Hi ladies I was trying to purge my stash and really keep the things I use or will use. Anyone have any tips on how I can downsize? My collection isn't massive, but still is way more than I can use up.

i would firstly try to swatch everything & see if you have dupes, then just keep one-two and toss the others or give them to friends, that's a great place to start!

Anything that's already pretty old and not used much should be tossed. Also toss anything that is less than flattering on you or looks dated or hasn't been used in a year to six months since its not likely you will use it much anymore. I would keep some fun stuff still for special occasions. For a special night out, it's nice to put on something different to give you a boost. What you can also do is set up a pre-packed travel makeup bag that you can just grab and go without having to pack. Reserve it as time saving travel makeup.

Those are great tips! Thank you ladies

Along with how old the item is I'd use the general rule about clothing: if you haven't worn it in the past year it's time to chuck it. (But there's always that exception--you discover something you haven't worn in a long time, whether makeup or clothing and yell, "Look at this! It's terrific! Why haven't I used this in so long?") So...use your very best judgement, keep things that offer a little bit of glitz 'n glamour, and be very brave and determined!

I bought a Trish McEvoy petit planner, with the aim of fitting everything i need into it, and no more! It certainly keeps my spending in check.

I used up duplicate products, chucked a few old bits out, and stopped buying make up! Who needs 7 different bronzers anyway?! I am also being more disciplined and only buy a new product when the old one is used up.

I've saved a ton of money this year, and find it much easier and quicker to do my make up each morning.

Originally Posted by exotikittenx

Anything that's already pretty old and not used much should be tossed. Also toss anything that is less than flattering on you or looks dated or hasn't been used in a year to six months since its not likely you will use it much anymore. I would keep some fun stuff still for special occasions. For a special night out, it's nice to put on something different to give you a boost. What you can also do is set up a pre-packed travel makeup bag that you can just grab and go without having to pack. Reserve it as time saving travel makeup.

GREAT post!

I also had a dupe set of makeup at my (now ex) BF's house as I spent so much time there back when we were together (we did not live together). It was nice not having to pack up makeup all the time.

To downsize, ITA with the other posts...lay everything out on a counter in good light and take a good, hard look. Start by tossing things that are past their prime. Then, pair up your dupes and pair down. I did this recently with my overgrown lipstick and lipgloss collection. I was pretty ruthless but had zero regrets later on anything I tossed. The cleansed, cleaned up feeling was soooo worth it!

XXXOO PG

I would try project 10 pan! You are banned from buying make-up and body things until you have used up a product (lipgloss, lipstick) or you hit pan on an eyeshadow or blush. Obviously you can re-buy your staple things like foundation but this way you use up products and don't buy more!

Thank you for all the great tips, ladies! I think I'll be doing a project 10 pan after I toss all the unloved dupes. I'm thinking of depotting all of my mac blushes, these are taking up most of the space.

I recently went through my make up and gave what I didn't want/use to my friend. I have a really big collection and I realized I had some colors I just didn't use bc they don't work for me. Frost lipsticks for example, I HATE frosty lipsticks lol my friend loves them though! Most of my purge was "why did I buy this" impulse buys, that's a good place to start too

That's a tough one, for sure! I have a box in my vanity of my "tried and true" products, and I keep everything else in a large ziplock bag in the cupboard.

When I feel like something "new," I "shop" in the ziplock bag. It hasn't condensed my collection, but it has prevented me from making new, thoughtless purchases.

very smart!^ I think I need to unsubscribe to my favorite beauty blogs. I always end up wanting the newest blush or mascara :(

Originally Posted by nn21

very smart!^ I think I need to unsubscribe to my favorite beauty blogs. I always end up wanting the newest blush or mascara :(

It's a good idea- I did the same thing and it's helped me to enjoy what I have.