Why You Should Declutter Your Makeup Collection

Hey everyone! Every now and again, we can lose track of exactly how much makeup that we actually own. I am guilty of this as well and the best way to go about this is to put some time aside, pull out ALL (I mean every single item, even makeup in your purse as well as in your car.) You will then want to put it in-front of you and start creating different piles. Makeup that you are going to: keep, donate, recycle or give away to friends and family. I suggest you break it up into different categories based on the type of product so that you don't overwhelm yourself. 

Makeup does go bad and I have an entire post explaining Makeup Expiration Dates as well as how to find the open jar symbol on your products. I follow it to a certain extent but I only keep mascara for up to 3 months before I recycle them using the Origins Recycling Program because I do not want any bacteria near my eyes nor do I want an eye infection! Keeping expired makeup in your collection doesn't do you any favours and it just clutters your collection. 

It is definitely nice to have a makeup collection but you need to be realistic and there are times when your collection can get out of hand. There is no sense having 100 different lipsticks that were all accumulated around the same time because chances are, you won't be able to use them all up! You can either pass them along or if they are untouched, find a local women's shelter and let them have some fun with those lipsticks!

When you begin to declutter, it can seem like an impossible task at first, and I get it. I suggest that you start small and get rid of 5-10 items to start. You can set small goals and then make larger goals for yourself once you become more comfortable with the process. As long as you start somewhere, that's all that really matters. To give you some encouragement, don't think of how much money each products cost or how much money you are 'throwing away.' After all, the money has already been spent and if you no longer have the receipt to return it, what use is the makeup just sitting in your collection not being used?

I hope you find some encouragement in my post. I also would urge you to declutter other areas of your life such as: your wardrobe, the pantry, your living room, the car, etc. It is such a great feeling of letting go and to pass on to others who will enjoy your unused or gently used items. Spring cleaning is right around the corner and what better time to start clearing out your makeup collection than now?

Also, in the ziploc bag in my photo, I have obviously combined my empty makeup containers with products that I am decluttering. 

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY

Berrz

FTC: This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. Some links are affiliate. 

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Makeup Expiration Dates

Hey everyone! I just wanted to share with you some helpful knowledge regarding makeup expiration dates. Have you ever pulled an item out of your makeup collection and thought to yourself, "How long has this bronzer been sitting in my makeup collection for? When was the last time I even used it? Is it still good to use?"

Well if you turn that bronzer around, there is a little open container symbol that has a number followed by the letter 'M' and that means how many months it is good for after opening. For instance, take my NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder (excuse the messy packaging, it has been well loved!)

 I have taken the liberty to circle the recommended expiration date for you. Like I previously mentioned, there is the little open jar symbol and it says '30M' which means that it is good for up to 30 months after opening.

Here are some more examples:

 

This is my Clinique Super Balanced Makeup. It is good up to 24 months after opening. That translates into 2 years.

MAC Select Cover-Up is good for 6 months of use after opening.

CoverGirl NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara (this is a discontinued product,) is good for 6 months after opening max. I would say that the lifespan of a mascara should be half of what it states on the label at most! It is very easy for bacteria to enter this product especially if you find yourself pumping the wand in and out of this product frequently. Please avoid doing this at all costs!

Nivea Lip Butter has a shelf life of 12 months.

One of the most talked about lip products in 2014 were the NYX Butter Glosses. These are no exception to the rule and they have a shelf life of up to 12 months.

Sometimes you have to really look for this little icon as it does not always stand out. On the packaging, there isn't always this little icon and it is up to you to use your better judgement. If you smell the product, and it has a horrid smell to it or if the product is clumpy, dried out or separated: THROW IT OUT BECAUSE IT IS TOO OLD TO BE USING ON YOUR LOVELY FACE! You don't want to start breaking out or getting an eye infection from a product you paid $6.00 for and refuse to throw it out. Because in the long run, treating that infection or problem will equate to much more than $6.00 and possibly many doctor visits.

Also, if you purchased an item that is brand new, still in the packaging and never opened yet you find yourself wondering about the little icon I mentioned. Well that rule only applies to products that have been opened, so you should just be fine if it is sealed.

Until next time,

STAY CLASSY.

Berrz <3

P.S. This blog post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.