There’s a hoarder in all of us, symbolized by our stash of mascaras, aged lipsticks, sentimental bottles of polish, boxes of cracked shadows, pencils shaved down to stubs -- everything other than just what we need.

Ditch those tendencies this year to create more space and get creative with the chaos that is your beauty box.

Sponges need to be discarded every month. Mascaras also have a very short shelf life -- more than three months and it should find its way to the dustbin.

Liquid liners are no good after six months or so. If a dried up nail polish is 9 months or older, don’t try resuscitating with remover. It’s never going to go on as smoothly.

Check creamy make-up products after a year; if they smell funny, toss ‘em. Powder shadows, blushes, pressed powders, loose powders should be alright for about a year and half.

For skin care products check their best before dates. Perfumes are ok to use even after a few years, but the scent can change with time.

Jars for powder puffs and fluffs: For all your cotton swabs, cotton balls and make-up sponges, we like them housed in closed topped jars. The lids also make sure they stay dry and dust-free. 

For brushes and other cylindrical objects: Used up candle holders, like the coloured glass  or the stone carved onescan be very useful to hold your make-up brushes, pencils and mascaras. Large handled hair brushes and the like can be stacked in a pretty metal pot; 

Boxes for lipsticks and glosses: Sort them by colour, day/night, work/party, or whatever organizational system makes sense to you. Then store them in stacks of beautiful ornamental boxes. There’s a bunch to choose from. 

Trays for bottles, tubs and tubes: If you want to display your perfume collection and skin care products, lay them out on beautifully designed trays ,the printed ones  will better suit your taste. 

All in one compartments: If you want all your products in one place, get yourself one of those tiered beauty bags. 

Make-up cases for your handbag: Also stop blindly feeling around your oversized handbag every time you need a touch up.