How to KonMari Your Makeup Drawer & Keep It Clutter-Free

Whether you keep your makeup in a drawer, on a shelf or split between several cases, there’s a good chance you probably have way too much of it. At least I know I do…

I can't recall where or when I bought this eyeshadow, but shortly after taking the picture, I threw it out.

In the past year or so, I’ve actually pared down my cosmetics collection because there isn’t as much storage space in my bathroom as I would like. I also don’t wear a full face of makeup every day, so I just don’t need that much. I’ve been able to get rid of the clutter because I try to only buy makeup I know makes me look my best (no more shimmery purple eyeshadow experiments) and choose specific products that multitask.

Here are three steps to KonMari your makeup drawer.

Ask Yourself If It Sparks Joy

This question is the key to KonMari. There are two kinds of products that won’t spark joy. The first is old/expired makeup, unless you want to spark an infection. The other is anything you’ve bought that turned out to be a bad decision. My purple eyeshadow is a great example. If you are having trouble getting rid of makeup, ask yourself why would you wear a color that doesn’t make you look your best. We all make mistakes. If you can, return it or give it to a friend instead. When in doubt, throw it out.  

Before your stuff’s final trip to the garbage can, Marie Kondo would tell you to thank it. I don’t think that’s necessary, but bonus points if you do.

Go Container Crazy

Containers really do help you organize, but you don’t need to spend a lot or even any money on them. Re-use a box that once contained jewelry, shoes or any other small to medium sized object.

When I moved into my current apartment, I was trying to organize the makeup I wear most often in a small and narrow bathroom drawer. I was going to spend money on containers when I realized I already had boxes that fit this oddly- shaped space perfectly. The rest of my makeup is kept in a vintage train case under my bathroom sink.

This my makeup drawer. It's not perfect, but I think it's pretty darn good.

Buy Products That Help You Cut Down on Clutter

I buy eyeshadow palettes whenever possible because all of the colors are designed to coordinate, taking the guesswork out creating your look. It’s also more economical than buying a bunch of individual colors.

My personal favorites are Naked 2 by Urban Decay and Natural Eyes by Too Faced. 

Do you have more tubes of mascara than pairs of socks? Cut down to just one with FLOWER Beauty’s Zoom-In Ultimate Mascara. The flexible wand twists into different shapes allowing you to completely customize your look. You can add volume, curl and lengthen your lashes with just one formula. It’s literally the only mascara you need. 

You know what does not spark joy? When you apply lip gloss or lipstick, take a sip of water and then have to reapply. That’s why I love Clinique’s new Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer. It actually stays on because the primer is built in. This also means not having to buy a separate primer, so less clutter!

Peter Lamas Supreme Radiance Complexion Booster has been a game changer for me because I like to use anti-aging products, but I still break out sometimes. This one combines two power ingredients, retinol and salicylic acid, so I can address both skincare concerns at once. I wear it alone or under makeup. It also looks really good under the next product.

If an anti-aging serum, BB cream, bronzer, highlighter and foundation had a love child, By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Sun Glow would be it. It’s probably the most multi-tasking product out there. It feels light on your skin and gives you a sun-kissed glow on those days when you don’t want to apply foundation, but a BB cream isn’t quite enough. 

Sweat Cosmetics Mineral Foundation is one of my favorite multitasking products. It’s a powder foundation and sunscreen rolled into one. Four professional female athletes who wanted a mineral foundation with SPF that would stay on through their games started the company and developed this product. Stay tuned for my exclusive interview with these amazing ladies next week.