10 Tips for Storing Makeup

There’s nothing pretty about storing makeup incorrectly. Whether you’re a total makeup junkie with the Sephora Rouge card to prove it, or you just dabble in occasional drugstore lipstick purchases, everything in your collection requires proper care. Store your products incorrectly and they can cause you to break out or even get sick. Store them right and they’ll perform better and last longer, making you and your bank account both look beautiful. Read on and learn how to store makeup at home and in your storage unit like a total pro (professional makeup artist, that is).

1. Clean up your act. Ideally, you should clean makeup brushes at least once a week. Use a gentle, unscented cleanser (baby shampoo works just fine), or buy a makeup brush cleansing shampoo like this delightfully scented citrus one. For catastrophically dirty brushes, use coconut oil. Always clean with warm water and never ever store brushes vertically when they’re still wet as the excess water can collect inside the handle and do major damage.

2. Parting is such sweet sorrow. Yes, you love that lip gloss, but if you bought it back when flare jeans were still cool, it’s time to say goodbye. If a product’s color, consistency or scent has changed, toss it. Keep in mind that powders last longer than liquids, so eyeshadows will be good for about two years, whereas mascara will only be good for about two months. It’s also worth mentioning that higher end products almost always have a longer shelf life, so that $60 foundation might actually be worth the steep price.

3. Sometimes it’s actually the heat and the humidity. Desert climates can cause products to dry out, which is why that eyeliner seems like it’s crumbling after your Vegas vacation. Humid climates (like your bathroom) can cause bacteria to fester. If you’re storing products at home, keep them away from your shower if possible. If you’re storing them in a storage unit, consider climate control.

4. It’s okay to judge an eyeshadow palette by its cover. Display pretty products like your dazzling array of lipsticks prominently and keep the less Instagram-worthy stuff out of sight, but not out of mind by buying a drawer organizer like the one you use to keep your silverware in order. Your bathroom sink will thank you.

5. Clear things up. A clear makeup organizer will allow you to see all your products, that way you’re never wondering where that one bronzer you only sometimes use is. Plus, it looks classy and matches literally any decor. If you’re putting makeup into storage, clear storage containers are also useful in helping you figure out where everything is.

6. Think outside the makeup bag. Keeping your makeup handy without letting it clutter up your space is a constant struggle. Good news? You might already have the solution. Repurpose a tea cup, vase or that pretty pot that houses a now deceased succulent and add a touch of whimsy to your makeup storage game.

7. Get in touch with your inner vampire. Makeup fares better when it’s not in direct sunlight, so if you’re storing it at home, keep it away from your window. If you’re storing it in your storage unit, the problem is pretty much solved, but do mind those UV rays during transit.

8. Precious cargo. If you’re packing up your makeup to put it in storage, handle it with care. Wrap glass bottles in bubble wrap and secure eyeshadow palettes, blushes or other compacts with elastic bands. Pack items tightly so they don’t jostle. And if somehow your eyeshadow ends up crumbled anyway, simply spritz it with rubbing alcohol or makeup setting spray and press it back into place.

9. Don’t forget about that return policy. Simplify makeup storage by reducing clutter. If you tend to buy luxury makeup products, there’s a good chance they’re returnable. Don’t hang onto that blush if it makes you look like a clown. Know your preferred makeup counter’s return policy and take advantage of it.

10. Learn to love labeling. When storing makeup, don’t just label boxes with what’s in them. Label them with dates so you know how long you’ve had your products. This will help you remember what to take home from your storage unit and what to take straight to the trash.