Cosmetics Clean-Out: How to Control the Chaos in Your Makeup Bag
by Heather Bouzan December 14, 2009
We’re not always optimistic about New Year’s resolutions, but when the clock strikes 2010, we’d like to think we’ll have control over something in our lives. And that something, we’ve decided, might realistically be our makeup bags.
For some, it’s a simple task: toss this million-times-crimped tube of eye cream or that shadow shade that hasn’t been worn since 1992. But for us, owners of enough travel-sized shampoos to equip a boutique hotel, it’s quite a different story. In search of answers, we headed to an expert: Sarah Buckwalter, owner of Organizing Boston, begins by asking clients to consolidate. “Sometimes [makeup is] in our car. There’s some in our gym bag. There’s some in our purse.... Sort it all out on a table and see what you have,” says Buckwalter.
Once your inventory is accurate, begin the necessary eliminations. The casualties? Eye makeup more than six months old (toss mascara after two or three), impulse buys that were never realistically your color, powder compacts coated with any sort of weird sheen, and anything cream-based that’s beginning to smell funky have all got to go.
For the purge-phobic, Buckwalter suggests donating unopened product to charitable organizations that collect beauty supplies for women in need. If that’s not an option, just start with the obvious discards, working your way toward the more difficult decisions. “Start with something like, okay, this is all the old makeup; this is my 1980s makeup,” Buckwalter counsels with a chuckle. “And, believe me, I find that in people’s houses.”
Rachel Lockhart, makeup artist and owner of Rachel’s Makeup Studio (176 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.424.0153), concurs. Lockhart, who offers makeup lessons with a makeup bag overhaul included, explains, “Women keep their eye makeup for years. I had a client who was in the other day who told me she had the same mascara for like seven years.”
The dirty work done, it’s on to ensuring that your makeup bag is stocked with all the necessities. In search of a little insight, we visited Emma Katrina Katzburg, Whole Body team leader at Whole Foods Market (181 Cambridge Street, Boston, 617.723.0004) — i.e., the go-to girl in the upscale-crunchy grocer’s beauty department (where we’ve found some of the most unexpectedly obsession-worthy product we’ve seen in a long time). Her tip? Make sure you’re equipped with the right tools. “Brushes are going to be the most important thing to any makeup regime; if you’re using the wrong brush, even the best makeup is going to look awful,” says Katzburg. She emphasizes that every woman needs a kabuki brush for foundation and blush, as well as dedicated eyeshadow and concealer brushes.
From there, Katzburg’s essentials include a multipurpose concealer for hiding blemishes, providing a base for longer-lasting lipstick and bolder eyeshadow, and, in dude world, masking ingrown hairs. “Really,” says Katzburg, “if there was one product, stranded on a desert island, that you couldn’t live without, it’s that.” A pressed-base mineral compact eliminates the need for any other foundations, while a great bronzer takes a daytime look into night and adds a little glow to bare legs and arms. In addition to her affinity for multipurpose products, Katzburg is a fan of mineral makeup — its lack of perishable ingredients means it can, in theory, last indefinitely. To round out one’s repertoire, other must-haves include a hydrating mist (her fave is by Ann Webb), cotton swabs (“That way, if you mess up something on the road, you’re not trying to wipe it off with your fingers,” Katzburg says), and a nude lip gloss to add polish to even an otherwise bare face.
When it comes down to it, maintaining a well-edited beauty bag is often about just being practical with both disposals and acquisitions. “The fact is,” Lockhart muses, “if you have something that’s sitting in your makeup bag, just like anything that’s sitting in your closet, if you’re not going to ever wear it or you’re not going to ever use it, what’s the point? It’s just taking up space.” Space that’s just waiting to be filled with our latest makeup-counter have-to-have-it splurges — all in the name of research, of course.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Give the Gift of an Organized Life!
Organizing Gift Certificates are now on Sale!
Please visit http://www.organizingboston.com/gifts.html for more details.
Please visit http://www.organizingboston.com/gifts.html for more details.
Holiday Organizing Tip of the Day
If you have to go to the mall, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning when stores are the least crowded. It's worth taking the morning off of work for your sanity.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Holiday Organizing Tip of the Day
Save time and money by doing Secret Santa or a Yankee Swap with your friends or family.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Holiday Organizing Tip of the Day
Schedule realistically. You don't have to say "yes" to every invitation. Leave time for yourself and stick to the routines that keep you stress-free, like going to the gym and getting a good nights' sleep.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Fun Paper Organizing Stories!
Wondering if you should bother organizing your paperwork? Here are a few true stories…and some tips to keep this from happening to you.
Getting organized could save your house
I was sorting through a (huge) pile of unopened mail on a client’s kitchen counter and found a notice of a lien on their property due to unpaid real estate taxes. The real estate tax bills were also in the unopened pile of mail. Tip: Open your mail.
Found money
I found a check for $13,600 in a box of unopened mail that had been shoved in my client’s basement. I showed it to him and he told me he had been waiting for that check for over a year, had accused the sender of never sending it, and was in the process of taking legal action over it. Tip: Deal with paperwork as it comes in. It can save you time, money, and embarrassment.
1951 was a good year…
So good, that in 2007, I came across a client’s tax returns from that year, and every year in between. You wouldn’t believe how simple the form was back then…and all done in pencil. Tip: You only need to keep personal tax records for seven years.
The desk drawer
In 1994 my uncle took over my grandfather’s company. On his first day there he sat down at my grandfather’s desk and opened the top, right drawer to find invoices dated 1955. Tip: Purge regularly (definitely more often than once every 50 years).
Getting organized could save your house
I was sorting through a (huge) pile of unopened mail on a client’s kitchen counter and found a notice of a lien on their property due to unpaid real estate taxes. The real estate tax bills were also in the unopened pile of mail. Tip: Open your mail.
Found money
I found a check for $13,600 in a box of unopened mail that had been shoved in my client’s basement. I showed it to him and he told me he had been waiting for that check for over a year, had accused the sender of never sending it, and was in the process of taking legal action over it. Tip: Deal with paperwork as it comes in. It can save you time, money, and embarrassment.
1951 was a good year…
So good, that in 2007, I came across a client’s tax returns from that year, and every year in between. You wouldn’t believe how simple the form was back then…and all done in pencil. Tip: You only need to keep personal tax records for seven years.
The desk drawer
In 1994 my uncle took over my grandfather’s company. On his first day there he sat down at my grandfather’s desk and opened the top, right drawer to find invoices dated 1955. Tip: Purge regularly (definitely more often than once every 50 years).
Thursday, October 01, 2009
How to Catch up on Paperwork
We all slack off a little in the summer. I am guilty of it myself. It’s nice outside; we go on vacation and ignore the mail. Yet, it still keeps coming! The most common call I get this time of year is for help in the home office. The papers have piled up all summer and now it’s time to tackle them!
Start with a quick sort
Grab a pile of papers and quickly sort it into four piles: To Do, To Pay, To Read, To File. I know that some organizers urge you to “only handle it once”, but I find this approach to be more effective.
Deal with the paper
First, pay your bills.
Second, do your To Dos. Go through each piece of paper and take action on it. Is there a call to be made? Make it. Is there an address to be entered? Enter it. This is the most time consuming part of the process, so if you are limited on time, you may want to do a quick sort through and pick the most immediate items to do first. However, don’t let the rest of the pile remain for long. Put time in your calendar to tackle it all.
Third, file. This won’t take long if you have a simple and effective filing system (see below).
Finally, prepare your reading. Create a folder for your To Read pile and put it in your bag or car. This way, you can pull them out and read through them whenever you have a few moments to spare.
Start with a quick sort
Grab a pile of papers and quickly sort it into four piles: To Do, To Pay, To Read, To File. I know that some organizers urge you to “only handle it once”, but I find this approach to be more effective.
Deal with the paper
First, pay your bills.
Second, do your To Dos. Go through each piece of paper and take action on it. Is there a call to be made? Make it. Is there an address to be entered? Enter it. This is the most time consuming part of the process, so if you are limited on time, you may want to do a quick sort through and pick the most immediate items to do first. However, don’t let the rest of the pile remain for long. Put time in your calendar to tackle it all.
Third, file. This won’t take long if you have a simple and effective filing system (see below).
Finally, prepare your reading. Create a folder for your To Read pile and put it in your bag or car. This way, you can pull them out and read through them whenever you have a few moments to spare.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Recycling Single-Use Batteries
I was cleaning out my kitchen drawer today when I came across a few single-use batteries. I can't remember the last time I used a device that required a single-use battery. My camera, cell phone, I-pod, etc., all have rechargeable batteries. I didn't know what to do with these, so I went to my favorite recycling site: http://earth911.com/ and searched for battery recycling in my area. Turns out, there are lots of places to recycle batteries. If you have a few you don't know what to do with, please don't throw them away...look up battery recycling in your area.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Email and the Environment
The dream of a paperless office hasn't turned out quite the way we thought. If anything, technology has created more paperwork. Through technology, we are inundated with information and neat ideas that we want to hold on to. So, we print out a web page or email and put it in our pile, or file. Stop! Think before you print! Do you really need a hard copy of that information, or can it be easily found again online by bookmarking it, or saving into a folder on your computer? If you do have to print it, only print the pages you need. Often when you print an email, you'll get extra pages with one or two words or graphics on them. What a waste! Make sure you select the print mode in your email program, so you are not printing everything, or cut and paste the information you need into a word document and print just that.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Travel Organizing Tips
Be Prepared
Check the Weather
You may be going to a tropical island, but is it rainy season? Check the weather a day or two in advance and pack accordingly.
Bring Comfortable Shoes
So, you look like a tourist. Well, you are a tourist! And you'll be a much happier tourist if your feet aren't killing you.
Driving?
Upgrade to the AAA Plus Membership, which offers 100 miles of free towing, free fuel delivery, emergency lock service and lots of other handy road-side benefits. You can also get trip planners, maps, and discounts on travel and lodging.
Pack Smart
1. Make a List
Make a list of all items that you need for your trip. Pick a spot to lay things out. Pre-sort by category. Check off items as you pack them. Keep a copy of your list
2. Pack Lightly
Think about the steps you will have to take in order to reach your destination. You may have to carry your luggage up and down stairs, through train stations, airports, etc.
3. Roll instead of Fold
To add extra clothing space, roll your clothes instead of folding. Use tissue paper when rolling clothes to minimize wrinkles.
4. "Containerize" your Clothes
Use packing cubes, packing folders, Ziploc bags, or other simple containers to keep like-items together and in order.
Going Far and Away?
If you don't know the language, use pictures. If you are traveling to a country where you don't know the language, use your camera or camera phone to take photos of basic needs such as bottled water, toilet, taxi, etc. If you don't know the word for it, just show the picture.
Money
Contact your credit card company to let them know you will be traveling, so they do not put a hold on your card. Use ATMs to get cash in the local currency. This will also allow you to get the best exchange rate of the day. Check with your bank to find out if they have international partners to avoid fees.
Traveling by Air?
Use 3-1-1 for carry-on toiletries. 3.4 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.
Want to Hear More?
Please join us for a free telephone seminar on Tuesday, June 23rd from 4-5pm
We are offering a free telephone seminar on summer travel tips. We will provide tips to help you pack lightly and efficiently. There will also be time to answer any specific questions you may have.
Space is limited, please email us at organizingboston@yahoo.com or call 617-699-1263 to reserve your spot now!
Check the Weather
You may be going to a tropical island, but is it rainy season? Check the weather a day or two in advance and pack accordingly.
Bring Comfortable Shoes
So, you look like a tourist. Well, you are a tourist! And you'll be a much happier tourist if your feet aren't killing you.
Driving?
Upgrade to the AAA Plus Membership, which offers 100 miles of free towing, free fuel delivery, emergency lock service and lots of other handy road-side benefits. You can also get trip planners, maps, and discounts on travel and lodging.
Pack Smart
1. Make a List
Make a list of all items that you need for your trip. Pick a spot to lay things out. Pre-sort by category. Check off items as you pack them. Keep a copy of your list
2. Pack Lightly
Think about the steps you will have to take in order to reach your destination. You may have to carry your luggage up and down stairs, through train stations, airports, etc.
3. Roll instead of Fold
To add extra clothing space, roll your clothes instead of folding. Use tissue paper when rolling clothes to minimize wrinkles.
4. "Containerize" your Clothes
Use packing cubes, packing folders, Ziploc bags, or other simple containers to keep like-items together and in order.
Going Far and Away?
If you don't know the language, use pictures. If you are traveling to a country where you don't know the language, use your camera or camera phone to take photos of basic needs such as bottled water, toilet, taxi, etc. If you don't know the word for it, just show the picture.
Money
Contact your credit card company to let them know you will be traveling, so they do not put a hold on your card. Use ATMs to get cash in the local currency. This will also allow you to get the best exchange rate of the day. Check with your bank to find out if they have international partners to avoid fees.
Traveling by Air?
Use 3-1-1 for carry-on toiletries. 3.4 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.
Want to Hear More?
Please join us for a free telephone seminar on Tuesday, June 23rd from 4-5pm
We are offering a free telephone seminar on summer travel tips. We will provide tips to help you pack lightly and efficiently. There will also be time to answer any specific questions you may have.
Space is limited, please email us at organizingboston@yahoo.com or call 617-699-1263 to reserve your spot now!
Monday, June 08, 2009
A Simple Way to Stop Junk Mail
41pounds.org is a non-profit organization designed to help stops your junk mail and catalogs — protecting the environment. Junk mail wastes an incredible amount of natural resources and contributes to global warming. Our nonprofit service covers your entire household for five years, saving...
Time — No credit card offers to shred or unwanted catalogs.
Trees — Keep 100+ million trees in forests, cooling the planet.
Water — Protect 28 billion gallons of clean water.
Climate — Junk mail produces more C02 than 9 million cars.
Planet — We donate to your favorite charity when you sign up.
Go to http://www.41pounds.org/ and stop getting junk mail today!
Time — No credit card offers to shred or unwanted catalogs.
Trees — Keep 100+ million trees in forests, cooling the planet.
Water — Protect 28 billion gallons of clean water.
Climate — Junk mail produces more C02 than 9 million cars.
Planet — We donate to your favorite charity when you sign up.
Go to http://www.41pounds.org/ and stop getting junk mail today!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Upcoming Event!
On Thursday, May 14th, I will be giving a free talk and demonstration on organizing your home office at the Thos. Moser Boston Showroom.
A reception will follow.
The event is from 5pm to 8pm at 19 Arlington St. in Boston.
Please RSVP by contacting the Thos. Moser Boston Showroom
http://www.thosmoser.com/showroom.detail.php?click=677233&showroom_id=25
A reception will follow.
The event is from 5pm to 8pm at 19 Arlington St. in Boston.
Please RSVP by contacting the Thos. Moser Boston Showroom
http://www.thosmoser.com/showroom.detail.php?click=677233&showroom_id=25
Friday, March 13, 2009
Container Store Elfa Sale!
Great News! Elfa shelving is on sale at the Container Store. Normally, this discount is only available in January, but here it is again. So, take advantage!
Need help? We can do all the design and installation work for you! Call us today: 617-699-1263.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
It's Tax Time - Do you know where your papers are?
No one looks forward to tax time, but here are a few ways to make it easier to file this year and the years to follow.
If you have used the “everything in a shoebox method” up until now, you are not alone! In order to organize everything for this year gather three plastic bins and label them Income, Expenses and deductions, and Investments. Then you can categorize each tax-related piece of paper you have, from receipts to IRS letters to W2s. By using plastic bins you can easily put a lid on them and clear the table when you need it for something else.
Don’t wait until next year’s tax time rolls around to start thinking about your 2009 taxes. Start keeping all of your tax related receipts together. Maintain an envelope in your purse or a section in your wallet to hold tax-related receipts. Pull these receipts once a week and file them. Have a folder for each tax category. If you are unsure about which categories to use, refer to your last tax return. If you itemize your deductions, you will see which categories to copy. Duplicate these within your filing system. Next year you will simply total each category to determine the sum for each individual deduction.
If you want to go a step further and really simplify your tax process, put your finances into a computer bookkeeping program. Set aside the same time each week to update this program and keep track of your personal finances. This will also help those of you who have trouble keeping up with your bills or who are trying to stay within a budget.
How long do you have to keep your records? Ordinarily that’s three years from the due date for the return, including extensions, to assess any additional tax. But a return can be audited for six years if the IRS suspects the taxpayer has neglected to report substantial income. If fraud is suspected, there is no time limit. Keep a folder labeled for each tax year which includes your returns as well as any supporting documentation.
For a complete checklist of what papers to keep, please visit our Tax Records page on our website.
If you have used the “everything in a shoebox method” up until now, you are not alone! In order to organize everything for this year gather three plastic bins and label them Income, Expenses and deductions, and Investments. Then you can categorize each tax-related piece of paper you have, from receipts to IRS letters to W2s. By using plastic bins you can easily put a lid on them and clear the table when you need it for something else.
Don’t wait until next year’s tax time rolls around to start thinking about your 2009 taxes. Start keeping all of your tax related receipts together. Maintain an envelope in your purse or a section in your wallet to hold tax-related receipts. Pull these receipts once a week and file them. Have a folder for each tax category. If you are unsure about which categories to use, refer to your last tax return. If you itemize your deductions, you will see which categories to copy. Duplicate these within your filing system. Next year you will simply total each category to determine the sum for each individual deduction.
If you want to go a step further and really simplify your tax process, put your finances into a computer bookkeeping program. Set aside the same time each week to update this program and keep track of your personal finances. This will also help those of you who have trouble keeping up with your bills or who are trying to stay within a budget.
How long do you have to keep your records? Ordinarily that’s three years from the due date for the return, including extensions, to assess any additional tax. But a return can be audited for six years if the IRS suspects the taxpayer has neglected to report substantial income. If fraud is suspected, there is no time limit. Keep a folder labeled for each tax year which includes your returns as well as any supporting documentation.
For a complete checklist of what papers to keep, please visit our Tax Records page on our website.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Container Store Coupon
Just in time for spring cleaning, The Container Store is offering 20% off everything online and in there store (and online)! Offer is good till March 1st.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Get Organized and Save $25.00!
This month save $25.00 off any organizing session! Please contact us for more details.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Get Organized for the New Year!
Did you know that getting organized is one of 2009's top three New Year's resolutions?
I appeared live on Fox 25 News this week to provide some great tips to help you get organized in the New Year. Click here to watch the clip
If you'd like some more details, please click here to read some of the organizing solutions that were highlighted.
With over ten years experience and hundreds of happily organized clients, we have the skills and knowledge to help you get organized in 2009!
I appeared live on Fox 25 News this week to provide some great tips to help you get organized in the New Year. Click here to watch the clip
If you'd like some more details, please click here to read some of the organizing solutions that were highlighted.
With over ten years experience and hundreds of happily organized clients, we have the skills and knowledge to help you get organized in 2009!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Get Organized in the New Year!
Did you know that getting organized is one of 2009's top three New Year's resolutions?
I will be appearing on Fox 25 News on Tuesday, January 6th at 8:45am to provide some simple steps to help you get organized in the New Year.
Here are the tips I will be highlighting:
Start with the obvious. The simplest way to begin is to do sweep of your house with a recycling bin and garbage bag and collect the obvious trash, such as expired coupons, holiday catalogs, magazines, old newspapers, and paid bills not needed for tax purposes. This is an easy task that will give you an immediate sense of accomplishment and motivate you to do more.
Identify your clutter hot-spots. You can't hide it all, but you can contain it. Look at where clutter collects and set up attractive ways to organize it. Like placing a decorative bowl on the counter for keys, or a nice basket by the front door for shoes.
Set small goals and stay focused. If you are feeling overwhelmed with a project, break things down into mini de-cluttering sessions. Stay focused on that one project until it is complete. And reward your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. You're moving in the right direction and that's what's important.
Sort items into categories and store like-items together. Again start with the obvious, collect all the pens and put them into a desk drawer, get all the toys into the playroom. Choose broad categories to get started and work your way up to the more complicated ones.
Make a home for everything. Clutter usually accumulates because items have no home. Assign a specific home to frequently used items. For example, scissors go into a certain kitchen drawer. Make sure everyone in your family knows where that home is and you'll never have to search for those scissors again.
Find an excuse to let it go. If you're feeling guilty about getting rid of things, then do something good with them. Make some money by selling your items online or through consignment. Or donate them to your favorite charity and take a tax deduction.
Have a Happy and Organized New Year!
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