I have a lot makeup.  It’s gotten to the point where I’m always looking for new storage ideas and I’ve gone through countless combinations of drawers, stacking containers, etc.  I’m still not happy with it.  The fact is, I don’t have a lot of makeup. I have too much makeup.  I don’t even know if I could conceivably use up all of it… like, ever.

This bothers me.  Freaks me out, even.  How is it that I’ve managed to accumulate so much junk?

I’ve come to realize that it’s because I enjoy the thrill of buying something new.  I enjoy it even more if it’s limited edition.  I like to collect makeup.  But once I own it, I don’t necessarily use it regularly, because it gets lost in my stash.  This is really illogical, wasteful, and above all, expensive thinking and behavior.

So, my 2013 beauty resolution?  I’m going to downsize.  I’m going to use up, give away, or as a last resort, toss the stuff that doesn’t work for me or that I’m less than enthusiastic about.  The hope is that I’ll eventually end up with the products I truly love and will use and therefore be justified in purchasing.

This is definitely not a new concept in the beauty blogging community.  I got my inspiration from several sources: Rebecca Kelsey and Beauty Reductionista do something similar.  I also really admire into-mind’s minimalist approach to beauty, and while I know I’ll never have as streamlined a routine that she does (I like to have options), it’s definitely inspiring and motivating.  (Actually, her entire blog is inspiring and motivating.  I think she’s brilliant.  I’m pretty sure I have a girlcrush on her. :P)

Anyway, at the end of every month, I’ll be posting my empties.  Here are my rules:

Sample sizes x5 = 1 full size
Deluxe sample/travel sizes x3 = 1 full size

If I buy one product, I must use up 5.  Palettes and value sets will count as the sum of their contents (i.e. a 10-pan eyeshadow palette will count as 10 products and therefore I have to use up 50 products).

Exceptions: mascara, foundation and concealer.  Gifts from family and friends.

I’ll be posting an inventory of my stash in the next few days.  I’ll also be posting what I’ve bought so far in 2013 (I know, bad Jen) and how many products I need to use up before I can buy something new.

Will it be tough?  Oh yeah.  Will it be worth it?  I firmly believe so.

A little motivation to kick off Operation: Downsize!…

My empties from the end of 2012, about November – December.  Two mini Fresh Sugar lip balms, one mini Fresh Sugar Rose lip balm, one Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm, one mini Origins Drink Up Intensive overnight mask, and one eos lip balm.

How much makeup do you have?  Are you happy with it?  What are your 2013 beauty resolutions?