Spring Clean Your Makeup Bag in Seven Easy Steps!

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Article by BR Natalie

Spring has officially sprung which means it's time to get cleaning right?  Of course we're talking about your makeup stash, not the house! 

We can't help but notice some of you are getting quite the makeup stash, which is all very well and good.  Until you run out of storage of course!  Now when it comes to spring cleaning there are pretty much two types of people - hoarders and chuckers.  Chuckers will get rid of most unused or old things without a second thought.  Hoarders will cling to unused, old or broken things just in case. 

Well as always, we're here to help.  So here's out top tips for spring cleaning your makeup.

1. Check the expiration dates.  Beauty Review's Zoe wrote this brilliant guide - Expiration Dates of Beauty Products.  Check it out and go through your stash.  When it comes to expiration dates, be ruthless and if it's out of date, chuck it out!  If it's one of your favourite products (which is unlikely if it's unused after it's expiration date) replace it and you'll notice the difference between your old product and one in date.  Trust us!
2. If you haven't used it in the last three months, chances are you won't miss it if it's gone!  If you absolutely can't bear to throw things out, let us prove our point.  Put anything you haven't used in a box and stash the box in your wardrobe.  If you don't dig it out in another three months, you know what to do right?
3. If you can't bear to throw things out, do a Project Pan.  Check out my article Project Pan and challenge yourself to use up x amount of products before buying any more!
4. Wash your brushes and give your products a wipe.   When you think about it, makeup bags are breeding grounds for icky things.  If you've suffered from an eye infection, chuck out your mascara for sure.  Sharpen pencils and wipe with a disinfectant or rubbing alcohol.  Same for if you suffer from cold sores.  Slice the top off your lipsticks, sharpen pencils and wipe with a disinfectant.  Makeup brushes need to be washed weekly - don't forget your sponge applicators in your compacts and palettes!
5. Wash your storage.  Especially your cloth makeup bags - imagine the places they've been and what they've been in contact with.  ICK.
6. Opt for multi purpose products.  Lip/Cheek tints and all over pencils are great for streamlining your stash.  
7. Let it go.  Don't be bogged down with guilt over throwing away products you've spent money on.  Take a deep breath and let them go. Decluttering is good for the soul - just learn from the financial hit!

Does your stash need a clean out?  Are you a hoarder or a chucker?  Do you dread spring cleaning or is it something you relish?  Share your thoughts below!