I may have mentioned this to you already, but I recently culled my closet. No joke, I Kon-Mari-ed the living crap out of it! I donated all the pre-Connor clothes that no longer fit me (which was most of my wardrobe, to be brutally honest) and only kept what 1) fit me perfectly, 2) didn’t look hella raggedy, and 3) made me feel AMAZING.
I did keep a few items that have sentimental value, including a $15 dress I found at Marshall’s, which I wore to a fancy party 1999. I got numerous compliments on it, and several people assumed it was Versace. It very much was not, ha ha ha!
Anyway, I basically rebuilt my closet from scratch using a checklist of wardrobe basics I found through Erin Busbee, a stylist who caters specifically to fashion for women over 40, and for first time in a really long time, I feel like I can get dressed in the morning without feeling stressed out or bad about my body.
Another first: each piece in my closet absolutely works for me, and there is no dead weight. NONE. Each item has a purpose, and everything gets worn.
IT FEELS GREAT!
What’s been especially great is the feeling of freedom. It feels good to finally say goodbye to all of the clothes that didn’t fit me, and while it was hard at times (like saying goodbye to the brand new black Kate Spade dress I never lost enough enough weight to get into), letting it go has given me 1) more physical space in my home and 2) more mental space in my mind.
This has got me thinking a lot about how scaling down my wardrobe could be applied to other parts of my life, including (WAIT FOR IT) my makeup collection.
I love and have loved and will always love makeup so, so much, and right now, I have a lot of it.
If I’m completely honest with myself, only a small percentage of it still gets worn.
I think it might be time to let some things go.
But yet, it’s hard, since it’s still very fun for me to try new things and collect fun pieces.
I don’t see myself as ever being the person who has just, like, one makeup bag of tightly edited down products, because I love having options!
Still, I can’t help but wonder if there’s a way to narrow down the scale and scope of it so I feel the same way about makeup that I do about my closet. I wonder if it would just as feel good to have NO. DEAD. WEIGHT. in my makeup collection.
Would it be freeing to have a succinct group of eyeshadows that I truly and deeply love? Or a small group of nude lipsticks, all of which get worn and used frequently?
I’ve had this idea floating around in my mind for the last week or so, to perhaps narrow my collection down using a manageable number like 10. For example, only keeping 10 nude lipsticks that I absolutely adore. I could also do, I dunno, 10 red lipsticks that I love, or maybe 10 bright lipsticks? I dunno, that still seems like a lot of lipstick! Yet, at the same time, it also doesn’t seem like nearly enough, HA! I can easily see myself going down the road of “Why have 10 nude lipsticks I love when I could easily have 20?”
And, seriously, how would eyeshadow work? Would I keep 10 neutral eyeshadows? (OMG, IMAGINE HOW HARD THAT WOULD BE) Or would it be 10 browns? Maybe I could even do 10 warm browns, 10 cool browns…
In typical Karen fashion, I’m 100% over-complicating this, but I think you get the gist of it. There’s got to be a way to have a makeup collection that feels robust and complete, but not redonkulously overwhelming.
I’d love to hear how you handle your current collection. Do you keep it small and manageable, or do you just go for it and hold onto ALL OF THE THINGS. I’m curious to know how you keep things in check and from getting too out of control.
From one makeup lover to another…the struggle is real. Talk to you soon, ‘k?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Hey Karen, I’m happy that you were able to downsize your wardrobe, I’ve only been to do it halfway. I donated all the clothes I haven’t used in more than two years (which was a lot because of weight changes), but I admit I still keep a good amount of shirts that are still too small but I hope I can fit in them in some time. I think that if after six months I don’t fit in them I’ll donate them.
About makeup, I did a cleaning about six months ago and for me the problem wasn’t quantity (in the end I still haven’t bought a lot of products), but more about real usage. So what I decided was to keep everything I can see myself wearing once a week or once every two weeks and also products that have a sentimental connection with me (like a limited edition I love or something that was gifted).
That’s how I managed to reduce the amount of makeup I have and now I only buy stuff I finish or I don’t really have. And it’s still complicated because I always feel I can have more but my wallet and my “wise mind” say no.
Hi Efra,
It’s really, really hard to clear out one’s wardrobe. I do think that it helps to do it in piecemeal, and not all in one sitting. I also think it helps to do it in the morning, and only stick to doing it on days when you feel good!
YOU CAN DO IT!
I culled the bejeebers outta my stash in the last year and a half. I literally took everything I owned and had a (BIG) “toss box” and I was ruthless!! If I hadn’t worn it in a year, I wasn’t gonna wear it and out it went. I have reduced what I have by well over half, and it. feels. GREAT. I no longer buy, buy, buy, because there just isn’t much I need/want anymore.
The good news is that you dont’ have to trash all of what you get rid of! If there isn’t a local women’s shelter that will take your orphans, (as there isn’t here) send them to Project Beauty Share in Spokane, WA. Here’s their info; what they can and can’t take and where to send it. I sent more large flat rate boxes to them than I’m willing to admit, and actually need to stop at the PO on the way home and get ONE more since I have more to send them.
Having said that, you have to be in the *right* frame of mind to do this, and it took me weeks til I got there and then one day – BOOM. It was time to rip thru everything and I did it. I was actually amazed at how fast I went thru it. I have to say I had one small box of “undecideds” but after a few days, I went back thru that and nearly all of it went too. I feel 800 pounds lighter now – the truly hardest part is resolving to do it and waiting for the right moment to do it. But once it’s done, you will love your self for having done it, and there are others who, tho they won’t know who you are, will love you for having done it too.
Deep breaths – you can do this! Make the resolution – that’s the first step, and then your brain will tell you when it’s time to actually do the dirty deed!
Awesome, KimKats! I’ve been donating the things I haven’t used to the teachers at my daughter’s school (they are always so thrilled); I’ll also look into Project Beauty.
Please send me the strength to be ruthless! I need it!
Nice! I participated in Project Beauty Share in 2019. I got a lot out of my stash and even bought some basics to add to the packages, mascara, lotions, shades of concealer. I was fresh out of rehab and felt I understood the need to still want skincare, toiletries and makeup while recovering. I even tried making blush out of red rehydration powder when I was there!
Hi Karen, I know what you mean. Especially this year, while working from home, I have gone through every closet, drawer and cabinet purging clothes, makeup, and everything else. With makeup, I decided to go strictly the cream route, so I tossed old powder eyeshadow palettes I no longer used due to less and less eyelid to work with and powder blushes that seem to disappear halfway through the day. This keeps me from being tempted by all the endless stream of palettes, and I am now trying to find my HG concealer and foundation. I have the skincare down to a few items that I really need and love. I stick to lip gloss and tinted lip balms, because lipsticks don’t seem to look right anymore. This has really cut down on temptation and kept my makeup collection down to what I really use. Now I have to work on the wardrobe. I kept pieces I just cannot part with, that I hope to get back into, but like you, I am slowly building a wardrobe of basics – I love Busbee Style, too! I just discovered her a few months ago. Another youtube channel I bet you would like is What to wear – classic fashion for women. The woman who hosts this channel is british, and she focuses mostly on women over 40 as well – very classic and elegant, yet simple.
Thanks, Daphne, for the What to Wear recommendation. I’ll definitely look into it! I’m still working on my basics… Right now I’m searching for skirts for summer. 🙂
Good for you for having the strength to say goodbye to the makeup that no longer works for you!
For your holy grail foundation search, may I suggest the new-ish one by It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation? It’s REALLY good. I was thinking the other day about what I’d do if I had to narrow foundation down, and it was the first thing that came to mind.
I would love to try this, but it does not have sunscreen in it. Since you have been trying out all the sunscreens ( and this already has moisturizer in it), which sunscreen do you think works best under this?
All the used/unwanted make-up take to Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack and put it in the Beautycycle container. Check out their site for details.
Doing good for the planet and yourself at the same time.
Remember not the MAC things-get guilt freebies Back-to-MAC goodies
Thanks, Lauren. I’ll look into it.
Oh, and I have a big tub devoted solely to “Back to MAC” items right now!
Hi, Karen! I’m currently trying to downsize my makeup collection, too. It’s tough because I love makeup so much, and I’m sentimental about things.
Quick question about Back to MAC: Do the products have to be finished before you turn them over to the Back to MAC program? I have a few older MAC lipsticks that need to go, but they’re nowhere near being finished.
Deanna: nope, they’ll take anything for B2M, even if it’s brand new.
I did this a couple of weeks ago. (Clothes and makeup.) It was hard at first, but it got easier after I started and then it started feeling really good. I’ll go through my makeup one more time in a few weeks; I have a few products I wanted to give a second test. Now I need to start on a wardrobe that makes sense.
Some tips from recent experience: don’t give yourself an exact number of pieces. You’ll put too much pressure on yourself and you won’t do the job at all. But some pre-made decisions are definitely helpful. For example, you could decide that if you use less than half of the shades in an eyeshadow palette, you automatically get rid of it. My favorite trick for eliminating lipsticks is to swatch similar colors up my arm for reference and ask myself, “Which are actually comfortable to wear?”, “Which wear the best/longest?”, and “Which actually look good on me vs. I just like the color?”. (I guess that would work for most makeup.)
45 must be the “I feel the need to get rid of stuff” age, lol.
It must be, lol!
Also thank you for the ideas on how to set some parameters. I do like the idea of minimizing the pressure!
One approach would be to think of yourself as a well-traveled makeup artist (like I used to be pre-YouTube). My kit had to be sparse because carrying that small wheelie up and down subway stairs (INCLUDING my own clothes and dance costumes — bc I would also still be performing) and on trains and buses ain’t no joke, but I also needed to be prepared to style whomever I was working with (I did hair and makeup) and what I was working with (fashion show, photo shoot, short film?).
The kit would consist of a palette of lipstick colors that could be mixed and matched, nothing in tubes because I couldn’t see it and, ergo, didn’t know I had it.
A tube of nude gloss and a tube of clear gloss.
Two palettes of eyeshadows — one neutrals, one dramatic/brights for stage stuff so I had everything covered for every skin tone and occasion.
Foundation and concealer would be much easier for a personal kit because you don’t have to carry every possible tone (or mix tones).
Mascara.
Eyeliners (pencil, gel, liquid).
Tools.
Nothing was redundant. And just think when you use it all up quickly (because you only have one of everything), you get to buy another, maybe a different brand or an unsung hero that never gets old.
If you like all the things, though, this would probably not work for you. My own kit is way less than this but I figured a MUA would have a lot more that would still be within reason as far as clutter and stuff.
Good luck!
If anything, throw out everything over one year old and see what you have left!
It seems like throwing out everything over one year old is a common parameter… I think it’ll work for me, so when I’m feeling strong, I might just try that (GULP).
Ooooof I really like this topic. It’s hard but good. I’m struggling with the clothes too, I feel like every weekend I just shuffle them around. My life feels like Stuff Management.
A little while ago I got ruthless with my cosmetics. What do I do NOT use, what’s so impractical I’ll hardly ever, and what is super old. I do have a MAC lipstick called Pet Me Please that’s about 13 years old that I bought shopping online with my old cat Pedro, I’m keeping that furever.
I put it all in a bag and waited a week or two to see if I felt the need to pull anything out later, didn’t feel the need so I chucked it. Though I should’ve contacted Terracycle instead. It’s much more manageable now.
These are all great ideas. I culled last year and sold everything to Glambot. Or I should say “sold,” because they don’t give you much, lol!!—but it was worth it to get a few bucks on PayPal! The donation options others have mentioned sound good, too. I also gave a few expensive pieces I hadn’t used in awhile to my nieces (Tom Ford, etc). And right before covid, a friend and I did an exchange—we met for coffee and each brought a bunch of makeup to trade (only the types that can be sterilized, obvs). That didn’t help reduce a lot, but it gave us “new” things to try! Go for it, you will feel great! Also those pants look so cute on you!
Love the fact that most people struggle with decluttering wardrobes and makeup collections. I always was very good at doing this until recently mainly due to the fact that I am much older and have less energy. I think the Kondo approach doesn’t work as well for makeup lovers especially as one has ‘loves’ from many years. A slow and steady approach works better and I think working in categories is best, say eyeshadows, foundations, lipstick, blushes etc. Bear in mind that one will always want to try something new that hits the market so unless, the makeup you have currently works for you, toss or donate the rest. I have also started going through my makeup every 6 months and that way I can determine what I have used and will continue to use. Still important I think to have some ‘fun’ pieces to experiment with. Given that you were so good with your wardrobe, Karen, I am sure you will manage the makeup cull as well. I am going to take a leaf out of your wardrobe cull and ensure that each piece I keep fits well and will be used.
I’m really struggling with this currently. I’m very much decluttered and pared down in the rest of my home, but I tend to hoard makeup, perfume, and clothes. The clothes are tough because of yo-yo weight. However, it’s been two years now since I was in my smallest clothes, so those really should go. I know I would feel better mentally, but it also feels like I’m giving up on losing weight… still working through that.
With makeup, I did a major clean out a year ago and looked up literally every single product on a toxicity website in an effort to be more “clean.” It really did help me get rid of stuff. The best thing here is that “the great cleanout”has also helped me stop buying in the first place. I had a huge subscription box stash, so I have backups of almost everything, and I’m finally starting to use it up. My one hang up here is eyeshadow palettes. ? I probably still have well over 30, many older ones that are way past their expiration date (although I’m much more lenient on powder products since I sanitize them at least yearly), but I’m not ready to let them go!!
And perfume…. well, this is probably my worst. I think I have around 250 bottles… it’s definitely a hobby. I have also stopped buying in this area, and I am planning to sell some, but I will still have more than I will probably use in a lifetime.
I think every time I read something like this or watch a minimalist YouTube video, I get more ready. I think letting go of the clothes is the most important to my mental well-being. I would just love to know what finally pushed you over the edge into being able to do it!
Me too, re: the minimalism videos, blogs, etc. I highly recommend Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana White.
I’m glad most of us know our makeup could use a good streamlining..
But for me, I’m not ready, see what I use post-pandemic… Now is my Yolo, over 35.
Don’t feel guilty either if u struggle w/ trashing you’re closet or makeup items.
I’m not much of a scale-down person-my personality is about as far from minimalism as it’s possible for anyone’s to be!-but I would say 1) don’t rush your decisions because there’s no set time frame and 2) start by getting rid of the things that you know no longer work or that you know you fell out of love with a while back but have held on to for too long. Sometimes making/acting on one easy decision is the first step toward making the harder ones.
I (try) to do a seasonal clear-out where I take everything and evaluate if I am really going to use it. If I am unsure, I put it in a prominent place in my everyday drawer and try to reach for it and see if i really want to keep it. If I don´t even with seeing it every day, it has to go. Tried getting it down to certain numbers, but that doesn´t work for me an makes me feel restricted, but with my methog I can at least keep it in a size that I feel I can handle.
I had the same idea to “declutter” my collection. I did it this way, I will only keep what brings me joy. If its frustrating to use, doesn’t work as well as I thought it would or anything like that it’s getting donated or into the trash. Life’s too short, no one should be stressed when they go to do their makeup! A slightly different take then your approach but it worked for me lol
Just wondering, not related to this post, but does your anti-spam or whatever moderates your comments, automatically delete anything with a hyperlink in it? I have had it happen a couple of times, where I have posted a comment with a link to another article, but both times the comment has just disappeared. However, if I post a comment like this with no link, it shows up straight away. If you don’t like hyperlinks being posted in your comments that’s fine, it’s your blog, I’m just curious!
I’m not normally an eternal optimist but, you’d think I was if you looked at all the clothes I am hoping will fit me again one day! I really need to purge, too. I think you could make your makeup purge kinda fun with an excel spreadsheet. Isn’t everything more fun with an excel spreadsheet? Maybe that’s just me. 🙂 But, you do love lists, and you could track everything you wear for the next year and then see what has to go. I was going to say to track for a month, but I realized after reading the comments from the real makeup enthusiasts that this would not be long enough. I do agree that you have to keep the sentimental faves, even if you never wear them. Good luck! You can do it. Though, I will add one last thing that you shouldn’t do it because someone thinks you should. If it makes you happy to hold on to all your stash, then do it. I can’t imagine you with only one makeup bag either. <3
You inspired me to clean out my closet. I’m not quite there yet (hello, how many pairs of black leggings do I actually need?!?) but I made some progress over the weekend.
Love your blog!
Hi Judy!
So glad you were able to make some progress on your closet. It’s going to feel great when you’re done. Keep it up!
I have no idea how anyone manages to clear out their make up and narrow it down to a minimum – I have only just started my mascara amnesty -clearing out any that have been opened for more than 3 months, no excuses, just straight in the bin.
I have waaaaaaay over 20 red lipsticks and yet still can’t help buying more (what is wrong with me???)
Good luck if you do decide to narrow your collection down.