Makeup Organization (Day 12): 30 Day Organization Challenge

For today’s organization challenge, we are going through our makeup. My daughter and I have been subscribing to one of the makeup services for the past few months and this challenge is definitely needed! I love getting the new colors and samples to try, but I realize that some of the items we are never going to use.

When going through your makeup, there are the obvious things you need to get rid of. Throw away anything broken, any color you’re not going to wear, or sample you’re not going to use. Additionally, you want to throw away anything that smells or is off color, or items you may have used while sick.

In addition to all of the above, did you know makeup has an expiration date? It’s sad but true. Your favorite colors are not meant to last forever.

When do I throw my makeup away?

Just how long does it all last? Here are some guidelines, take what you will from it. I definitely kept an eye shadow that probably needs to go. It’s my favorite so I am going to keep it until I replace it.

Lipstick: you can keep lipstick for roughly one to two years. It actually keeps longer in the refrigerator. Interesting fact I learned back when I sold Mary Kay.

Mascara: mascara is only good for about three months. I learned this a long time ago as well, but I always try to push it. Especially when it’s a mascara I love. But don’t be like me 🙂

Concealer: three months to one year. I usually run out of these before a year anyway, so I’m good here.

Powdered Eye Shadow: powdered eye shadows can last several years, especially when using clean brushes to apply. I really need to get better about washing my brushes!

Lip and Eye Pencils: these can also last a couple years, especially if they are the ones you are sharpening every time you use. Just keep the sharpening tools clean for optimal use.

There you have it! Are you surprised by any of these? I was shocked the first time I learned that mascara should be pitched every three months. I’ve never worn makeup often enough to need to pitch a full-size bottle in three months. I’ve read a few tricks about adding essential oils to disinfect and make it last longer, but I’ve never tried. I usually just pitch mine when it’s clumpy and nasty. Again, don’t be like me!

So here are some of my drawers before I cleaned them out and organized them. I know, it’s a little rough:

But the after is so pretty! I decided to go ahead and buy some bins to separate some of the makeup. And I LOVE how it turned out.

I knew I wanted bins, today, so I rushed to the store to find whatever cheap bins I could. But if you have more patience than I do, Amazon has some much better options! We don’t get two-day shipping here, and some days I just don’t want to wait 10 days. Whether you shop locally or online, I think little bins are PERFECT for makeup organization. I’ll include a few other options as well.

Makeup Organization Bins

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

That’s it for day 12! If you’re having a hard time getting rid of things, set a 30-minute timer like I did for my dresser organization. You may find you overthink things less when you’re in a time crunch.