This year, make it a goal to stick to your New Year’s resolutions—after all, that’s what they’re for, right? Many of us want to declutter and get organized, but tackling an entire house can feel overwhelming. The trick is to start small. Even clearing out one tiny space can give you a sense of accomplishment and the motivation to keep going. And what better place to begin than your makeup bag? It’s compact, manageable, and easy to organize with just a few simple steps.
### 1. Empty Everything Out
Grab a towel, lay it on your bed, and dump out your makeup bag. The towel helps catch any loose powder or spills, keeping your bed clean. Once everything is out, start grouping similar items together—eyeshadows, mascaras, brushes, and so on. This way, you can see exactly what you have.
### 2. Get Rid of the Clutter
Take a good look at everything in front of you. Are there leaky containers? Expired mascara? More eyeliners than you’ll ever use? If you’ve been holding onto old products just because you forgot to toss them, now’s the time. Old and dirty makeup can harbor bacteria, which isn’t something you want near your skin.
### 3. Keep the Essentials
Now that you’ve sorted through your collection, set aside the products you use daily. If you have special occasion makeup—like a glittery eyeshadow—there’s no need to throw it away, but it doesn’t need to stay in your everyday bag. Store those items separately. Your makeup bag should only hold the basics: foundation, concealer, blush or bronzer, powder, eyeliner, mascara, two eyeshadows, lipstick or lip gloss, and the brushes you need for these products.
### 4. Simplify Where You Can
Look for ways to cut down on the number of products you carry. Can you find a primer that also works as a moisturizer? An eyeshadow palette with multiple shades? Keep an eye out for multi-use products and sales to streamline your collection.
### 5. Keep It Organized
The key to staying organized is regular maintenance. Check your makeup bag once a week to make sure everything is clean and in good condition. A good rule of thumb: if you add something new, remove something old. Keeping up with this habit will make it easier to maintain a clutter-free bag. And as a reward for your efforts, consider treating yourself to a new makeup bag or fresh brushes to keep your routine feeling fresh and enjoyable.