How to Declutter Your Makeup (Without The Stress!)
If your makeup bag is bursting at the seams, your bathroom drawer looks like a explosion, and you keep reaching for the same three products anyway – it’s time for a good old declutter. We’re talking about finally letting go of that dried-up mascara from 2020 and creating a space that actually works for you. Sound good? Yep, I knew it.
Step 1 – Clear Some Space and Set the Mood
First things first – don’t try and squeeze this in between school pick-up and dinner. Set aside a bit of time where you won’t be interrupted (easier said than done, I know). Pop on a playlist or your favorite podcast, grab a coffee, and get ready to tackle the chaos.
You’ll need:
- A clean surface to work on
- Some cleaning wipes or rubbing alcohol
- A bin or recycling bag
- A couple of containers or baskets for sorting
- A mirror (optional, but handy for testing stuff)
Now empty everything out. Yes, everything. The handbag lip glosses, the bathroom drawer stash, the “just in case” bits hiding at the back of a shelf. Seeing it all in one place is eye-opening – and oddly satisfying.
Step 2 – Ditch the Expired and Broken Stuff
Makeup goes off – and old products can irritate your skin or just not work the way they should anymore. Check for the little open pot symbol (that’s the ‘period after opening’ guide). Most products are good for 6 to 24 months after opening.
Toss anything that’s:
- Smelling weird or gone off
- Changed in texture or color
- Got a broken lid or dried out
- Been hanging around for years
And yes – that means saying goodbye to that impulse-buy glitter eyeliner you never wore.
Step 3 – Sort Into Categories
Now you’ve done the first sweep, group what’s left into categories. Something like:
- Face (foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer)
- Eyes (mascara, shadow, liner, brows)
- Lips (lipsticks, balms, glosses)
- Tools (brushes, sponges, curlers)
- Skincare bits that hang out with your makeup
This step is key if you’ve got a lot of duplicates. Do you really need five barely-used red lipsticks?
Step 4 – Be Brutal (But Kind to Yourself)
Time for the hard part – deciding what stays and what goes. Keep anything you genuinely use and love. Be honest about what suits your skin tone and lifestyle now.
Let go of:
- Shades you don’t wear anymore
- Products you “might use one day” but never do
- Stuff that doesn’t work with your current routine
If you’re feeling sentimental, it’s OK to keep one or two “just because” items – but set a limit so you don’t end up keeping everything.
Step 5 – Clean What You’re Keeping
Before you put anything back, give everything a good clean. Wipe down packaging, sharpen pencils, and wash those brushes (you knew that was coming).
Quick cleaning tips:
- Use a bit of rubbing alcohol to sanitize powders and lipsticks
- Wash brushes with gentle soap or baby shampoo
- Let everything dry properly before you put it away
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Step 6 – Store It Like a Pro (But on a Budget)
You don’t need a fancy influencer setup – just a system that works for you. A few clear organisers or baskets can make a huge difference.
Ideas for easy storage:
- Use a small tray or basket for everyday items
- Store less-used or seasonal products in a labelled box or pouch
- Repurpose jam jars, drawer dividers, or even kids’ lunchboxes for storage
- Keep brushes upright in a cup or mug (I use an old candle jar that I cleaned out)
And if space is tight, think vertical – a tiered shelf or wall rack can be a game-changer.
Step 7 – Keep It Tidy Long-Term
The hardest part is not letting the clutter creep back in. A few habits can help you stay on top of it:
- Stick to “one in, one out” – buy a new lipstick, let go of an old one
- Do a quick check every couple of months
- Don’t get sucked in by every beauty trend – your skin, your rules
You might even want to keep a little list of your fave shades so you don’t accidentally buy the same thing twice.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering your makeup isn’t just about having Insta-worthy drawers – it’s about making your mornings easier, your space calmer, and your routine simpler. Whether you’re getting ready in five minutes flat while the toddler’s glued to Hey Duggee, or treating yourself to a proper glam session, having a tidy makeup stash makes life smoother.
So go on – give your beauty routine a glow-up, minus the overwhelm.
