Still good? Expired? Never used? Think again, we're not talking about your kitchen, but your bathroom. Without realizing it, we accumulate beauty products, and sometimes a good sorting is necessary to declutter our cupboards. Feeling ready for spring cleaning? Follow the guide.
Take everything out of the closets
Before you begin the big declutter, take stock of what you own. We have a foolproof method for this: take everything out of your cupboards! Empty your drawers and shelves, then group all your skincare products in one place. You now have a comprehensive overview of what you own and are sure not to forget anything. This step may seem like an afterthought, but it's essential. Sorting through empty items makes you aware of what you have and will make it easier to tidy up later. Once everything is there, the decluttering can really begin!
Separate what is expired from what is not
You may not know this, but beauty products have a limited shelf life. Just like food, caution is advised.
To avoid any skin reactions and other unpleasantness, discard expired products. To determine if a product is safe to use, there are two scenarios:
- The minimum product durability (determined by the manufacturer) is less than 30 months, so the product has an expiration date. This date is always indicated, for example: "exp 12/2022", and often accompanied by an hourglass symbol;
- The product's shelf life is greater than 30 months; the product does not have an expiration date, but a PAO (period after opening, also called maximum shelf life after opening). It is indicated in months next to an open cream jar symbol. Typically, you can read 6M, 12M, 18M, or 24M.
It is also entirely possible that a product with an expiration date also has a PAO, if it deteriorates very quickly after opening for example. In both cases, once these dates have passed, the manufacturer no longer guarantees the effectiveness of the product, nor its safety against potential contamination. If you have any doubt, if the texture of the product is altered, if its color has changed or if its odor seems different to you, it is best to stop using it.
What to do with products you don't want to keep?
Once you've gotten rid of your expired products by recycling them or, when that's not possible, by putting them in the appropriate recycling bins, all your usable products remain. You can then divide them into two piles: those you want to keep and those you want to get rid of. There are several reasons why you might want to get rid of a beauty product: it no longer suits you, it never suited you, you don't find it useful, you don't like the smell, etc. Don't throw away unopened products that you don't want to keep. You can give them to your loved ones or donate them to a local charity. They will be used by women in need.
Practicality and aesthetics: reorganize your bathroom
Congratulations, you've reached the end of your sorting! At this point, you should only have one pile left: the one with the products you love and want to keep. Give each one a place in your bathroom by following a practical and efficient organization. Indeed, it's preferable for your products to be easily located so you don't waste time looking for them. To do this, you can organize them by type, creams and serums on one side, night creams on the other, for example. You can also invest in pretty boxes and small glass jars to display your products in an aesthetically pleasing way and show them off. A tidy space is relaxing to the eye and makes you want to spend time there.
Our handy tip: label, or note somewhere, the opening date of products subject to PAO. You'll have no doubt that your beauty products are still good!
