Organizing Your Cosmetics Stash
Image shot for The Aesthetic Organizer by Brklyn View Photography
The New Year is such an exciting time to re-organize and purge your belongings. Getting things in order for the year might feel like a tall task, but starting with small categories can help you get started in a slow, manageable way!
Today, we are talking cosmetics. If you wear makeup regularly, then you are familiar with the dilemma of trying to maintain an organized drawer or shelf. Even for a minimalist, multiple products are usually needed. Bottles are different sizes and shapes and need to be stored in different ways. Products expire, containers get dirty, and some go completely unused. If you’re ready to de-clutter your countertop and make your morning routine a little easier, follow these easy tips:
START WITH PURGING
Before you attempt to organize your stash, pull all of your products out where you can see them. Go through them one-by-one, checking expirations and considering whether or not you will actually use them. Create three piles: trash, everyday, and special occasion. Don’t be afraid to fill the trash pile with anything that no longer serves you, but try to recycle any containers that you can. If you have any unopened, unexpired products, consider offering them to friends who might be interested in trying them before they hit the trash.
Pro tip: Go ahead and clean your brushes before you move on and try to work that into your weekly cleaning routine if it isn’t already!
Image via @simplyspaced
GET THE RIGHT STORAGE
Once your keep piles are refined and final, consider how much storage you will need to keep the products neat and easy to access. If you have a dedicated drawer, consider purchasing a divider. Feel free to place a few of your more aesthetically-pleasing product containers above the counter. There’s nothing better than decor that you actually use.
Whatever you choose storage-wise, make sure you can clearly see all of your cosmetics in one look. These drawer organizers are a great, affordable option!
PRIORITIZE EVERYDAY FAVORITES
Once you’re ready to start placing your products in your new system, focus on keeping your most used items in a convenient location (for example, at the front of your divider organizer). Since these are your most reached for, you don’t want to reach over your extras to get to them. Outside of organizing based on frequency of use, organize further based on product type. This is a great way to keep track of what you have and is usually a better option visually since products of different brands still seem to be similar shapes and sizes, like mascara, foundation bottles, and blush compacts.
Image via @stylecaster
MAINTAIN YOUR ORGANIZATION
Having all your products in their designated spot will help you keep it tidy, but there are a few other things you can do to help. Start thinking of cleaning off your counter each morning like making your bed. It’s a simple task before you head out the door that will make your next day so much easier. If you buy extras during a sale or because you’re running low, store those at the back of your storage system until you finish the container you’re using so as not to clutter up your space. Throw out empties immediately and check for expiration dates each month.
If your storage solutions could benefit from labels, check out these free printables!
If you’re on an organizational kick or just trying to simplify your bathroom storage, I hope this post was helpful for you. And as with all organizational projects, I am here to answer any questions or give personalized help when needed.
The Aesthetic Organizer is a professional, personalized service that helps New York City residents organize their homes, simplify their lives and maximize their precious space. You deserve a beautiful, well-thought out home. Curated closets, organized bathrooms, cheerful children’s play areas and functionally spaced kitchens are only the beginning. Contact me here to experience the benefits that come with Aesthetic Organization.
