Expert Tips For Makeup Organization

Go for products that do triple-duty.
“The Multiple by NARS is fantastic!” McCubbin says. “It can be blush, eye shadow, and lip color. It comes in lots of colors, so there are options for everyone. This one item is a game changer. In fact, if you’re carrying a tiny evening bag, this could be all you need.” McCubbin also recommends Smashbox CC Cream. “It’s a foundation, concealer, and sunscreen. It also comes in a .5-oz size that’s perfect for makeup bags,” she says.

Throw out anything broken or old.
This is especially true with mascaras and lipsticks as these will go bad (and spread dangerous bacteria) the quickest. “I love the sectional separator inserts from Bed Bath & Beyond and The Container Store. When your makeup is divided in to sections, you can organize better and it saves time, because you can see everything and grab what you need,” says celebrity makeup artist Amanda Shackleton. While sorting out old from new, follow the general rule that mascara and liquid eye products once opened should only be kept 2-3 months, liquid foundation up to a year, and lipstick up to a year (unless you’ve been ill, then toss immediately). Many of our favorite skin care products have active ingredients that lose their efficacy as they sit around. Everything has a shelf life!

Follow the same rule on the go by using a small makeup bag.
“The bigger the bag, the more you’ll cram in there. All you need is a powder, blush, mascara, and eyeshadow. Carry products that do double duty. Instead of carrying an eyeliner and shadow, carry an eyeshadow quad that contains a dark color and then an eyeliner brush so you can apply liner if you want,” says Spafinder Wellness 365‘s de-clutter expert, Tracy McCubbin.

Minimize the amount of product you have.
Separate products by category (lips, eyes, blush, etc.) and place in a container or organizer that separates the products. “I like to organize by color palette within the category and then from light to dark,” says professional organizing consultant Donna David, president of Donna David Company in New York City. David recommends you then store makeup in a drawer or in a cabinet away from sunlight and humidity. Do not keep makeup in the bathroom — it’s too humid of a spot where germs and bacteria can grow.