When a cherished brand or influencer comes out with a new makeup product, you may notice your stash quickly piling up in an attempt to acquire all the essentials—introducing makeup hoarding. Keeping an extensive collection of cosmetics is nothing to be ashamed of, yet it’s crucial to maintain a sense of organization to stay sanitary, especially amid the pandemic. “Makeup grows bacteria, so holding onto too many products for too long can be unhealthy,” says celebrity makeup artist Danielle Parkes. “I try only to keep the items that are absolutely necessary for my kit and regularly go through to see if there’s any product past its expiration date.” If you’re struggling to find what you need at the bottom of a makeup bag, adopt these three hacks to optimize your routine.

Shop Smart

We’re all guilty of buying makeup we don’t need or doesn’t suit us, simply because it was discounted, looked cute on the shelf or was an impulse buy at the counter. “Being a makeup artist makes it especially easy to get coaxed into trying new makeup and overbuy products you don’t really need,” New-York-based hair and makeup artist Amanda Azzinaro confirms. How many times have you found an eyeshadow palette or lipstick that you forgot you ever had? 

As difficult as it is, try only to buy items you need or think you’ll use. An overflowing makeup bag makes organization difficult, and buying items you won’t utilize is unbeneficial for both your purse and the environment (toxic chemicals included in most cosmetics wind up in the soil and ocean). Stick to products you know and trust, and if you’re branching out to try a new product, do your research or test a sample first to avoid unnecessary purchases. There are several beauty deals available to help you find the right product at a reasonable price.

Adopt Storage Units

Finding storage compartments for your makeup is essential to remain organized. Start by categorizing your collection: items you use regularly should be accessible, while products for special occasions should be stored out of the way and safe from damage. “My kit can get really heavy because I carry around a lot of products, so I like to get smaller containers, palettes or little bottles with pumps,” says New-York-based makeup artist Montana Tantum. “I’ll depot a lot of my makeup into those so that they’re not taking up as much room, and it also makes my bag a lot lighter.”

For everyday makeup, you may only need a bag of items, especially if they’re kept closeby to freshen up every few hours. When choosing a makeup bag, ensure it’s easily washed or wiped down, and opt for a clear pouch so you can easily see which product you need to take out. As for your tools, SIGMA Beauty sells a Makeup Brush Holder Cup that keeps your brushes safe and compact on your vanity while they aren’t in use. 

For extensive makeup collections, boxes and stands are an efficient and attractive way to organize your products. Sort cosmetics by type (i.e., one drawer for eyeshadow palettes and another for blush and bronzers) so you can easily find what you're looking for in the kit. “I organize my lipsticks by shade so that they’re easier to find,” explains Tantum. “When I’m on set for a photo shoot, I have to work really fast and need to know where everything is. I can’t just go scrambling through my makeup to find a specific color.” For sufficient space to store products, Azzinaro recommends the Relavel Makeup Train Case: “It always use it because it has enough room for what I need as well as dividers. The compartments allow you to keep things easily in place.”

However, you don’t necessarily have to buy storage items designed for makeup—think outside the box to save money by reusing items you have sitting around your home. Votive holders filled with sand or coffee beans are perfect for keeping brushes upright, and large jars can store lipsticks and mascaras.

Keep Clean

Stay on top of your collection by thoroughly sorting through it every six months. Throw out anything that has expired, and make sure your applicator tools are clean to avoid infections or skin irritations. Anisa produces a silicone Brush Cleaning Pad to keep brush fibers fresh, while Hot Topic sells a mini Makeup Sponge Washing Machine to cleanse your beauty blenders in particular.

An extensive and varied makeup collection can be a source of pride, yet a cluttered stash may eventually contribute to stress and make a beauty routine more challenging. Treat your cosmetics with care to get the most out of your purchases—starting to organize now will only ensure that your post-pandemic glam is flawless. 

Additional reporting by Joniel Suezo.