There’s nothing quite like entering the new year with a clear mind. You feel weightless and ready to take on what the next season of your life may have coming your way, good or bad. But before the release comes the work.
Personally, I’ve been using (and therefore hoarding) beauty products for over two decades. Compound that with the occupational hazard of this line of work, you can imagine the havoc that is my vanity. Yet, I’ve seen similarities in other people’s collections—dozens of lip products of multiple varieties, complexion products that can take them from the lightest ‘no makeup’ makeup to full coverage glam, and palettes with every colour story under the sun. And we haven’t even broached the topic of skincare.
Statistically speaking, we have been consuming more beauty goods—up to 10 per cent more in 2023 than in 2022. Certainly, we have not slowed down this year, especially with Sephora tweens joining the shopping demographic. All of this is to say that you probably have a sizeable collection too. Even if you don’t, when was the last time you did a purge? Unless you are actively working on finishing one product at a time (otherwise known as a Project Pan), chances are there might be items that are due to be culled.
Through the Wringer
Local beauty creator Sofea Shra—an At the Vanity Table alum—believed it to be a crime to continue using expired makeup. Even the best of us are guilty of this. But if you intend to declutter your beauty closet, this is the most sensible place to start.
@abidaunton I love decluttering slowly it’s so much easier than the big ones #makeupdeclutter #declutter #declutteringmakeup #decluttering #expiredmakeup #makeupfyp #overconsumingmakeup #overconsumption #beautytok ♬ Cafe / video cute lofi ♪ Chill(885831) – ImoKenpi-Dou
Mascaras are always the first to go. You may have a hard time letting some go, claiming that the formula has finally aged to that perfect texture where it holds a curl, but let us hold your hand while we remind you that eye infections are a real possibility if you continue down that road. In the same vein, eyelash glue and eyeliner are also key products to chuck once it hits the expiration date, or even earlier if you detect a funky smell or texture.
Following that, the general rule of thumb is to check on your more fluid beauty items and work your way to drier ones. Liquids tend to spoil faster, especially if they’re packaged in a way that exposes them to the elements. That moisturiser you dip your fingers in, or that vitamin C serum that doesn’t come in an airtight container—they might have to go if you’ve had them for a while. Powders, on the other hand, have some longevity in them, simply because it’s not a conducive environment for bacterial growth. Pay close attention to glitter or shimmer eyeshadows, though, as they can be the first to grow mouldy.
Less is More
Here’s where it gets tough. At this stage, you are left with actually viable products. You may very well stop here, but if the goal is to streamline, onwards we go. It can be daunting, but take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone in this boat.
Depending on the size of your collection, you may want to dedicate some time to this endeavour. Going by category, round up similar items and play around—literally. Get rid of complexion products that don’t match your skin tone; remove formulaic overlaps; narrow down your eyeshadow collection by taking out repeat colour stories and finishes. By the end of this, you should end up with truly singular items that have a place in your beauty routine. Of course, you can allow yourself a spare here and there, but objectivity is imperative.
It’s incredibly difficult to part ways with limited edition pieces, or brands that are becoming less accessible, or even, gasp, no longer in the market. This is the one area where you could be a little more lenient with yourself. Sentimental value plays a huge factor. That lipstick you got for your graduation, the first beauty purchase you made with your paycheck, or that perfume that reminds you of your childhood? They spark joy, so hold onto those.
What Next?
Now that you’ve successfully whittled your collection down, it’s time to get organising. Cosmetic organisers are going to be your best friend. The best setup allows you to have an almost bird’s eye view of what you have—visibility always serves as the best reminder. That way, you won’t have to deal with future remorse for having to throw away lightly-used, expired beauty products.
Once it’s all over and done, the next step requires long-term mindfulness, particularly regarding your consumption. Avoid repeats of any form, really think through your limited-edition purchases, and consider getting samples or minis of new drops before you pull the full-sized trigger. Not only will you be saving more of your hard-earned money, but you’re also not contributing to the world of fast beauty. KraveBeauty’s Liah Yoo said it best: Intentionality over excess.
@elysiaberman NO BUY RULES for 2025 #nobuyyear #nobuy #shoppingaddiction #shoppingaddict #shopaholic #debtpayoff #debtpayoffjourney #debtfree #debtfreejourney ♬ original sound – elysiaberman
With all the savings, you can put it into investment purchases. Beauty tech items such as LED face masks and ultrasonic devices can cost a pretty penny, but with consistent use, can offer impressive results that not even the best skincare can offer. Skipping out on subpar formulas also allows you to be able to opt for innovative ones. And that’s just basic girl math.
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