How to declutter, clean and update dressing table and beauty case

Just like the changing of the clocks, this time of year brings a certain je ne sais quoi, an energy that drives us towards fresh starts. Unfortunately, not all of us can completely overhaul our lives, so we channel that desire for lightness and renewal into our homes. The first step? A seasonal wardrobe change—we store away heavy sweaters and winter coats, put shirts, trench coats and t-shirts on hand, and declutter what we no longer need. But this decluttering process shouldn’t stop at our closets; it should extend to our beauty spaces too! It’s time to clean out make-up bags, drawers, bathroom cabinets, and shelves where we store creams, shampoos, masks, cotton pads, hairdryers, and more.

Making space for spring and summer beauty products, such as sunscreens, while retiring heavier creams, is a must. Toss out old, expired products and clean your brushes. An unorganized vanity filled with outdated products isn’t just clutter, it can be harmful to your skin. A proper beauty decluttering session ensures a more functional and tidy space while also guaranteeing that the products you use are safe and effective. 

A step-by-step guide to organizing and decluttering your beauty space

1. Empty Your Makeup Bag and Shelves

First, take everything out of your make-up bag, drawers, and shelves. This will allow you to see exactly what you own and decide what to keep or toss. You might rediscover hidden gems or realize you own five lipsticks in the same shade!

2. Deep Clean Everything

Grab a cloth, sponge, and disinfectant. A microfiber cloth with mild soap works well too. Wipe down every shelf, drawer, and surface to remove dust, makeup residue, and bacteria. The technique for the beauty case is similar, but varies slightly depending on the material it is made of. For example, if it is hard we can use a cotton ball soaked in denatured alcohol to clean make-up stains, followed by a brush with a mild liquid detergent to complete the cleaning. If it is made of plastic, PVC or similar materials, a soft cloth and a few drops of degreaser will suffice to make it as good as new; if it is made of fabric, on the other hand, it is machine washable on a gentle cycle. 

3. Declutter Your Cosmetics: Keep or Toss?

The hardest part—deciding what stays and what goes. Follow this golden rule: If a product is expired, has changed in smell, color, or texture, or you haven’t used it in over a year, it’s time to say goodbye! Unopened and intact products that don’t fit your skincare or make-up routine? Donate them to non-profits or gift them to friends. Expired items, half-used old bottles, and unnecessary testers? Trash them. Old, partially full bottles of shampoo and conditioner, trial packs and accumulated samples: go! For the rest, just rely on the expiration date stamped on cans and bottles, indicated by the PAO (Period After Opening), expressed in months and valid from the time of opening.

Cosmetic Expiration Guide:

• Mascara & Liquid/Gel Eyeliners: The "if it starts to dry out or smells funny, it should be thrown away right away" rule still applies, but, remember this, they last about 3-6 months after opening. The experts' advice is to replace them every quarter.
• Lipsticks & Lip Pencils: Last up to 2 years if cleaned regularly. Caution: when lipstick changes odor or consistency, best to replace it.
• Foundation & Concealer: Liquid ones last about 12 months, and powder ones up to 2 years.
• Powders (Blush, Eyeshadow, Setting Powder): Can last up to 2-3 years if stored properly.
• Skincare (Creams & Serums): Best to follow the PAO of each, but in general face creams last 6-12 months, while serums and oils can last up to 1 year.
• Nail Polish: Can last up to 2 years, but if they become too thick, it's time to replace them. Always wipe excess product off the rim of the bottle and store it in a dark drawer or box to protect it from light.
• SPF Products: Has a very strict expiration of 12 months, so it must be used within a year of opening for it to be effective.
• Perfumes: If stored away from direct sunlight and heat, it should last a couple of years.

4. Sanitize Your Makeup Products

It is good to remember to wash hands before using a product and never share mascara, eyeliner and lipsticks. Even if you are the only one using them, it is best to disinfect them regularly to ensure maximum hygiene. The outside can be cleaned with a damp cloth or make-up remover wipe, making sure to linger on inner nozzles and lids. How do you sanitize make-up?

• Lipsticks: Wipe with an alcohol-soaked pad.
• Eye & Lip Pencils: Sharpen to remove the outer layer and sanitize with alcohol.
• Cream Foundations & Concealers: Wipe the surface with a tissue and spray lightly with alcohol.
• Powders (Eyeshadows, Blush, etc.): Scrape the top layer and spritz with alcohol to remove bacteria.

5. Disinfect Beauty Tools & Brushes

Make-up brushes, sponges, and other beauty tools harbor bacteria and should be cleaned regularly. Generally, you should wash sponges every day. For foundation and creamy or liquid product brushes it is fine once a week, while brushes used for powder products would be a good idea to cleanse at least once a month. Not forgetting to wash your hair brush, eyelash curler and tweezers as well. Here's how to clean them:

• Makeup brushes: To keep the hairs soft and prevent product buildup, brushes should be cleaned once a week by soaking them overnight in warm water with an ad hoc cleanser, mild soap, liquid Marseille soap or baby shampoo. Then, they are taken out and allowed to air dry naturally.
• Make-up sponges: These are more prone to bacterial growth and it is difficult to remove all makeup residue. We recommend washing them with warm water and mild soap, solid or liquid, massaging them using your fingers from top to bottom until they come back clean.
• Hair combs and brushes: After removing accumulated hair, how to wash them depends on the material they are made of. Generally, the most common technique is to soak them in a basin containing water and a few drops of hair shampoo or mild soap. Some prefer to use baking soda, apple cider vinegar or some denatured alcohol. Others limit themselves to a spray of spray-on sanitizing detergent.
• Files, scissors and tweezers: Disinfect them with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

6. Reorganize Your Vanity & Make-up Bag

Now that everything is clean and sanitized, let’s reorganize your beauty space with these simple tips:

• Sort products by category (face, eyes, lips, skincare, hair, nails).
• Use transparent organizers to easily see and access products.
• Keep daily essentials within reach and store seasonal or backup items in a separate case.
• Store everything properly in makeup bags or closed boxes to prevent dust and bacteria buildup.

Organization and cleanliness make our home, but also our moments dedicated to wellness, make-up and skincare no more practical and enjoyable.