How to store makeup

In the UK, we spend around 10 billion pounds on makeup every year. That’s more than £250 per buyer each year. If you’re spending hundreds on makeup and cosmetics each year, it’s probably best that you know how to store your makeup in a way that means it has the longest shelf life possible. After all, there’s no use sinking the money for a whole week’s food shop into a new lipstick that you only get a few uses out of before it melts into a lump at the bottom of your purse… 

After you’ve completed the (very tough) job of selecting which makeup to spend your hard earned pennies on, it’s time to learn how to store makeup and use it safely. All makeup products should be stored somewhere clean and dry – but there’s a little more to it when it comes to storing and using makeup safely. Luckily, we’re experts when it comes to storage. Let us break it down for you. 

How to store mascara

Every time you put your mascara back into its tube, you’re pushing in more air and bacteria. This bacteria can cause eye infection and irritation if you keep using the mascara for too long. Because of this, mascara should be replaced every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you use it. 

But in those 3 to 6 months, it’s still important to store mascara properly! Store it upright (with the screw top pointing upwards) and away from heat and moisture. 

How to store lipstick

Lipstick is much hardier. As long as you’re storing it in a cool, dry place (not the bottom of a handbag or in your glove box) then you should be able to use it for up to 2 years. 

However, if your lipstick has melted or been kept improperly, it can affect the formula and make the lipstick nearly unwearable. Even if it’s your most treasured cosmetic, it’s time to bin it if this happens! 

How to store foundation

Foundation is a tricky one. Water based foundations will only last you about a year. Oil based foundations can last longer – sometimes 2 years. To make them last as long as possible, avoid contaminating the product. You can do this by avoiding touching the tip of the foundation pump or the neck of the bottle. Avoiding touching the actual product with anything but a clean brush is best. 

Storing foundation is key to prolonging its life. Keep it out of direct sunlight – which could cause it to separate. It’s also important to keep it somewhere cool. It should be stored upright as well. 

How to store eyeshadows and powders

Powder based makeups don’t contain liquids in the same way lipstick and mascara do, so it’s much harder for bacteria to get their nasty little hands all over your pricey eyeshadow palette or your fave peachy blush. This means that unless you let them get damp or leave them in the sun, they can be used for up to 2 years. 

However, if you want to keep using your powder based makeup for 24 beautiful months, you’ll need to store them – you guessed it – in a clean, dry, cool place. This means you need to get them out of your bathroom cabinet and onto a nice shaded shelf or drawer in your bedroom or wardrobe. 

There’s also another thing you can do to extend the life of your eyeshadow and face powders. Clean. Your. Brushes. We know, we know, cleaning makeup brushes is a chore no one likes to do. But makeup brushes and sponges are porous – which means they can trap bacteria, oil, dead skin cells, dirt, and, well, makeup. You could store your eyeshadow perfectly, but it will still collect bacteria and stop working as well if your brushes are always dirty. 

If you use your makeup brushes daily, you should clean them weekly at a minimum. If you regularly use creamy products (like liquid foundation) then washing your brushes after every use is smart. 

How to store makeup brushes

Speaking of makeup brushes – storing them right is important. Storing them wrong could lead to them getting damp or dirty. It’s best to store them in a bag or case so their bristles won’t get dusty or covered with skin cells and other airborne particles. Make sure the bag or case is clean! 

If you prefer to keep your brushes out in the open, they’re likely to need more regular cleaning. 

As you can see from the above, all makeup products should be stored in a designated cool and dry area, well away from moisture. But this doesn’t mean you have to squirrel it all away in a drawer where it can’t be seen. Instead, we’ve got some handy tips and tricks that will help you figure out how to store makeup. 

Store makeup in clear drawers

Clear drawers can be a little easier to navigate than wooden drawers. As you can see the contents from outside, they’re much easier to organise. This is especially true if you have a large stash of makeup!

Put your go-to products in the top drawer. In the drawers beneath that, organise your drawers by product. The sliding drawers on this container make it even easier to locate products. 

Cart it around

If you prefer to get ready in the bathroom, that’s understandable. But this doesn’t mean you should store your makeup in the bathroom. Instead, fill up a small plastic cart (like the Ikea Raskog trolley) with all your cosmetics. This way, you can roll your makeup from its cool and dry spot into the bathroom when you want to get ready. When you’re done, you can roll it back out again. 

Store makeup by hanging it all up

If you just can’t quite find enough drawer storage for your cosmetics collection, look to your walls and doors. You can hang shoe organisers or pocket organisers over the backs of doors. They’re handy for hairbrushes, curling tongs and dry shampoo – any larger products that take up space on your shelves. 

Repurpose kitchen tools

Kitchen organisers and tools are a great way to store makeup – partly because you’ve probably already got it! Kitchen items won’t look too out of place on your dressing table either.  Here’s how to store makeup in repurposed kitchen items:

• Stack products on a lazy susan

If you always find yourself rummaging in drawers or reaching for the back of your dressing table, try a lazy susan instead. This carousel organiser will do it all for you. You can transform your makeup drawer into a spinning device that lets you find whatever you’re looking for easily. 

• Put your hands in the cookie jar

Found yourself overrun by nail polish bottles in various colours? Get yourself a large glass cookie jar. This way, the colourful shades can peek through and brighten up your dressing table. Then you can take guilt-free dips in the cookie jar as often as you want!

• Display products on a cupcake stand

A pretty cupcake stand is the perfect way to display and organise small products like perfumes and foundations. You can also fill small containers with lip and eyeliners and other little bits and bobs. Just make sure it’s all out of the sun! 

If you find you’re short on space to keep your makeup stored properly, it might be time for a declutter. It’s super easy to end up with too much stuff and not enough space! Check out our blog for more storage tips and decluttering help. 
If you’re desperate to declutter now, then contact us today to find out how we can help you! We’ve got self storage solutions to suit you no matter your situation. Give us a call or get a quote today, and let us help you make room for next year’s 250 pound’s worth of makeup!