For most women, the bottom of a makeup bag is undiscovered territory. No one knows what you can find down there; it could be the blue eye shadow you wore to your high school prom, a single fake eyelash or the bright pink blush you bought when you were 12.
But when you’re finding things from different decades it’s a sign that some of it has to go. Here is a guide on what to get rid of, keep around and invest in when de-cluttering your makeup bag.
3 things to lose
1. Old mascara: Unlike most makeup, mascara has an expiration date. After 3 months it loses its original thickening and lengthening qualities and becomes dry and flakey. Not only is overdue mascara damaging to your eyelashes, but it can also lead to infection.
2. Broken eye shadows: After being thrown and tossed around inside your makeup bag, you probably won’t have many eye shadows that are still in one piece. Eye shadows break into pieces very easily and can cause a huge mess in your makeup bag. Instead of holding onto your old, broken eye shadows and trying to salvage its pieces, just get rid of them.
3. Anything that’s not your colour: It’s safe to say that your blue eye shadows and hot pink blushes won’t be making a resurgence any time soon, so if it hasn’t been worn in over 6 months don’t hold onto it. You know what colours work for your skin and, even though variety is definitely ok, you don’t need all the leftover makeup that you discovered just isn’t for you.
3 things to keep
1. Good brushes: A good brush can cost a lot of money and there is no reason to get rid of them after only a few months of use. Even though it may seem less than sanitary, a quality brush can be used for as many as 2 years. Just be sure to clean them regularly, at least one a month, and keep them in good shape.
2. Eyelash curler: Contrary to popular belief, the black mascara goo that builds up on your eyelash curler is not a sign that it’s time for it to go. That residue can simply be cleaned off with a washcloth and water to give you a whole new curler. To avoid so much mascara residue, curl your eyelashes before you apply your mascara and your eyelash curler will last you twice as long. Just make sure you replace the cushion pad every few months to protect lashes.
3. Metallics: the holidays may be over but that doesn’t mean you have to purge everything festive. Gold and silver eye shadows can be incorporated into a more casual look for everyday wear.
3 things to buy
1. Gel eyeliner: Gel eyeliners (applied with a liner brush) are the foolproof way to wear liner. They have the staying power of a liquid liner but can be applied with the control and precision of a pencil liner. Gels don’t smudge or fade and they give a more natural result — no thick, obvious lines.
2. Lipstick: Everyone thought lipstick was going to be left to previous generations. But its back and it is a necessity for every woman’s makeup bag. Switch things up from your typical nude gloss and try a bold color such as coral, bright red or a dark berry to rejuvenate your look and your makeup bag. Apply it with your fingertips for a more natural result.
3. Powder foundation: Unlike liquid foundation, which can get a bit icky in as little as 6 months after opening it, powder foundation has a shelf life of 2 years. It ˜s also better for removing shine and creating a matte finish. Plus, it portable to allow for easy on-the-go touch-ups.
