in your stash.
– Cluttered space: If your makeup storage is overflowing with products, it may be time to reassess what you really need and use. Having too much clutter can make it difficult to find what you’re looking for and can lead to neglected products.

How to Purge Makeup

Once you’ve identified which products need to go, the next step is to actually get rid of them. Here are some tips on how to do it responsibly:

– Dispose of expired products: Check with your local government or waste disposal company for guidelines on how to dispose of expired makeup. Some products, such as mascara and liquid eyeliner, may need to be tossed in the trash as they are not recyclable or compostable.
– Donate gently used products: If you have products that are still in good condition but just don’t work for you, consider donating them to a local women’s shelter or organization that accepts beauty product donations. Make sure to sanitize the products first by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol.
– Recycle packaging: Many makeup brands offer recycling programs for their packaging, such as recycling empty lipstick tubes or empty eyeshadow palettes. Check with the brand’s website or social media pages for information on how to participate in the program.
– Sell unwanted products: If you have high-end or lightly used products that you don’t want anymore, consider selling them on websites like Poshmark or Mercari. Make sure to clearly state the condition of the product and sanitize it before shipping it out.

What to Keep and What to Toss

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide which products to keep and which to get rid of. Here are some general guidelines:

– Keep: Products that are within their expiration date, products that work well for your skin type and tone, and products that bring you joy and confidence.
– Toss: Products that are expired, products that are damaged or leaking, products that have a strange smell or texture, and products that you haven’t used in over a year.

Tips for Maintaining a Streamlined Collection

After you’ve purged your makeup, you may be wondering how to prevent your collection from getting out of control again. Here are some tips:

– Stay organized: Invest in makeup storage solutions that work for you, whether it’s acrylic drawers, a rolling cart, or a magnetic board. Make sure to keep products in their designated spots to prevent clutter.
– Practice mindful purchasing: Before buying a new product, ask yourself if it’s something you truly need or if it’s just a trend or impulse purchase. Consider doing research on the brand and product before making a purchase as well.
– Use up what you have: Before buying a new product in a certain category, try to use up what you already have. For example, finish a bottle of foundation before buying a new one.
– Reassess regularly: Every few months, go through your collection again and evaluate which products you’re using and which ones you’re neglecting. This can help you make informed decisions on what to keep and what to let go of.

In conclusion, purging your makeup is an important step in maintaining a healthy, effective, and streamlined beauty collection. By following these tips and guidelines, you can enjoy a makeup stash that works for you and brings you confidence and joy.