If you’re anything like me, you may have a love-hate relationship with your makeup collection.

On the one hand, you love trying out new products and experimenting with different looks. On the other hand, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of makeup you’ve accumulated over time. 

If you’re tired of digging through piles of products to find your favorite lipstick or struggling to track which products are past their prime, consider organizing your makeup collection.

Not only can organizing your makeup make getting ready in the morning a smoother process, but it can also help you use up products before they expire and save money in the long run. 

In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to help you organize your makeup collection and make it easier to navigate.

Assessing Your Collection

Assessing your makeup collection is a crucial step in organizing it. It helps you to get a clear idea of what you have, what you need, and what you don’t need. 

This step involves inventorying your makeup products, sorting them, and identifying which products you use frequently and infrequently. Additionally, it’s important to evaluate expired and old products, as they can be harmful to your skin and may need to be discarded.

To start assessing your collection, gather all your makeup products and lay them out in front of you. Next, go through each product and check the expiration date. Most makeup products have a shelf life of 6-12 months, so anything that has expired or has been open for a long time should be thrown out.

After sorting out expired products, start sorting through your makeup collection and separating them into categories. Create categories based on product types such as foundation, concealer, eye shadow, lipstick, etc. This will make it easier to find products when you need them.

Once you have sorted your makeup products, it’s time to evaluate which products you use frequently and which you don’t. For the products you don’t use frequently, consider whether they are worth keeping.

If they are still in good condition and you plan on using them in the future, store them in a separate location. If you don’t plan on using them again, consider giving them away or throwing them out.

Assessing your makeup collection can take time, but it’s important to ensure that you have an organized and functional makeup collection. By doing so, you can be sure that you’re only keeping products you use and love, and you can free up space for new products you might want to try.

Choosing a Storage System

When it comes to organizing your makeup collection, choosing the right storage system is essential. The right storage system will not only help you keep your makeup collection organized but also make it easier for you to find what you need quickly. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a storage system for your makeup collection:

Size and Space

Consider the size of your collection and the space available for storage. You may need a larger storage system or multiple smaller ones if you have a large collection. Consider vertical makeup organizers like shelves or hanging organizers if you have limited space.

Accessibility

Consider how easily you want to access your makeup collection. Do you want everything out in the open, or would you prefer a system that keeps things hidden until you need them? Consider the type of storage solution that will work best for you based on how frequently you use your makeup products.

Type of Products

Consider the types of makeup products you have in your collection. Some products like lipsticks or eyeliners can be stored in smaller compartments, while larger items like palettes may require bigger storage compartments. 

Also, consider the shape of your products; round-shaped products like powder compacts may require different storage solutions than rectangular-shaped products like foundations.

Material

Consider the material of the storage system. Makeup products can spill, leak, and get messy, so look for materials that are easy to clean, durable, and won’t absorb stains or odors. Some popular materials for makeup storage systems include plastic, acrylic, glass, and metal.

Aesthetics

Consider the overall look and style of the storage system. You want something that looks good and complements your existing decor. Many storage solutions are available in various colors, finishes, and designs to suit different preferences.

Sorting and Categorizing

Sorting and categorizing are essential steps in organizing your makeup collection. By sorting and categorizing your makeup products, you can easily find and use what you need efficiently. Here are some tips for sorting and categorizing your makeup collection:

Creating Categories for Your Makeup Collection

The first step is to create categories for your makeup collection. You can create categories based on the type of product, such as foundation, blush, eyeshadow, lipstick, etc. You can also create categories based on the occasion, such as everyday makeup, special occasions, etc.

Sorting and Organizing Products Into Categories

Once you have created categories, start sorting and organizing your makeup products. Pull out all your makeup products and put them in separate piles according to their category. Then, start placing each product in its respective category.

Labeling and Arranging Products Within Categories

After you have sorted and organized your makeup products, label each category so you know what products belong to which category. Then, arrange the products within each category by size, color, or frequency of use.

Store Appropriately

Make sure to store your makeup products appropriately. Keep your brushes in a separate container, and store your liquid products, such as foundations and concealers, upright to prevent them from spilling. Flaten your powder products, such as eyeshadows and blushes, to avoid breakage.

While sorting and categorizing, you may find products you no longer use or have expired. You can donate gently used products to friends or family or discard expired products.

Maintaining the Organization

Maintaining the organization of your makeup collection is just as important as organizing it in the first place. Without proper maintenance, your collection can easily become cluttered and disorganized again. Here are some tips for maintaining the organization of your makeup collection:

Creating a System to Keep Your Makeup Collection Organized

Establish a system for putting away your makeup after each use. This could mean designating specific areas for each makeup category or using a labeling system to ensure everything goes back to its place.

Setting a Regular Maintenance Routine

Schedule time each week or month to review your makeup collection and ensure everything is still organized. This can be as simple as a quick 10-minute check or a more thorough evaluation if needed.

Use It or Lose It

Be mindful of products you’re not using, and consider removing them from your collection. This will prevent your collection from cluttering and make it easier to maintain.

Keep it Clean

Regularly clean your storage containers and makeup products to keep everything hygienic and bacteria-free.

Don’t Let It Pile Up

Avoid piling up new products without first evaluating what you already have. Before adding a new product to your collection, consider whether it will fit in with your current system and whether you need it.

Conclusion

Organizing your makeup collection is important for a clutter-free and stress-free beauty routine. By assessing your collection, choosing a storage system, sorting and categorizing your products, and maintaining the organization, you can save time and money, and avoid frustration. 

Remember, keeping your makeup collection organized requires ongoing effort, but the benefits are well worth it. So, take some time to organize your collection today and enjoy a more enjoyable makeup routine tomorrow!