Is your makeup collection getting out of control? Read ahead for suggestions on cleaning out, organizing, and storing your cosmetics.
First, pick a large table and dump out every single cosmetic item that you own. Go through all of your purses, gym bags, and totes, as well as every bathroom drawer and cabinet, to round up strays. Immediately toss any expired items (creamy and liquid items are only good for about 6 months; a powder item has a much longer shelf life). Now look over your collection---do you really need three different fuchsia lipsticks? What about that lime green eyeshadow that you've never worn? Consider giving makeup items that you don't wear to friends (although sharing mascara can cause eye infections). Whether you toss unwanted makeup or give it away, now is the time to take stock and clean out your collection.
It's now time to decide on a storage system. Take note of the size of your collection and your available space. These two factors will have the largest influence on your storage system. No matter how much or little space you have, here are several creative, attractive, and inexpensive ways to manage your makeup.
Drawer Storage
When planning storage for drawers, you want easy access to your collection. Storage should also be designed so that small items don't get stuffed in the back of the drawer, never to be seen again!
-Use clear plastic boxes, without lids, to sort your makeup within a drawer. At home supply, craft, and organizer stores, you can find a wide selection of inexpensive plastic boxes of all sizes and shapes.
-Kitchen silverware trays work well in a drawer for pencil and brush storage.
-For deep drawers, try lingerie dividers, shoe boxes, or cardboard dividers.
Countertop or Vanity Storage
With countertop or vanity storage, you are probably most concerned with controlling clutter and creating a visually pleasing arrangement. Space might also be an issue.
-Vintage mugs, glasses, and candleholders make perfect organizers for brushes, pencils, mascaras, and other long, skinny objects. Shallow dishes, teacups, and baskets work well for eyeshadow, lipsticks, and other items. These are easily coordinated with your room décor and can be found for next to nothing at thrift and dollar stores.
-Jewelry boxes with multiple drawers can be used for makeup storage to take advantage of tight bathroom or vanity space. You can also find narrow plastic drawers at home and office supply stores. These can be stacked to maximize space.
Portable Storage
Many women need to carry a few key cosmetic items from home every day. Small makeup bags, which you can toss in your purse, tote, or gym bag, are perfect for holding those essentials, like lipstick, powder, and perfume. If you carry the same items every day, you might want to keep duplicates at home so that you don't have to transfer these items from the bathroom to your purse or bag every morning.
If you need to take your entire collection on the road frequently, then you might want a permanent portable storage system. There are numerous organizers on the market specifically for cosmetics, but train cases and tackle boxes work just as well and are usually cheaper.
