This morning I was trying to get ready and I could not, for the life of me, find my blush. Does anyone else have this problem? My cosmetic drawers are so crammed, I can hardly open them. Then when I do open them, they are packed, and it takes forever to rifle through all my superfluous stuff. Sheesh.

The worst part is, I usually use the same basic cosmetics every day: foundation, mascara, blush, eyebrow pencil, and lipstick. That’s it. Why is this so difficult?

I asked friends to send me photos of their drawers…some were very neat. Some didn’t have a makeup drawer, they simply put the cosmetics they use in a bag.

So what’s my problem? Am I the only one who has loads of skincare and perfume samples, brushes I never use, and foundation in colors that didn’t work out? Time to organize.

Unlike cleaning out my closet, which took over a week. I am going to see how long it actually takes to organize my  three cosmetic drawers.

Step 1: Take everything out of your drawers and lay it all out on a towel.

Step 2: Get rid of items that are old, products you never use, and makeup in unflattering colors. Look at the suggested guide below for cosmetic expiration dates. Also, if products are discolored, or smell…toss them

Step 3; Categorize your makeup and place like items together.  I put the makeup I use every day in the top drawer, so I can simply open my drawer and voila, there it is. Other items that I only use occasionally go in another drawer. I used zip-loc bags for odd sized items. God bless zip-locs.

Step 4: Find appropriate storage containers to accommodate both your products and your drawers. Or if you prefer to have your makeup sitting on your counter, find pretty storage boxes to hold all your essentials. You may want to consider clear, acrylic containers.  They make it easy to find what you want at a glance.

I like my cosmetics hidden away when I’m not using them, so I found containers that accommodate  both my drawer size and my cosmetics. Some containers were deep and some were shallow. Some were compartmentalized and some were not. It just depends on your space and your products.

So tomorrow when I go to find my blush, it should be exactly where I put it, right? And I should never have to buy another lipstick for as long as I live, because I found all the tubes I thought I lost.

This simple organizational project only took about 3  hours from start to finish. So whatever drawer is giving you fits, don’t wait. You’ll be amazed at what a little organization can do.

Wow…I feel better now! And so does Charley.