Why a Six-Month Cleanup Matters
It is recommended to clean out your makeup drawers every six months, as many products have expiration periods around that timeframe. De-cluttering and purging your collection not only help you start fresh but also ensures you are not using products that may have gone bad. Getting rid of old, unused makeup can be surprisingly satisfying and refreshing.
How Expiration Dates Work
Most unopened makeup products last between two and three years. However, once you open a product, it can be exposed to bacteria, which shortens its usable life. Shelf life refers to the period a product is expected to remain safe and effective, but this period depends on the product type, how you use it, and how you store it.
To help track how long a product remains good after opening, look for the PAO (Period After Opening) symbol. This symbol, shown as an open jar with a number followed by an “M” for months, indicates how many months the product will last after opening. It’s helpful to label the day you open a new product so you can monitor its age.
Benefits of De-cluttering
Makeup drawers, purses, and bags can collect empty bottles, dirty brushes, and expired products. A messy makeup area can even lead to headaches and negatively impact your mood, causing feelings of anxiety and making it difficult to focus. Taking time to organize your collection can have a positive effect on your well-being.
Steps for a Successful Cleanup
- Remove any obvious trash, such as old hair ties, broken lip pencils, or empty containers.
- Make a list of your essential products. For example, consider whether you really need multiple tubes of mascara, especially if some are old or dried out. Mascara should be replaced every three to four months.
- Review the products in your drawer. Are they items you use regularly, or are they just taking up space?
- Check expiration dates. If you have not used a product in over a year, and the expiration date is long past, it is time to throw it away—even if there is still some left. Keeping only the products you use and that are not expired will help maintain a clutter-free, functional space.
Moral of the Story
Less is more when it comes to your makeup. (If you know me at all, I say the exact same thing about organizing your closet.) Purchase only makeup shades that harmonize with your color palette and watch how those fewer items in your stash will create any look from barely wearing makeup to glamourous. It’s all about choosing the perfect shades FOR YOU! Need help finding YOUR best and most harmonious makeup? I am here to assist. I’ll show you how to discover your most flattering colors. A customized color analysis palette is waiting for you! Contact me today.