How Often Do You Clean Out Your Makeup Bag?

You might be an enthusiastic lipstick collector, or a “less is more” kind of person. Wherever your passion lies when makeup is concerned, one thing is for sure. Makeup, like other products, has an expiration date, and you should be vigilant not to use products past this date. Usually, the expiration date is printed on the container or the box. However, it happens that some pieces of makeup go bad even before their official expiration date. That may happen if you don’t store the products properly. As most of us keep at least some of our makeup in a makeup bag, it is essential to revise the contents occasionally. Spring might be an ideal time to do all sorts of clean-up and an excellent chance to address even your toiletries. So, the question is, how often d

 

o you clean your makeup bag?

Take a good look at your makeup bag and imagine what it would say

If you took a good look at the contents of your cosmetic bag, you could be surprised how many products have gone past their expiration date. Even if they are not expired, it may happen they have a short shelf life. Once you open a product, it can last three to six months, a year, or two. No one can remember when they opened a lipstick or a compact powder, but a quick inspection should tell you the difference. If your liquid powder is separated or it smells funny, it is time to let it go. On the other hand, if you have been using your bronzer for over a year now but still have plenty left, don’t worry. Powder-based products like bronzers, blushes, and eyeshadows can last for three years. Also, lipsticks have a longer shelf life and can last more than two years.

 

Clean out your makeup bag and throw out old products

A good piece of advice is to take everything out of your makeup bag and go item by item. Look at the color, the texture, and the smell. If something feels or looks off, it is better to replace it. If your mascara is dry, don’t hesitate to buy a new one. Also, if your liquid eyeliner is getting lumpy, toss it and get a new one. It is better to invest in a couple of new things than risk putting something filled with bacteria on your face. Taking good care of your skin and keeping it healthy is essential. Avoid skin irritation, and try to dry your face with a clean towel and change towels frequently. If you are a tissue kind of person, you can get yourself a tissue box cover to make a statement in your bathroom.

A tissue box cover can be an excellent gift for your makeup-loving girlfriends.

Cleaning your makeup inside and out

When you decide what to keep and throw out of your makeup bag, look at the cosmetic bag itself. Inspect if it is dirty and whether it requires a good wash. Well, there are a few ways to clean it, depending on how dirty it is. You can use waterproof makeup remover to remove stains and traces of your lipstick or eyeshadow. Also, try using some eco-friendly products you have in your kitchen, like baking soda and water. Scrub the insides of your makeup bag as this is a great green way to clean your space and your belongings. If the makeup bag is made of durable materials, you can put it in a washing machine and program it for delicate washing. After cleaning it thoroughly, you can spray it with alcohol or some other alcohol-based sanitizer.

Keep it simple and stick to the essentials

When you manage to clean out your makeup bag, it is time to start fresh and fill it with your stuff. This time keep it simple. Put only the items you use and need. Don’t clutter it with everything you have. There is no universal rule on what makeup essentials are; it all depends on your preferences. If you put mascara on every day, be sure to include it in your makeup bag. However, if you put on your bronzer once every couple of months and often forget that you even have one, it doesn’t go in your makeup bag. Besides having a clean makeup bag, remember to have enough beauty sleep on clean, high-quality pillowcases. You will be doing your skin a favor.

Sleeping on clean pillowcases is great for your skin.

Prevent your beauty products from going bad

Now that you have filled your beauty bag with your makeup essentials. Here are some tips you can use:

  • Make sure you tighten the lid on all your products
  • Always wash your hands and dry with a clean cotton terry cloth towel
  • Store all products away from the sun or sources of heat
  • Don’t keep your beauty products in highly humid places
  • Never share your makeup with anyone
  • Once in a couple of months, check on your eye products

Clean cotton towels are the best option for drying your wet hands.

Spring is a great time to get a clean start

If you are wondering when is the best time to clean out your makeup bag, the time is now. Spring is a great time to have a fresh start. Usually, as spring comes, we use the time to go through our old stuff, declutter and get rid of the things we don’t use. You can use this opportunity to go through your closet, as well. Pull up all the clothes that you haven’t even worn once during the past years. Consider giving them away, selling, or donating them. Also, it would help if you pulled out clothes you don’t need for the season and put them in storage. You can use storage at home or even rent a storage unit if you have the need. You will undoubtedly feel a lot better after decluttering your closet, bathroom, and cosmetic bag. It is a great way to summon that springtime magic.

Photos used:

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Five Tips for Packing Cosmetics

The time has come to pack for the relocation to your new home. Don’t forget that you should pack some of your cosmetics and toiletries last. This is so important because you need to stay organized before the big move! Plus, you will need those toiletries (most likely) until the last minute and shortly after you relocate. Properly packing cosmetics is vital for their safe transport and your peace of mind. Here at Jacaranda Living, we love cosmetic bags, cosmetic cases, makeup pouches and all things that help you keep your personal belongings neat and in place.

cosmetic case
Convenient for travel or for everyday use. This functional Cosmetic Case only comes in one size. It has a sturdy top zipper with “heart” shaped sliders and a single inside compartment that has inner waterproof lining.

Tip #1: Know your daily routine and make a list

Before anything else, you should know when and what to pack. If you go through your daily routine, you will get a clear image of which items you should pack last. Several necessary cosmetics products should wait outside the moving box until the moving day morning. All must-have items should go into the bag or backpack you’ll carry on your person, so make sure you wrap them tightly.

Take some time to make a (short) list of essential items if you’re unsure which ones you use daily. Don’t worry if you put away something you might need soon after you move in. If there is anything important that you can’t find in your moving boxes right after the move, you can always purchase it online during sales and promotions. When it comes to cosmetics and toiletries, there are the items you use every day and those you need only on special occasions. Moving day is not one of those occasions. You will want to feel comfortable, and we’re sure that doesn’t require several layers of makeup or hair spray. You are unlikely to use such products within the first few weeks after the move, so you should pack them first. We love embroidered natural linen cosmetic bags because they are less likely to get dirty (compared to white waffle) but regardless, you can throw both fabrics in the wash to get clean if they get dirty along the move.

cosmetic bag natural linen
Natural Linen (with inner plastic lining). Convenient for travel (especially when packing and organizing!) and everyday use. These Natural Linen Cosmetic Bags have a sturdy top zipper with a “star” slider and a single inside compartment that is plastic lined. Custom monogramming can be added for an extra cost. Please contact us at info@jacarandaliving.com to do it for you.

Tip #2: Declutter before you pack

The less space your moving boxes take, the less you are likely to pay for the move. Saving on the moving costs starts with smart packing, and that is where our toiletry bags come in. Moving is also an excellent opportunity to check what you have and dispose of the excess. If you have too much makeup in good condition, give them away to your friends. That is already one bag fewer to pack!

Most of us buy XL packages of favorite toiletries, and they are often less than half full when we need to move or travel. Ideally, you should pour the liquids into smaller bottles and get rid of bulky packaging before packing. Also, remove your tissue box covers to see how many wipes you have left and place them in a resealable plastic bag to save space. Most importantly, check the expiry dates on your cosmetics. If your makeup has dried out or changed color or scent, don’t waste your time packing it. Get a trash bag into the bathroom with you, check your beauty items piece by piece, and dispose of everything you’re not going to use after the move.

cosmetic bag waffle weave
White Waffle Weave (with inner plastic lining). Beautiful embroidery designs – choose your favorite! A range of sizes to choose from too. The fabric is 100% cotton and easy to wash and dry in the machine.

Tip #3: Get the right moving box

There are various moving containers in the market today made to fit every moving need. You have a choice when it comes to packing cosmetics and toiletries: you can either use cardboard or plastic moving bins. Cardboard boxes are lighter and easy to come by for free. However, take into consideration the safety of your belongings. If one of the more massive pieces of furniture leans on your box with cosmetics, your bottles with liquids may break, soaking not only the cardboard box but all nearby boxes and belongings.

Plastic moving bins, on the other hand, are sturdy, water-proof, and air-tight. They also come in various sizes. While they are not as inexpensive as cardboard boxes, they are worth the price. Not only are they versatile and reusable, but you can easily clean and disinfect them as well. That is something you can’t do with regular cardboard boxes.

Moreover, getting the right moving container before you start packing cosmetics will also help you unpack systematically to save time after the move. The good thing about methodically packed plastic bins is that you don’t even need to empty them. Use them as a container for your toiletries even after you relocate. These floral printed cosmetic bags make it easy to pack because of the plastic lining and waterproof exterior.

floral cosmetic bag waterproof
Striking colors with happy, digitally printed designs! Go ahead and make a statement at home or while traveling.

Tip #4: Have a system for packing cosmetics

Even though your movers will do everything in their power to ensure smooth loading and unloading, you should wrap your cosmetics tightly. Unscrew the cap, put plastic wrap over the opening, place the cap back, and tighten it. You can always put bottles with liquids of the same type, such as shower gels, in a resealable zipper bag. When it comes to your powdery cosmetics, make sure you don’t leave any space between their packaging. You can use cotton pads as a buffer for your compact mirror, blush, face powder, and similar items. Don’t hesitate to tape the packaging if you worry it’ll open and spill out in transport. If your moving box is too large for its contents, you can use your decorative pillows as the padding material.

Another essential thing to keep in mind is the temperature. If you’re moving during the summer season, note that the moving vans are not climate-controlled. If you leave the box(es) with cosmetics and toiletries in a truck, you risk a few things. High temperatures can cause some of the product packaging to burst. Some temperature-sensitive items can melt, causing their ingredients to separate and, thus, become ineffective. Also, high temperatures can affect your makeup’s quality (and color), so don’t expose your high-end items to the extremes.

Tip #5: Label the box with cosmetics

Making an inventory and labeling your moving containers comes as the last but not the least important tip. Once the moving day is over, there is nothing people need more than to freshen up. Searching for the box with toiletries in the sea of other boxes is the last thing you will need at that moment. Unless you’re moving your cosmetics bags in your car, clearly label the container and mark it as “Fragile.” You can use a specially colored tape to mark this box and find it quickly when needed.

Clearly labeling your box will ensure that nothing else is stacked upon your sensitive belongings, especially during unloading of the moving van. As long as your container with toiletries is on top of other boxes, the items within tightly closed and buffered, your items will arrive safely to your new home.

mermaid cosmetic bag
Convenient for travel, moving homes and for everyday use. This Waffle Weave Cosmetic Bag has a sturdy top zipper with a “star” slider and a single inside compartment that is plastic lined.

Have a safe move and enjoy picking your favorite type of bag to hold all your precious belongings at Jacaranda Living. Be well!