How To Declutter Your Beauty Stash

by BR Kellie

"Nope. No. Uh-uh. You're not going in there, Mama. You have too much makeup."

My daughter. Every time we walk past a shop selling makeup.

How I wish the above quote was untrue, but it's the most oft heard words from my girl when we find ourselves in a mall. Many a time we have passed Farmers or Mecca and it's like she felt my foosteps slow before I knew I was even in the process of hesitating, before doing a left or right turn into the shop. Except there would be no left or right turn. Instead a sweet voice would pipe up and say the above before gripping my hand even more firmly and tugging me away.

My daughter: the curse of my makeup collection and the saviour of it.

You see, I have a lot. More than one person needs. To be fair it could be argued that it's my job to have a lot. That a beauty editor without an interest in beauty is no beauty editor at all. But let's be honest, at this point unless it's a new innovation, I really don't need to be adding to my collection. And with Covid hanging around and mask wearing the norm, I'm barely wearing makeup anyway. In fact, it wouldn't be wrong to say that there'd be a fair few products in my stash that have not been touched in the two years we've been in the pandemic, which means one thing... it's time for a declutter.

So how does one whittle down their collection without it causing too much pain, drama. perhaps even heartache? Read on...

The Stash: Before

First things first, in all product categories one must rid themselves of anything that's expired. If you're not sure what a products expiration date is, check out this handy article. To be honest, I do tend to treat some products like I do my deli meats and dairy: if it looks okay and smells okay I don't throw it out, and that is a very naughty habit I will employ during my declutter. HOWEVER, if a few months from now the products I've hung on to are still sitting untouched, they'll be moved on.

Another declutter rule... Much like clothing, if I've not worn it in the past year, it's time for it to go.

Lastly, if it is clearly not my colour it's out, because there's no point holding onto a lighter or darker coloured foundation or concealer, or keeping hold of a lip colour or blush that doesn't suit my skin tone.

As for the nitty gritty of decluttering? What else is there to look for in each category that'll tell you it's time to say goodbye?

Lips

If the formula of your lipstick, lip oil, lip gloss or balm is discoloured, if it has separated, if the texture has changed, if there's anything growing on it, or if it smells funky (which is something I noticed with the majority of my lippies) - send it to the big round bin in the sky.

Foundation and Concealer

As above, if the colour of your concealer, or foundation has changed or if it's not smelling right - bin in. If it's not applying the way it once did, or if it causes irritation, definitely say goodbye. If you prefer a powder foundation and it's begun to get crumbly, that can be a sign that it's time to let it go.

Powder Products

Much like powder foundation, if your blush or bronzer has changed shade, texture or smells odd, then it's time to toss it out. Another sign that it's past its used by date is if it looks like there's an odd looking layer on top of it (it's hard to describe, but if you see it you'll know).

Brows

You know the drill: texture changed, product crumbly, pencil snaps the moment it's dragged across your brow, smells off, then wave the product goodbye.

Eyes

The eyes really do have it when it comes to knowing when to chuck out eyeshadows. Colour changed, texture changed, that odd looking layer is apparent - say au revoir. If you've liquid eyeshadows, do the smell test, and if you see odd looking chunks that weren't there before, don't think twice about hiffing it out as they can be a sign of bacteria living its best growing life. As for mascara? Three months from opening is the recommended time to use it before tossing it out.

With this is mind, I went in and I was as brutal as I could be. Yes, I kept a couple of palettes for sentimental sake, but by my standards I showed no mercy. The end result?

The Stash: Off To The Big Bin In The Sky

I feel I got rid of about a third of my stash, which is pretty good going! The stench of some of the product made it easy, as did the products that on swatching were so dry that there was no pigment. And some of the cosmetics were as old as my daughter. She can stay. They can't. 

What was I left with?

The Stash: What Stays... For Now

There's still a lot there, but I'm now inspired to rotate my makeup, to experiment more, and I might just start wearing lipsticks when I'm at home just to make the dollars spent on them worthwhile.

Am I happy about how much will be going in the landfill? Not even remotely. But I've learned a valuable lesson... from now on I will use what I have, and when I have run out of a certain product (like foundation), I will be buying only what I need with no more than one backup if I find I love it. If I buy or am gifted a product that I don't love I will pass it on immediately (if it can be done so hygenically) to someone who will appreciate it. And for the foreseeable future I'm avoiding buying lip products that are not balms or oils... and no more eyeshadow palettes because I need a hundred pairs of eyes if I'm to get through what I've got.

So, does your makeup collection need a declutter? Is your makeup kit under control? Or are you wanting to expand yours further (and if you do, pleae put photos up on the Photowall so I can live vicariously!) Get chatting below!