Start 2024 off on the right foot with a vanity refresh—ahead, we’ve compiled a guide to organising your beauty desk.

Mamma Mia: Here we go again! 2024 is officially here, and with it comes a slew of New Year’s Resolutions seldom kept. Oh? You’d like to break the cycle and follow through on your promises to get organised and declutter? We’re so glad to hear you say that.

There is no time like the present to get those vanities in check, and—lucky for you—we’re here to help you through it. From the most strategic ways to tackle your mountain of hoarding efforts to the tidbits you’ll need to get them sorted, find our foolproof five-step plan to getting your drawers in order ahead:

 

Step 1: Clear it out

Bear in mind: This doesn’t mean you’ve got to chuck your whole beauty collection in the bin (that would definitely leave your desk clean, if not rather sad-looking). No, to begin your organisational journey, you must first dismantle your station in its entirety. Clear out each drawer and line up everything that lies within neatly so you can see it plain as day.

 

Step 2: Wipe it down

 

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Now that we’re all emptied out, it’s time to deploy the wipes and disinfectant across your vanity—never again (or, at least, not for a long while) will your drawer be so empty and rife for a deep clean. Make sure you’re getting every nook and cranny, and thoroughly drying it afterwards too.

PSST: Now is a great time to give your makeup brushes and sponges a clean, too. Heck—while you’re at it, why not tackle all your beauty tools all at once?

READ: The definitive guide to cleaning every beauty tool in your vanity

 

Step 3: Tackle the mountain

 

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Are there expired products in your beauty collection? No? Are you sure? If you’re looking for a sign, this is it—throw your manky, mouldy palettes in the bin now. Those expiration guidelines are not just a suggestion!

FYI: Mascaras and eyeliners last around three months; foundations, lipsticks and lip liners last around 12 months; cream eyeshadows, bronzers or blushes last up to 18 months; and finally, powdered products and eyeshadows last up to around two years.

READ: Here’s how to prevent mould from growing in your liquid and cream beauty products

Apart from the multitudes of health concerns, you may soon suffer from at the hands of your mould- and bacteria-ridden expired beauty products, using an expired moisturiser or foundation is also a surefire way to guarantee breakouts. It’s just not worth it.

 

Step 4: Group, group, group!

 

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Now that we’ve got a revised version of your makeup collection all lined up, it’s time to sort it accordingly. First, separate your products by how much use they get—you’ll want to have your day-to-day products within accessible reach, so separate them from the rest of your collection.

Then, work on separating whatever is leftover by category. For example: By lips, cheeks, eyes, face, and skincare. Alternatively, you can group your products by brand—do whatever works best for you. Once that’s dealt with, we can move on to the next step.

 

Step 5: Get organised

While they aren’t necessary, we find that the best way to get your desk as neat and accessible as possible is to invest in a few beauty organisers. A few transparent, stackable makeup drawers and containers will work wonders in keeping your collection both accessible and visible.

However, in a pinch (or if you’re too lazy to browse for the perfect set), using any old box or Tupperware will do. The key here would be to label everything so that you’ll know exactly which box contains what. Trust us—it saves you a lot of rummaging before a night out.

 

Optional: Keep a travel beauty bag on hand

READ: 10 Foolproof ways to cut down the bulk in your travel beauty bag

If you’re wondering what to do with all the makeup and skincare samples you’re getting with your beauty hauls, we have a suggestion. Instead of chucking them in the back of your vanity to be soon forgotten, put your favourites in a little travel bag for convenience. Just grab and go!

As for our spring cleaning tips, that pretty much sums it up! By now, you should hopefully have a vanity that is spick-and-span, or at least a solid plan in mind.

 

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