Making up with your Medicine Cabinet

I'm not a big makeup girl, but that might be the problem. Because I don't wear it often or in large quantities, I hang onto it forever and clutter up my medicine cabinet and linen closet for that one day when I might want to wear that plum eyeshadow and peacock blue eyeliner.

Well, I'm done with that, I want my space back. Oh also, makeup expires and then you really shouldn't put it on your face. There are some pretty clear guideline for when to replace makeup over on girlsgetgoing so that you don't put your face or your space in jeopardy. Real Simple also has some good guidelines for everything else that might be taking up too much space. So I've already replaced my mascara and thrown out all the ones I haven't used in 3 months (which is the rule of thumb for mascara). My medicine cabinet is already more functional and I can actually find what I'm looking for without digging through all that someday stuff.

Comments (10)

i'm always impressed by those people who have room in their medicine cabinet for make-up. i have to keep mine in the supply closet in the hall.

posted by abby on October 15th 2007 at 3:03pm
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If you rarely wear make-up, sample sizes are wonderful, particularly for foundation. They cost more per ounce than a regular bottle of make-up, but you're not paying for substance that goes rancid. (And they store smaller and help you meet the TSA guidelines for liquids in carry-on.)

The other important life rule: if the lipstick color looks dreadful on you, toss it. It will not get better next week. It will not get better next month. It is bad to the bone.

posted by wende in the twin cities on October 15th 2007 at 5:16pm
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If you buy something (a blush, a bottle of perfume) but change your mind about it, you can try and trade it on www.makeupalley.com

posted by Eve in Hochelaga on October 16th 2007 at 6:32am
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I rarely wear foundation so the samples MAC gives you are the perfect size and free. I think they give samples of other makeup as well.

I also just cleaned out the bathroom of stuff. I couldn't believe how many lipsticks I did own. I also had contacts that I can't even wear now. It was such a relief to get rid of all that stuff. And makes getting ready in the morning really easy.

posted by ADM on October 16th 2007 at 9:05am
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I reorganized my medicine cabinet (including makeup) with mugs and glasses, as suggested on AT somewhere a few months ago, and it has made all the difference.

posted by Joan A. on October 16th 2007 at 10:01am
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THANK YOU. This inspires me to clean out the two packed makeup cases I have at home. I wear two swipes of concealer, blush, chapstick and mascara every day. I have no idea why I still have the stuff I do, most of it is old and yucky and I definitely don't wear it!

posted by suziegoombs on October 16th 2007 at 11:56am
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If you care about expiration dates of medicines, either OTC or prescription, do NOT store them in the bathroom! The heat and humidity causes them to expire much more quickly.

posted by Taureg on October 16th 2007 at 2:38pm
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You should not store your makeup in the bathroom for the same reasons Taureg stated about medications, etc.

posted by VickyA on October 16th 2007 at 3:31pm
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Yep I was just going to say the same thing - stuff like this should never be kept in the bathroom - its too hot and steamy for it - my dream bathroom would include a chilled cabinet for all my makeup products - also try putting your nail varnishes in the fridge before you use them - they are so much smoother and easier to use afterwards!

posted by Violetsrose on October 17th 2007 at 3:08am
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nice tip, wende.

ive been hanging on to lipsticks for so long....(ive never worn lipstick in my life)

posted by vazius13 on March 5th 2009 at 4:51pm
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