Beauty & Fashion 

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Organising your beauty drawer

Q: I've made a commitment to sort out my myriad of beauty products once and for all. The problem is, I can't decide what to keep and throw away. Can you help?

A: Yes. The start of a new season (or even a rainy day) is the perfect time to sort out your beauty drawer. It will keep you from getting stuck in a beauty rut, using the same foundations, lipsticks and blushes just because they're within easy reach. We know it's not easy to ditch products, so here are a few tips to help:

Consider their shelf life
Certain make-up essentials, including lipsticks and powder products, have a shelf life of about three years. Liquid foundations will separate and spoil within two years, and mascara should be replaced every three months. If you're not sure of the age of a product in your beauty drawer, give it the 'scent test'. If a product is spoiled, it will smell 'off'. If you're still not sure but have your doubts, it's best to ditch it.

If you don't use it, lose it
The key to a well-organised beauty drawer is to keep only the items you know you'll use again. If the same product has remained there unused for several years, don't hesitate to toss it. If you have a few splurges that aren't meant for everyday wear (glittery eye shadow, for example), keep them for the next special event. But, if the product goes unused even when you have the chance to wear it, it's time to part with it. Don't feel guilty throwing away those lipsticks that looked great in the store but dreadful at home. If you know in your heart you won't wear something, forgive yourself for making the minor (and common) mistake, and throw it out.

Keep it simple
Identify the staples of your beauty routine (colours you wear well and frequently, for instance) and keep these well-chosen essentials. Then, allow yourself one additional eyeshadow and two extra lipsticks. For example, if you ordinarily wear earth-toned matt eyeshadow, resist the urge to buy that hot new lavender shade you know you'll never wear. Instead, keep an extra shimmery colour as your signature shade for special nights out. If you wear lipsticks in mauve or brown tones every day, keep that one great gloss or ruby red for special occasions.

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