This post is part of the Monday series on simplifying that inspired my book, Your Simple Home Handbook. The series began with 10 Reasons to Start Simplifying Now.
Don’t be taken in by all the pretty packaging! Makeup can multiply to excess just like many other areas of our stuff.
I can think of at least 5 great reasons to simplify your makeup:
1. Makeup piles up and gets cluttered
And how much of it do you really need? I decided I didn’t want a drawer (or multiple drawers!) crammed with dozens of items I rarely used. I found that I had only a few products that I used frequently. The rest were just taking up space.
2. Makeup kept too long goes bad
Here’s another reason to purge the products you aren’t using! Dummies.com says to toss your mascara after 3 months and your liquid foundation after 12 to avoid irritation from bacteria build up.
3. Makeup is expensive
Seriously! Buying this stuff isn’t cheap. And then because you spent money on it, you’re more reluctant to purge it when it goes unused.
4. Makeup can clutter your purse
And a cluttered purse isn’t classy, in my opinion. When you have a copious makeup collection it doesn’t usually stay in a tidy little drawer. Nope, it migrates to your purse and overtakes your bathroom counter.
5. Less makeup means you know what you like and what looks good on you!
This reason is my favourite. It’s really what’s at the heart of simplifying your wardrobe, too. I know some girls like to play with makeup as an art form, and that’s fine. They try lots of different colours and textures and use it all frequently. But that’s not me. I like finding out what works for me and what I love, and sticking with it.
Purging the extras in this area of fashion does something counter-intuitive–it actually helps you define your style better. And that’s one of my top reasons to simplify right there.
Curious what I’ve defined my style down to? Come back tomorrow for My Minimalist Makeup Routine.
Are you a make up hoarder? Is there anything you can go throw out right now?
Do you want lots more simple living ideas? Check out my brand new book! Your Simple Home Handbook is a 100+ page guide to decluttering your home and simplifying your stuff. Work through 30 different areas of your home–at your own pace–and enjoy the benefits of a space that breathes! Click here to learn about my book!
Thanks for the tips Elsie! Every once in a while I go through my bathroom closet and cupboards and toss anything I don’t need anymore. It has been a while though so I think it’s about time I do that again. I definitely have old makeup that should be thrown out.
I found information on the Internet regarding expiration dates for cosmetics. I put an adhesive label on each item before it is placed in the small container I keep for my cosmetics, with the expiration month and year written down.
I have very little makeup right now: powder foundation, powder blush, and a few lipsticks.
That is a great idea! Thank you!