I have an organized makeup bag. Don’t hate me – I didn’t always. For many years of my life it was a jumble of leaking lipglosses and old, crumbling eyeshadows, with a sprinkling of eyeliner shavings just to really add to the messiness. I would reach in to grab something and my hand would end up inexplicably covered in dark streaks from likely expired mascaras or coloured eyeliners that I thought I might wear. I finally decided that enough was enough a few months ago, and since then my Sephora Petite Pochette, $22 CAD, makeup bag has been clean, organized, and filled only with products that I actually use and like. Here are my tips on how to keep yours useable as well!
Also see: How to Store Your Clothes and Organize Your Closet
Toss things. Dump everything out (onto an old or bleachable towel) and sort through your products. Throw out items that you’ve had for too long (mascaras last 2-3 months, foundation/concealer 6-12 months, and lipsticks for 2 years). Only keep items you really love.
Clean your makeup bag off. I use makeup wipes to tidy up and remove any stains or eyeshadow dust.
Decide what actually needs to stay in your makeup bag. I find it’s easiest for me just to keep my daily essentials and regularly used items in the bag. Special occasion items (colourful eyeshadows, your lipstick collection) can be kept in a cupboard in the bathroom or on your vanity. I like to store items like brushes and lip colours in pretty candle containers or cups.
Make a point of always tightening your product lids. Seems like a no-brainer, I know, but this helps to keep your makeup bag clean. Whenever lipgloss oozes over the side of the lid or mascara sticks to the container, I like to wipe it off with a makeup remover wipe.
Don’t keep your sharpener in your bag, unless it has a lid. You’ll end up with stray shavings and dark smudges all over, which isn’t how we want our bag to look!
Invest in an eyeshadow palette if you have lots of shades. This helps to keep everything organized.
Consider downloading to a smaller bag with just your daily essentials. If you just use a few items each day, it might be easier to have two bags.
Repeat. Go through your bag and items often to keep track of items you need and what’s nearing its expiration, and to keep it tidy.
Photo via Pinterest