Control Your Makeup Stash

If you're reading this blog chances are you have a massive makeup collection and if you don't, you probably want one. Either way, my goal for this post to help you get your stash under control and/or keep it from getting out of hand in the first place! These tips should involve things you already have on hand and stuff you can get from the dollar store. Of course, you can always buy better quality items or items of a nicer design if it fits your budget. Work with what you got!

Use a Permanent Marker

Whether it's Sharpie brand or not, a permanent marker will become your best friend when keeping your stash under control. There is a general set of parameters when it comes to the shelf life of makeup. I don't automatically toss something once that said expiration date comes, but that is my choice. Everyone is different and you must follow your own gut and use common sense. Anyway, back to the permanent marker.

From now on, anytime you buy a product you will write its expiration date somewhere on the product. 

While you might not be able to do this on existing products, you could certainly give it a shot if you remember when you bought it. If you don't have an emotional attachment to your collection, feel free to go toss happy! Then, when the time comes you can toss the item (or give it away, whatever you decide).

Check out this link from Elle magazine for a great makeup expiration infographic: Click Here

Keep the Boxes

This is perhaps the biggest mistake I have made and continue to make, only because I'm not sure how to "go back" now after years of collecting. 

The next time you purchase a beauty product, if it has a box KEEP IT!

I've worked in retail on and off for various lines. Product boxes not only help with displaying the item to potential customers, it also helps keep things in order behind the counter and in stock drawers. So, why wouldn't this work at home? Product packaging is (usually) labeled with product names and colors, which would make it a breeze for you to find then store when you're done.

Note: I know some products, especially from the drugstore, are not going to come in an easy-to-store package. That's where the next point comes in...

Hit the Dollar Store

The dollar store is a great place to find items to help organize your stash. I like to buy shallow baskets to put loose items (or drugstore items) in and keep them from flying around in a drawer. Unlike every other blogger on the planet (it feels that way ;) ) I don't have an IKEA drawer for my makeup. That's definitely a goal for me, but right now it isn't feasible. I use my dresser drawers and plastic drawer bins to keep things in check. You can also find cute jars for pencils, mascara, lip gloss, and other items that might work better standing up--not to mention brushes.

Note: I love to use pretty boxes from holiday gifts and perfume sets to organize things at home from stationery and pens to makeup.  These can be used to house specific looks, like a "pin up look box", or to house your daily makeup. That way you reuse an item and stay organized at the same time.

How do you like to keep your collection under control? Let me know in the comments!