3/23/2015

Downsizing The Beauty Stash





If you're here reading this post you obviously love makeup, skincare and all things beauty. In fact, you may be like me and find things get a little out of hand. The box you store your lipsticks in has a lid which won't close properly, you lose an eyeshadow pigment in the depths of your drawers, your nude lipsticks start to all look identical. I'm sure many of us have been there. Today I'm going to share some tips for downsizing your makeup collection. It's not fun, but you can do it! Think of the new things you'll have room for...

Have a somewhat regimented 'one in, one out' policy-I have Anna's blog to thank for this idea. I actually cross this over with books as well, because I have a bit of a book problem too. Now I'll be honest, I don't do this all the time but if I am buying new makeup, I try to be conscious of what I already have that is similar. That limited edition eyeshadow palette may be pretty, but if you already have plenty of neutral eyeshadows, save your pennies. Tempted by another blush? Consider rehoming one you already own but don't use all that often.

Keep a checklist-This one's probably more applicable if you're a blogger but nonetheless, if you want to make a list, do it. I'm lucky enough to be sent things from time to time, but I'm unlucky to be a bit forgetful with remembering what I was sent. I keep a list in my blogging notebook where I check off products I've tried, whether or not I want to feature them on here/YouTube or alternatively, if I'm going to pass things on to someone else. It's a good way to prevent things getting too out of hand and it also helps me plan what I'm going to write about as well.

Check expiry dates-You may notice that little jar symbol on your beauty products that'll usually say something like "12m" next to it. That is the recommended use-by date, with m representing the number of months. This guideline can be a bit hit or miss in my opinion. I feel like powders last a lot longer but liquid based products or things like lipsticks tend to go off a bit faster. Use your common sense though. If the texture of something's gone weird, or if your lipstick's starting to smell odd, toss it.

Be ruthless-Or realistic. If there's things in your makeup collection that you no longer use, sell them on. I use TradeMe, but there's also sites like eBay you can list things on as well. If you're happy to part with beauty products without selling them, divvy them up among friends and relatives. I often pass things on to a family friend who is just getting into makeup. You can also contact organisations like Women's Refuge and see if they ever need anything, especially if it's unused product. 

*Have you decluttered your makeup before? What are your tips for downsizing your collection?

10 comments:

  1. I need to be more ruthless about this. I'm pretty sure I have 30 lipsticks but only actually use 3.

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  2. I keep thinking I should downsize mine (far too many mascaras when you consider that all I do is drop kids off at school and kindy then pick them up again!) but I get all 'makeup-hoardery' and just cant let go. What if I need a waterproof brownish-black and I've thrown it out? It's all just too hard. ;)

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  3. You can never have too many lipsticks ;), although if you're not using a lot of them, maybe it is time to pass some on x.

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  4. It totally is! With mascaras though they tend to go off a lot faster than other products do, so just be careful with that. You wouldn't want to be putting something that wasn't eye safe anymore near your lashes x

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  5. But but.. I don't want to! x

    poundingyounghearts.blogspot.com.au

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  6. You can do it Hannah! I have faith in you x

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  7. Thanks for the tip about the expiry dates haha, I never knew that. I think some things can be kept a little longer depending on what it is, but yeah, using common sense is good.


    Emma | ohflowerchild.blogspot.com

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  8. I'm good with expiry dates so it must be the lack of a 'one in one out policy' which is my downfall... But it's all so pretty!

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  9. It's tough sometimes. I guess the best time to do it is when you're in the mood. I feel like my culls are quite impulsive so I try to do it while the motive is there. x

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  10. No worries! I don't know if you have read Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes but her book has a really comprehensive list. Yeah...you use a lot of Lush right? Sometimes I feel like their products last longer than their use-by date for instance. x

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