Many people assume that because I’m a beauty freak, I’ll own a mountain of cosmetics. Thing is, I’m also a diehard minimalist – so if I don’t use something, it gets passed on. In fact, just the other day, I gave my make-up bag a little spring clean, getting rid of anything I just never reach for anymore.

When doing a serious clean out, the general rule of thumb is this; if you haven’t used it in a year, toss it out. You can’t use excuses like ‘Oh, but that’s a winter colour…’ Winter came and went and you didn’t touch it, so give it the boot.

In regards to mascara, you should only keep them for between 3 and 6 months.

When it comes to foundation and concealer, check the ingredients. If it’s water-based, you can hold onto it for a year. Oil-based foundations last longer; for up to two years, but the moment you see it starting to separate, give it a toss.

Lip and eyeliners can last for up to three years before they begin to harden or start getting all crumbly on you.

Lipstick is a tricky one. Some experts say they expire after two years, others say up to four. However, the moment it starts to smell funny, it’s time to let go. The sniff test rule is the same for lip gloss, which has an even shorter shelf life.

Powders, pressed or loose, can last for yonks. I’d only get rid of these if they turned super-hard on me.

Once you’ve gotten rid of all the old, nasty stuff, group what’s left by type. For example, put all your lipsticks together in one pile and your blush in another. Realized you’ve got four clear lip glosses? Pick your favourite and put the others in a ‘swap pile’.

Every now and again I’ll arrange to meet with girlfriends and we’ll have a fat product swap session over a lunch. It’s a great way to try new brands. (My favourite eye shadow is a Stila limited edition trio that I got in exchange for a used MAC lippie and Milo chocolate bar!)

Now, before putting the make-up back in your bag, give it’s inside a good swipe with a baby wipe, or better yet, a wipe with antibacterial properties. Wet wipes are also handy to clean up the exterior of your products. Also, if you’ve got anything that’s got the sticky residue of a price tag on it, try taking it off with a little nail polish remover. Just be careful, it can dissolve the writing on certain types of plastic.

And just like that you’ve got a clean, downsized make-up bag.
Wishing you all a truly beautiful year,
Leigh
X x x

Article By: Leigh van den Berg
www.lipglossismylife.com