• Lifestyle
    • Faith
    • Minimalism
    • Zero Waste
    • Home
    • Motherhood & Family
    • Health & Wellness
    • Travel
  • Food
    • Raw Food
    • Vegetarian
    • Smoothies
    • Desserts
    • Clean Eating
    • What I Eat In A Day
  • DIY
    • Facial Cleanser
    • Facial Serum/Moisturizer
    • Facial Mask/Treatment
    • Eye Cream/Serum
    • Lip Balm
    • Hair Cleanser
    • Hair Rinse
    • Hair Leave-In/Styler
    • Beauty Oil/Butter
    • Beauty Mist/Toner
    • Natural Fragrance/Perfume
    • Deodorant
    • Nail Care
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Curly Hair Regimen
    • Healthy Hair Tips
    • Chemical-Free Series/Hair
    • Skin
    • Acne
    • Principles
    • Chemical-Free Series/Skin
  • Style
    • Modesty
    • Wardrobe Simplified
    • My Capsule Wardrobe
  • SHOP
  • About
    • Beauty Regimen
    • My Personal Testimony
    • My Minimalist Home
    • Testimonials

Minimalist Beauty

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

Minimalist Beauty

Creatively Declutter Cosmetics

March 7, 2012 by Dawn Michelle

I’ve received many questions on how to clear out cosmetics without the grief of feeling that you are throwing your hard earned money away.  I’m not sure how holding on to an unflattering eyeshadow or a failed bottle of conditioner can hold so much power over us, but it sometimes can.  It is important that we take that power back.

Every item that we own holds energy.  The more you free up space from items that are unused, disliked, and unnecessary, the more energetic space you have for what you do desire.  Instead of viewing it as throwing away money, you are instead creating space, beauty, and abundance by getting rid of things that no longer serve you.

Ways To Creatively Declutter Your Beauty Products

1. The Beauty Bin

Give yourself a limit to how much space your cosmetics will take up.  Your beauty bins are not necessarily a specific size, yet I prefer mine to be somewhat small to medium.   I have three beauty bins.

–A cosmetic bag that holds my makeup, nail polishes, makeup brushes, and natural fragrances

–A medium sized container for products or items that I do not use daily, for example bath salts, henna, flexi rod rollers, sunscreen, etc.

–A small container for what I use daily such as rhassoul clay, raw honey face wash, moisturizer, body oil, tooth brush, deodorant, conditioner, etc.

When my beauty bins become disorganized and overflowing, I know that it’s time to let something go.  This is one area that needs to be organized often as I can get ahead of myself when “discovering” a new natural oil, product, or ingredient.  Limiting the amount of space allowed for beauty items keeps them from taking over the entire bathroom.

2. Half Empty Bottles

You just found the latest most innovative beauty product.  You stop using the old product to begin using the new one.  Somehow this happens time and time again.  You are left with a ton of half empty bottles.  You have a few options to break the cycle.

–Swap your gently used products with others on beauty forums

–Pass them on to family or friends who may want to try a “new” product

–Become a “mixtress”

3. A “Mixtress”?

Yes, become a “mixtress” and consolidate like products that didn’t work out for one use and give them a new purpose.  Being creative can reinvent former unloved items.  This past December I bought an emerald green Zoya nail polish thinking that it would be a fun color.  It turned out to be absolutely awful, and also not returnable.  I happened to have a sample of turquoise mica powder that I hadn’t really used.  I did an experiment using a tiny piece of paper to funnel the mica into the nail polish to create a new color.  I ended up with a gorgeous new nail polish using exactly what I already had at home.

Another example of renewing products is mixing half empty conditioner bottles together with a bit of oil and honey for a deep conditioner.  Here is a simple way to use up those empty bottles and give an old conditioner new life.  You can do this with many of the products you already have.  Mixing unloved beauty products to create something new is the perfect way to consolidate and declutter.

4. Use Up What You Have

With all of the lavish beauty product marketing and advertising, it is so tempting to keep buying the latest.  There is nothing wrong with trying new things.  I enjoy discovering a wonderful beauty product.  The only problem is that you may already have something similar at home.  Instead finish what you have, and then purchase the new product.

5.  Expiration and Ingredients

When decluttering makeup, figure out if the item is still safe to use.  In Cosmetic Expires!!, I share the expiration dates for your makeup items.  Makeup can grow bacteria over time, and really shouldn’t be keep for more than 1-1.5 years.  The items that can be kept the longest are loose and pressed powders.  I personally would swap out a pressed face powder sooner than a pressed eyeshadow or blush.

As you are learn more about the cosmetic ingredients to avoid, it will be easier to toss beauty products that contain harsh and toxic chemicals.  The beauty industry isn’t monitored like others.  This is a big disservice especially since our skin is our largest organ.  Everything that we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies.  If this wasn’t the case, then nicotine patches wouldn’t be affective.

6. Make Your Own

In A More Minimalist Approach To Beauty, I write about 10 ingredients that I wanted to downsize to for creating my own beauty products.  I would currently add two more items to this list which are rhassoul clay and a botanical conditioner.  When making your own beauty products or using simple ingredients in place of traditional cosmetics, you often have multipurpose ingredients that can be used in many many ways.  This can greatly cut back on clutter.

What tips have you used to cut back on beauty products?

(Image by Dawn Michelle)

Stay Connected with Minimalist Beauty & Subscribe with bloglovin’. Also Join the Community on Facebook & Twitter. For more about Dawn Michelle go here!

Share

Facebook Google+ Twitter Pinterest Email

You might also like...

Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Rachel Papworth says

    March 8, 2012 at 3:23 am

    Excellent tips. I particularly like your emphasis on finding ways to reuse or find new homes for unwanted stuff. Although I agree that it’s fun to try new things, I do recommend thinking twice before acquiring more and more stuff. Other ways to move on unwanted cosmetics include donating unopened ones to homeless shelters and women’s refuges, and offering reusable opened ones on Freegle/Freecycle.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 8, 2012 at 9:01 am

      Thanks for sharing your great tips Rachel! It is definitely better to use up what you have before buying more new cosmetics. Otherwise it completely defeats the purpose of decluttering them. I love your perspective! Best wishes!

      Reply
  2. Michelle says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:42 am

    so this is where I struggle because I get TONS of new products to review for my blog. I’m ok with it but I just had to find a way to organize it all better. For one, I don’t accept every offer for a review – only what I think I’d really be intereste in and what my readers would be interested in. Otherwise, I pass.

    As for makeup, I have 2 bags and a tray that’s in my dresser drawer nice and organized 🙂 My nail polishes are in a portable case along with any other nail related stuff. I do make sure to throw away old bottles regularly though.

    here’s a photo of my makeup tray…not minimalist – but organized:

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 9, 2012 at 7:10 am

      Hi Michelle, Nice article!

      Reply
  3. Polina says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:23 pm

    There was a tag that went around the beauty community on the web (blogs and youtube) last year: Project Ten Pan. The idea is to make a list of ten (or as many as you want) products and you need to use all of them up completely before buying any new cosmetics. This challenge is very useful to get rid of dupes in your collection (like the million medium brown eye shadows that a lot of girls hoard) and to reacquaint yourself with your collection and your old makeup loves (especially useful for those with extensive make up collections).

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 9, 2012 at 7:05 am

      Polina, This is a wonderful tip! It really is good to fall back in love with what you already have.

      Reply
  4. Jill says

    April 3, 2012 at 6:57 am

    Love that term mixtress!

    i do actually have a lot of cosmetics, but have cut down of the ‘clutter” effect by buying the colours that suit me and that i know i will wear.

    I mix too-dark foundation with a sunscreen to make a tinted moisturiser sunscreen.

    As for conditioner, I make a detangle spray by adding water to a spoonful of conditioner. Very helpful in hot weather!!

    I will probably still have to get rid of some stuff at some stage, but certainly these things have helped me.

    Great post! 😉

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      April 3, 2012 at 6:56 pm

      Hi Jill,
      So glad you enjoyed the article. Like you said buying products that you will actually use or wear is the key. I also think that tweaking simple products to make something new like with your foundation and conditioner is brilliant. I know that the more that we create our own products, methods, etc. we develop confidence and freedom from always feeling like we need something new or a different product. Less is more and peace of mind!
      Best Wishes,
      Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  5. Carolyn says

    August 21, 2012 at 9:36 am

    I am so pleased to have found your amazing blog.I wanted to share a new product that I LOVE.It is called BOOM,by model/make up artist Cindy Joseph. It is essentially three products for all skin types and colors. My skin feels like a baby’s bottom., and it makes it so easy to pack.Three products, a toothbrsu,done.You will love it gals!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      August 21, 2012 at 10:42 am

      Hi Carlyn,

      I am also happy you found my blog and are enjoying it! I looked up the Boom products and the idea of the line is fantastic. When looking at the ingredients, Boom Glo is all natural, yet Boom Glimmer and Boom Color has some not so good for you chemical ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients that you can research on your own to make the best decisions for yourself.

      There are other lines line Vapour Beauty that create similar products with healthier ingredients also packaged the same. They also have a moisturizer, all over color, and shimmer/glo stick. This line has an all natural base with mineral colors versus synthetic colors and no strange additives. Thanks for sharing and best wishes!

      Reply
  6. Ying says

    June 28, 2017 at 6:18 am

    I try to find a different use for products I don’t like instead of just throwing them out (although I do throw them out if I can’t think of a different use!). Conditioners can be used as shaving gel, shampoos can be used as body washes, hand lotions that turn out too greasy for the hands get used as a foot cream, etc., etc. The only trouble I have is with makeup. Somehow makeup is much harder for me to toss and I always get trapped thinking “No, I just have to try it again, I’m sure I can make this color/formula work for me somehow.” I’m getting a bit better now at letting makeup go but it’s still a process!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      July 3, 2017 at 3:27 pm

      Hi Ying,
      It’s great to find creative ways to use what you already have. Thanks for sharing this!

      Reply
Previous
Next
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

I met a woman the other day who openly shared some I met a woman the other day who openly shared some of her challenges with motherhood.  Motherhood is intensely challenging, beyond humbling, and at times you just want the day to be over then realizing that you’ll be back at it the next day.  It never ends and there isn’t much reprive.  It’s been on my heart to share some encouragement to any mother who will read this.  I pray this will bless you in some way.  The link is in my profile!
🌻 #motherhood #encouragement #humility #minimalistbeauty
Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a m Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a multitude of medicinal properties along with being a prominent spice in many cultural dishes.  For starters, fenugreek seeds are packed with protein for strengthening strands, mucilage for moisturizing and soothing the scalp while detangling the hair, and most importantly nicotinic acid which may minimize hair shedding while soothing scalp issues.  Fenugreek seeds are also anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal which is beneficial for soothing a dry irritated scalp as well as high in iron. 🍂

These little seeds are a win win for natural hair care and can be used in various ways.  I’ve used fenugreek seeds in my beauty regimen on and off for years.  Today I wanted to share four easy ways you can incorporate fenugreek in your hair regimen to promote healthy hair growth.  The link is in the profile. 🍂

#diyhaircare #naturalhair #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
God is so good! We move on FRIDAY. This picture God is so good!  We move on FRIDAY.  This picture was taken before they removed the bricking which was VERY NOISY to say the least.  We haven’t been completely able to avoid the beginning of the construction process, but I honestly think it’s a good thing.  This way we can remain GRATEFUL throughout the entire process.  GRATITUDE during LIFE’S IMPERFECTION develops CONTENTMENT.  That is one thing I work on daily.  If you missed our “We’re Moving Again” testimony it’s on the blog. 🌿🍁🍃

 #testimony #sharewhatisgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the wee Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the week.  I make muffins for Saturday’s breakfast (either corn bread, pumpkin, or banana bread muffins) to have with fruit, a big crockpot dinner for the weekend (beans & rice bowls, lentils and sweet potato stews, or a big veggie and red potato stew) to serve with bread, tortillas, grains, and/or salad depending on the dish, and I’m usually putting orders together to go out for @iamazuha today too.  All the while I’m also making other food for the day. 🍂🥧🍁

Friday’s are crazy because of the usual responsibilities, but mainly because I really want to relax a bit over the weekend.  Over this past year I’ve worked really hard to create systems to make working from home and being a homemaker easier.  Homemaking really is like running a small boutique bed and breakfast hotel.  It takes planning ahead, having a solid system, financial planning, commitment, and a lot of love.  I’ve been learning to really enjoy this process.  Just like everybody else I’ve been baking more this year than ever.  Very rewarding. 🍂🥧🍁

Wishing all of you a beautiful and blessed weekend! 
💞Dawn Michelle
We’re MOVING again! With everything going on wi We’re MOVING again!  With everything going on with the world wide pandemic, I’m seeing the importance of sharing anything good that the Lord is doing in your life with others.  We need HOPE.  We need to share the JOY of walking with God.  The testimonies of glorifying God would just add encouragement that I know I need.  I LOVE hearing of God making ways out of no way, giving us more hope and FAITH. 🌿🍂🍃

I was initially praying to God for ways to endure what we were about to go through while somehow someway making it nice for my family during the process.  But God was already orchestrating a new way for us to not even have to endure it at all.  Read my testimony on Minimalist Beauty... (link in profile) 🌿🍂🍃

If God has done ANYTHING in your life no matter how small PLEASE share it in the comments below.  We all need to hear what’s good!  The news shares otherwise, but we can create a space here of good testimonies.  Please share below and I pray you are having a blessed day. 🌿🍂🍃

Much love!
#testimony #sharewhatsgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
We could all use an IMMUNE BOOST right now.  Here’s a simple juice recipe that I make for just that.  I call it SPICY APPLE JUICE and my three (almost four) year old drinks it up no problem! 🍎 

I simply juice 2 WHOLE medium/large APPLES (3 small apples pictured) + 3 CLOVES of GARLIC in a slow masticating juicer for one immune boosting serving.  Yes I do include the core as it has many health benefits. 🍎 

After having my 1st official winter back on the east coast last year, RAW GARLIC was how I made it through without getting sick at all while caring for sick family members. 🍎 

Since then I juice garlic in many of my juice recipes or mince up multiple cloves as dinner toppings for chickpea pasta, beans and rice bowls, and stews.  What I LOVE most of all is hearing my son say, “More Juice?” Proud Mama!!!! 🍎

#immuneboost #juicing #juicerecipe #simplenutrition #healthyliving #minimalistbeauty #minimalistbeautyeats
I started wearing linen clothing because it’s ex I started wearing linen clothing because it’s extremely practical.  Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics on the market.  Linen is also considered the world’s strongest natural fabric.  After tiring of purchasing new clothing every season for my heavily worn small capsule wardrobe, it just made sense to look for mid and heavy weight linen garments that could be worn year round and layered that actually lasted. 
🍃

Linen clothing can last up to 2-3 decades if properly cared for.  I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but have finally found a simple method for caring for my linen garments. (Link in profile.)
🍃
#linenlover #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I wear hair buns 95% of the time, and my hair care routine only got simpler with only two “products”. All the details plus why I really cut my hair last spring on the blog.  Much love!  #minimalistbeauty #curlyhairroutine #naturalhaircare
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Copyright 2021 Minimalist Beauty | Site design handcrafted by Station Seven