I keep reading titles of articles that say “New Year, New You” as if there was something wrong with the current you. While we always want to be our best selves, set new goals, try new things… most of us don’t need an entire makeover.

One of the other dominant themes this month is organization.  Of course I support this theme and the desire by many to either get organized or be more organized. So how can you kick-off the New Year on the right foot and start the process of being more organized? I say start small, with a room or task you can accomplish in a few hours.

Perhaps you’d like to start in your bathroom with your cosmetics and other beauty products. Most of us don’t have a lot of time to get ready each day so having what you need within easy reach is one easy way to reduce stress.

Step 1: Throw out all expired products

Did you know that makeup and other beauty products have expiration dates? Unfortunately many of these items have a relatively short shelf life, some only a few months.  Check out these guidelines published by Real Simple magazine.

Now that you know the shelf life of all your beauty products, let’s start cleaning out everything that’s expired, never been used and talking up that valuable real estate in your bathroom drawers and cabinets.

Step 2: Empty all drawers, cabinets and other storage containers

Place items into one of the following piles:

• Everyday items. These items are the bread and butter of your daily routine, your go-to products that deserve prime real estate in your bathroom.
• Special occasion products. The glittery nail polish and false eyelashes or anything reserved for a night on the town.
• Rarely or never used.  This would be a lipstick or eye shadow that looked good in the store but didn’t pass muster in the light of day.
• Hidden gems. Many times in the organizing process we find something otherwise thought to be lost. 
• Duplicates.  Anything you bought in multiples to use once the original has been depleted.
• Appliances & accessories. Hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, hairbrushes, pony-tail holders and make-up brushes.

Step 3: Review the piles

• Pitch anything that is expired or has never been used.  No need to keep reminding yourself of a mistake purchase.
• Toss anything that is broken or missing a top.  Broken powders to topless lipsticks will create a mess in your makeup bag, or worse yet, ruin a nice handbag.
• Go through your makeup brushes.  Keep only those in decent shape and wash them before giving them a new home.  A little dish soap and water will give them a new life.
• Same with hairbrushes.  Keep only one of each type and wash them as well.
• Find a small cosmetics bag or Ziploc bag for the rarely used makeup and label it so you quickly find it.

Step 4: Organize

How you organize your remaining products really depends on the space you have and how much stuff you wish to remain on the counter.  Here are some general guidelines that you can adjust to your space and personal preference.

Makeup and small toiletries

If you have one or more drawers in your bathroom then take advantage of this space by having your make-up in one drawer and other toiletries, like toothpaste, facial cleansers, etc. in another.  Use clear drawer dividers like these from the Container Store, keeping like items together.

clear drawer dividers

If you need to use the countertop for your makeup you can store your streamlined products in a corner cosmetic organizer.  If you prefer bamboo to acrylic, try this one.  I’ve come across a few DIY solutions for makeup brushes that I think are both cute and practical.

DIY solution for makeup brushes

Larger toiletries

Utilize the space in upper or lower cupboards for larger items, like mouthwash, body lotion and hair products. Open plastic bins are a great way to corral these items and keep them easily accessible. 

Hair appliances/brushes

If possible place these items in a cupboard and/or drawer to free up counter space and keep things uncluttered.  If you would like to corral them in one container (that can be kept either on the countertop or elsewhere), try something like this.

My new favorite cosmetics line – Jouer Cosmetics

A few years ago I became a big fan of a cosmetic company called Jouer.  You’re probably not familiar with them as until recently this L.A. based company only sold their products at Henry Bendel in NYC and online.  Jouer products are now available at select Nordstrom stores and I was fortunate to attend their opening at Nordstrom Santa Monica Place.

Designed for the woman on the go, this four-in-one palette snaps back to back and side to side, for the ultimate customization and ideal for travel. How clever is that? You can create your own palette of colors by visiting Nordstrom Santa Monica or Jouercosmetics.com.

Now that all your beauty products are nicely organized in their new homes, it’s time to pamper yourself a bit.  Why not draw a bubble bath and relax.  After all, you deserve it after all your hard work!

As always, I love to hear your comments.  Please let me know how you organize your beauty essentials.