14 February Makeup Bag Clean Out Tasks That Takes 15 Minutes

A cluttered makeup bag can make it harder to find what you need, so why not clean it out this month? Taking just 15 minutes to tidy up will help you keep things organized and accessible. Go through each item and remove anything that’s expired or hasn’t been used in months. This quick clean-up can really help simplify your beauty routine.

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Start with Expired Products and Check for Expiration Dates

First, take a close look at your makeup items for any expired products. Foundation, mascara, and other liquid items tend to have specific expiration dates listed on the packaging. Discard any products that are past their expiration date as they can cause skin irritation or breakouts. Be sure to also check for signs of changes in texture or smell-these are indicators that the product is no longer good to use. Removing expired items will not only help protect your skin but also clear out space for fresh products.

You can always keep track of expiration dates by writing them down on a small sticky note or setting reminders on your phone. Take extra care with products like mascara and eyeliners, which have a shorter shelf life. Once expired items are gone, you’ll notice that your makeup bag feels lighter and more manageable. Make sure to check all products, including those you may rarely use, for freshness.

Declutter with Items You Don’t Use Anymore

Next, sort through your makeup bag and remove items you haven’t used in the past few months. This includes old makeup that no longer suits your style or products you simply don’t reach for anymore. Tossing these out will make it easier to find your go-to items and streamline your makeup routine. Think about whether you’ve used that shade of lipstick or eyeshadow recently-if not, it might be time to part with it.

To make this process faster, pull out all the products from your bag and lay them on a flat surface. Going through them one by one allows you to make quicker decisions about what to keep and what to toss. This will also give you a clear idea of what’s missing from your collection, making it easier to plan for new additions. Don’t feel bad about letting go of old products, it’s all about making room for the things you truly love.

Clean Your Brushes and Tools and Remove Product Build-Up

Makeup brushes and tools can collect dirt and product residue over time, so it’s important to clean them regularly. Start by taking each brush and wiping it clean with a makeup remover wipe or mild soap. You can also use a brush cleaner for a deeper clean. Cleaning your brushes helps them work better and can even improve the look of your makeup. It also ensures that bacteria doesn’t build up and cause skin issues.

After cleaning, set your brushes aside to dry completely before returning them to your makeup bag. You can use a small drying rack or lay them flat on a towel. Consider doing this once a month to maintain your tools in top condition. Clean brushes make your makeup application smoother and your routine more enjoyable.

Wipe Down the Inside of Your Makeup Bag and Clean the Interior

After clearing out old products, it’s time to give your makeup bag itself a good clean. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior of your bag to remove any makeup spills, dust, or grime. If the bag is machine washable, check the label and toss it in for a more thorough cleaning. If your bag is made from leather or another delicate material, consider using a gentle leather cleaner. This step will make your makeup bag feel fresh and ready for use.

Cleaning your bag regularly helps maintain its appearance and ensures that no leftover makeup residue builds up. For an added touch, you can sprinkle a little baking soda or use fabric freshener to keep the bag smelling nice. This is a quick step that really makes a difference in your overall makeup routine.

Organize Your Products by Category and Group Similar Items Together

Take the time to organize your makeup by grouping similar products together. For example, keep lip products in one section and eyeshadows in another. This simple organizational step makes it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for without rummaging through the entire bag. Consider using small makeup bags or pouches inside your main bag to separate different categories.

You can also consider storing your favorite daily essentials in an easily accessible pocket. This will help you save time when getting ready and make it easier to maintain your makeup bag. Organizing by category allows you to see what you have and avoid overstocking on similar products. Plus, it helps you keep track of what you need to replenish next.

Check for Dried-Out or Cracked Products and Ensure Everything Is Usable

It’s easy for makeup products to dry out or crack over time, especially items like eyeliners and lip glosses. Take a moment to check your makeup for any products that have lost their texture or dried up. Items like dried-out mascara or cracked lipstick should be thrown away, as they will not apply well or last long.

Check all the products that are prone to drying, including liquid foundations and concealers. If you find a product that’s too thick or dry to use, don’t hesitate to toss it. Replacing these items ensures that your makeup routine stays smooth and flawless. Make sure all your products are in good working condition before putting them back in your makeup bag.

Remove Empty or Nearly-Empty Containers and Keep Only What You Can Use

Sometimes we hold onto products just because we’re waiting to finish them. Take a look at your makeup bag for containers that are empty or nearly empty. Holding onto empty products just takes up unnecessary space. If you’ve been scraping the bottom of a product for weeks, it’s probably time to let go.

Once you remove the empty containers, you’ll see just how much extra space you’ve cleared up. This also helps you avoid wasting time and effort trying to use up something that’s almost gone. You can now make room for new products that you’ll actually use. It’s an easy way to streamline your bag and keep only the essentials.

Assess Your Everyday Essentials and Keep Your Most Used Products Accessible

Now that you’ve removed unnecessary products, focus on the essentials you use daily. These are the items that should always be within easy reach in your bag. If you’re someone who uses the same lipstick, foundation, or mascara every day, make sure they’re placed in a pocket or small compartment for quick access.

This step will help you simplify your makeup routine, so you don’t have to dig through your bag every morning. It’s also a great way to remind yourself of your favorite go-to products that are tried and tested. Keeping your most used items organized ensures that you can quickly refresh your look without fuss.

Declutter Mini Samples or Gifts and Let Go of Unwanted Trial Sizes

Over time, you might accumulate small sample sizes of makeup from promotions or gift sets. While they’re great for trying out new products, they can quickly clutter your bag. Go through your collection of sample items and keep only the ones that you’ve actually used or want to try. If you’ve never used a product or haven’t found it useful, it’s time to let go.

These tiny products often get pushed to the back of your bag and are forgotten. By eliminating unwanted mini samples, you create space for new, full-sized products. Don’t feel obligated to keep freebies if they aren’t part of your regular routine. Simplifying your makeup collection allows you to focus on the products you love most.

Keep a Small Mirror Handy and Add Convenience with a Compact Mirror

No makeup bag is complete without a handy mirror, especially if you’re on the go. A compact mirror takes up very little space and can be a lifesaver during touch-ups. Make sure it’s small enough to fit easily into your makeup bag while still offering a clear view.

Mirrors are essential for checking makeup throughout the day, whether you’re fixing your lipstick or reapplying foundation. Keeping a mirror inside your bag ensures that you can always make quick fixes. This small tool can make a big difference in how organized and ready you feel.

Replace Old Sponges and Refresh Your Beauty Tools with New Ones

Sponges can easily become dirty and lose their effectiveness after a few months of use. Take a look at the sponges in your bag and replace any that have lost their shape or aren’t working as well. Keeping fresh sponges ensures a smoother makeup application and a cleaner routine.

Once you’ve replaced old sponges, be sure to clean them regularly. This will help prevent bacteria buildup and prolong the life of your new tools. You’ll be amazed at how much better your makeup goes on with clean, new sponges.

Reorganize for Travel and Keep Travel-Sized Items Separate

If you love to travel, it’s always helpful to keep a section of your makeup bag dedicated to travel-sized products. These smaller versions of your everyday essentials are perfect for carrying in your carry-on or weekend bag. By keeping travel items separate, you avoid wasting time packing and repacking each time you go somewhere.

Small pouches or zip-lock bags work well for storing your travel items. Make sure each item is secure and leak-proof, especially when it comes to liquids. This way, when it’s time to head out, all you need to do is grab your pre-packed bag and go.

Use Multi-Use Products and Save Space with Versatile Makeup Items

Instead of packing a separate item for every task, consider using multi-use products that can do double duty. For example, a lip and cheek tint can save you space, as can a foundation that doubles as a concealer. These versatile products are great for simplifying your makeup bag and ensuring you always have what you need in one place.

Streamlining your products also makes getting ready faster. If you find yourself using the same items for multiple purposes, you’ll realize how easy it is to lighten your load. Multi-use products are an excellent investment for any makeup bag.

Replenish Your Makeup Bag and Make Sure You’re Ready for the Month Ahead

Finally, after clearing out unnecessary items, make sure to check what you need to restock or replace. Think about any new products that might have caught your eye or those you’ve run out of. Restocking ensures that your bag is always ready for use, without missing any essential products.

You can add in a new lipstick shade, a replacement mascara, or a fresh bottle of foundation. Taking a few moments to replenish your bag will keep you feeling prepared for whatever the month holds. Enjoy the feeling of a refreshed, organized makeup bag.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.