Organizing a Large Makeup Collection in INS - Style Bags

Introduction

When you have a large makeup collection stored in INS-style bags, maintaining organization is key. It not only makes it easier to find what you need but also helps keep your bags looking stylish. Here are some strategies to keep your collection neatly arranged.

1. Categorize Your Makeup

1.1 By Product Type

• Foundation, Concealer, and Powder: Group all your foundation bottles, concealers, and powder compacts together. This could be in a dedicated section of your main makeup bag or in a smaller bag specifically for face products. Using dividers in your bag can help keep these items separate and prevent them from knocking into each other. For example, you can place liquid foundations in one compartment and powder products in another.
• Eye Makeup: Organize eye makeup such as eyeshadows, eyeliners, and mascaras. You can further categorize eye makeup by type, like putting all the eyeshadow palettes in one area and individual eyeliners in a separate pocket. Some bags come with elastic loops that are perfect for holding eyeliners and mascara wands upright.
• Lip Products: Keep lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip balms together. A small, flat - bottomed bag with compartments is ideal for lip products. You can arrange them by color or brand for quick access. For instance, place all the red lipsticks in one section and nude lip products in another.

1.2 By Usage Occasion

• Everyday vs Special Occasion: Separate your everyday makeup from products you use for special occasions. Everyday items like a basic mascara, a natural - looking blush, and a nude lipstick can be in an easily accessible part of your main bag. Special - occasion products, such as glittery eyeshadows or bold lipsticks, can be stored in a different bag or a less - frequently accessed compartment. This way, you can quickly grab the right products depending on your needs.
• Daytime vs Nighttime: Similar to the above, distinguish between daytime and nighttime makeup. Daytime makeup usually consists of lighter, more natural - looking products, while nighttime makeup might include more dramatic eyeshadows and darker lip colors. Categorizing by usage occasion helps streamline your morning and evening beauty routines.

2. Regularly Declutter

2.1 Check for Expired Products

• Set a Schedule: Make it a habit to regularly check for expired makeup. Set a reminder, perhaps quarterly or semi - annually, to go through your collection. Expired makeup can not only be ineffective but also potentially harmful to your skin. Check the expiration dates on the packaging or look for signs of spoilage, such as a change in color, texture, or smell.
• Dispose Properly: Once you've identified expired products, dispose of them properly. Some makeup products can be recycled, while others need to be thrown away in the regular trash. For example, glass containers can often be recycled, but makeup sponges should be discarded.

2.2 Get Rid of Duplicates

• Inventory Your Collection: Take an inventory of your makeup to identify duplicates. It's common to end up with multiple similar - colored lipsticks or eyeshadows. Decide which ones you use the most and either donate or discard the duplicates. This not only frees up space in your bags but also makes it easier to find the products you truly love.
• Evaluate Unused Items: Look for products that you haven't used in a long time. If you haven't reached for a particular eyeshadow palette or a blush in months, consider whether you really need it. You might want to give these items away to a friend or family member who could use them.

3. Use Labeling and Markings

3.1 Label Your Bags and Compartments

• Bag - Level Labeling: Clearly label each of your INS-style bags. Use a label maker or write on the bags with a permanent marker. Labels like “Face Makeup,” “Eye Makeup,” or “Travel Makeup” make it easy to quickly identify the contents of each bag. This is especially helpful when you have multiple bags stored together.
• Compartment - Level Labeling: Inside your bags, label the compartments as well. If you have a bag with multiple compartments for different types of products, labels such as “Liquid Foundations,” “Powder Blushes,” or “Mascaras” can help you keep everything organized. You can use small, adhesive labels or write directly on the dividers.

3.2 Mark Product Expiration Dates

• Use a Permanent Marker: On the bottom or side of makeup products, mark the date you first opened them. This is important because many makeup products have a “period - after - opening” (PAO) symbol on the packaging, which indicates how long the product is good for once opened. By marking the opening date, you can easily keep track of when a product is due to expire.
• Create a Tracking System: If you have a very large collection, you can create a digital or paper-based tracking system for product expiration dates. List the product name, the date it was opened, and the expiration date according to the PAO symbol. This system can help you stay organized and ensure you're using fresh makeup.

4. Reorganize Periodically

4.1 As Your Collection Grows

• Adjust Compartments: As your makeup collection grows, you may need to adjust the compartments in your bags. If you've acquired more eyeshadow palettes, you might need to make more space for them by rearranging the dividers. Some bags with adjustable dividers make this process easier. You can also consider adding additional small bags or organizers to accommodate new products.
• Upgrade Your Storage: If your collection outgrows your current bags, it might be time to upgrade to larger bags or add more storage solutions. Look for bags with more compartments or consider investing in a wall-mounted organizer to better organize your expanded collection.

4.2 Seasonal Reorganization

• Switch Products: Seasonal changes often mean different makeup preferences. In the summer, you might use lighter, more waterproof products, while in the winter, you could opt for richer, more hydrating formulas. At the start of each season, go through your collection and switch out products accordingly. Store the off-season products in a separate bag or area.
• Update Organization: Along with switching products, take the opportunity to update your organization. Rearrange the compartments, relabel if necessary, and make sure everything is in its proper place. This seasonal reorganization helps keep your makeup collection organized and relevant to your current needs.

5. FAQ

Q: What if I can't decide which products to get rid of?

A: If you're having trouble deciding which products to discard, try a “test run.” Pick two similar products and use them for a week. Whichever one you like better or use more often can stay, and the other can be let go. You can also ask a friend for their opinion or consider the condition of the product. If one is dried out or has a less flattering color, it might be the one to discard.

Q: Can I use apps to help organize my makeup collection?

A: Yes, there are several apps available that can help you organize your makeup collection. Apps like “My Makeup” or “BeautyKeeper” allow you to create an inventory of your products, track expiration dates, and even categorize products by brand, type, or color. These apps can be a great tool, especially if you have a large and diverse makeup collection.

6. Conclusion

Keeping a large makeup collection organized in INS-style bags requires a combination of categorization, decluttering, labeling, and periodic reorganization. By following these strategies, you can ensure that your makeup collection remains organized, accessible, and stylish.

Relevant Dofollow Links
Pinterest Makeup Organization Boards
YouTube Makeup Organization Videos