My stash has reduced substantially since I first started this blog and it’s quite the feat to keep it that way. But if you’re like me and don’t need makeup spilling out of every nook and cranny in your home, I have a few tips to keep it under control.
First up, constantly remind yourself that you only have one face. Nothing keeps me from buying another blush more than the reminder that I only have one face to wear it on. Sure it gets difficult when there are new releases every other day, but at some point you don’t need more makeup than you can wear in your lifetime.
Set up your collection to have the essentials in each category so you won’t need to try and fill a void. Blush is a great example. Have a summery peach shade, an everyday shade, and a deeper mauve tone for colder months. Cover all of the basic categories and you won’t find yourself really missing anything from your stash.
You should also unsubscribe from all makeup related newsletters. If you don’t know there are new products coming out, you won’t feel the need to buy anything new. Ignorance is bliss when it comes to new makeup.
It’s also super helpful to have a donation bin close by to remove no-longer-loved makeup from your stash. I find it even more helpful to have the basket I use in a separate drawer so I can clearly define what’s in my stash and what’s leaving it. Since I am fortunate enough to get samples sent to me occasionally, I like to keep them in this same drawer until I’ve tested them out. That way if I’m not crazy about them, they stay down there and never get moved to my main collection.
Check expiration dates often. This is a great way to clean out your stash on a regular basis and keep it under control. There’s no use holding on to makeup that’s expired.
Buy new, smaller storage, and don’t let your makeup expand past it. When I did my great destash last year, I purchased new clear acrylic organizers and vowed that I couldn’t have more makeup than could fit in it. It’s helped so much at keeping my spending in check. Plus the smaller drawers get filled quicker and makes it look like I have a lot more makeup than I actually do.
If you’re still having trouble keeping your stash small after a destash, practice the one-in-one-out rule. If you have to have that new lipstick, then there’s probably one in your collection that you don’t love as much. Let the new one replace it and send the other off to a friend, family member, or donate it if it’s lightly used.
But honestly at the end of the day, I’m incredibly happy with my makeup collection and that makes it easy to keep it small. It has everything I need and I don’t find myself lusting after makeup anymore since I have all my bases covered with what I currently own. I’ve picked high quality pieces that I invested in. Sure it cost more money up front, but I’ve saved a lot more in the long run from not buying more.
How do you keep your stash from exploding in makeup goodness?
