Winter Cleaning-- Makeup Organizer Edition

    Yesterday, I tackled the small, easy, and fun job of cleaning out my makeup organizer.  I've been feeling a bit reflective and didn't have much energy for something bigger, so I definitely enjoyed bringing a bit more order to something I use on a daily basis.

      First of all, the storage system I use might seem a bit unusual, but I really like it.  Instead of using a bag (all those compartments to dig into) or a tackle box type of storage container, last summer I purchased a bamboo tray with different compartments... I don't remember if it was initially intended as a drawer organizer or even some type of silverware tray, but so far it has worked out great.  It sits in my closet on a shelf, I take it out and place it on the counter, and everything is there in one place, visible.  All I have to do is pick up each thing and put it back... one of my better organization tricks.  I think the idea was from a magazine, but I'm not sure.  I'll just guess Real Simple and leave it at that.  Despite the ease of use, it's not immune to human error such as putting things back haphazardly or leaving a leaky lip gloss to contaminate its nearest companions.

Before:

During:

After:

The fallen soldiers:  *Lip balm that was completely used up, eyeliner that was so tiny I couldn't use it anymore from my best friend, the aforementioned leaky gloss, a smashed lipstick, and finally a hardened old blush.  The other stuff I was hesitant to throw away but didn't want to devote space to (hello, disappointing set of Mally glosses) went into a clear container to be pulled out in the spring to either be given new life or tossed out.

Ahh the simple beauty of a simple beauty organizer.   :)