How to Create a Makeup Capsule {Part 2}

If you ever wore Scrunchi’s and carried Lisa Frank folders, chances are you owned a Caboodle (sigh with me a moment to savor the nostalgia). While the Caboodle may have been a suitable host for Bonnie Bell Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers and Wet ‘n Wild mascaras-a-plenty, mindful consumers like you and me will benefit from having a plan to keep our makeup collection from growing like kudzu.  

In Part 1 of the “How to Create a Makeup Capsule” Series, I introduced to you the idea of creating a Makeup Capsule using the 3-5-7 formula– 3 looks of 5 colors from 7 makeup essentials. In Part 2, we will explore ideas to optimize your current makeup collection and tips for makeup storage.

The Makeup Bag Audit

The Makeup Bag Audit is my simple checkpoint solution to keeping only the products I love and dismissing the ones that no longer serve my beauty needs. 

The seven checkpoints to audit your makeup collection are: 

Step 1: Dump out your makeup bag. (Yes, in one eyeshadow-dusty pile)

Step 2: Sigh with relief because you are about to do something about this tragic situation

Step 3: Assign each item into three categories (“Love it,” “Like it,” and “Never use it”)

Step 4: Thank the things you never use (Marie Kondo style) and bid them farewell (I promise, this purge will make you feel so proud of yourself). 

Step 5: Download the Makeup Replacement Schedule to use as a guide for your next to the last step).

Step 6: One-beloved-makeup-item-at-a-time, move it from the “Like it”/”Love it” category to a “Replace it” pile.  

Finally, 

Step 7: Do a happy dance because you just aced this Beauty Check

I want to tell you a little secret: Makeup has an expiration date. To keep your color safe (bacteria-free) and performing at its best, there are a few general replacement guidelines you might want to keep in mind. 

Suggested Makeup Replacement Schedule

Mascara and liquid eyeliners: replace three months after opening

Eyeshadow: replace nine months after opening (replace liquid eyeshadow every six months)

Cream/’Liquid Foundations, Lipsticks, and Lip Gloss: replace 12 months after opening

Pencils and Powders: replace up to 2 years after opening

Here’s a makeup replacement hack:Enlist Siri, Alexa, or the Reminder app next time you open a new color product. Ask them to remind you to refresh your favorite makeup when they are due for a refresh. (ie. “Alexa, remind me to replace my mascara in 3 months”). 

Your Guide to Makeup Organization

I would be remiss if I didn’t share my favorite makeup organization and storage ideas. Pinterest is replete with inspiration, such as acrylic drawers for easier visibility, vertical rotating racks for bathroom counter optimization, desk drawer organizing trays, or even mugs or candle holders for creative brush storage. But, my favorite makeup organizer by far is the Beauty Binder. 

The Beauty Binder has three removable beauty files, each containing varying-sized pockets. All pockets are see-through except for two. (One is mesh, and one is a hidden pocket for personal items.) A flap hides 13 brush storage pockets of varying sizes in the back of the binder. The Beauty Binder is entirely wipeable and lined in vegan leather. Not only is it beautiful and durable, but when I asked Stormy, the creative genius behind of this gorgeous makeup organizer, here’s what she had to say: 

I was in search of a makeup organizer that could store my makeup. I am a girl who goes into a Sephora or Ulta, and I’m like a kid in a candy store. So, my collection of makeup is quite extensive. The idea came to me that if I could find an organizer that would lay my makeup out flat instead of stacking my products, I could see what I had and actually use my products. When I couldn’t find the product, I decided to create it. It took me three years and seven prototypes, but I came up with the idea that works for me, and I hope it works for everyone else.   

— Stormy Hinkle | Founder + Creator of the Beauty Binder

You can check out Stormy’s inspiring story and support her small business (and your makeup habit) at beautybinder.com. 

For tips and inspiration to create and organize your Makeup Capsule, check out The Ultimate Makeup Makeover: The High Performer’s Guide to Camera-Ready Makeup. This free guide also contains the Ultimate Makeup Shopping List, a Makeup Bag Audit Worksheet, and a Makeup Replacement Schedule and Tracker. Also, visit beautybinder.com to check out Stormy’s brilliant Beauty Binder storage solution.