This is one category that is often neglected but shouldn’t be as it can have effects on your health.

So how do we decide what stays and what goes?

To assist you in making decisions about your toiletries is to be guided by the product’s expiry dates.  There is no obligation for manufacturers to include an expiry date on cosmetics sold in Australia but most products do expire.

As a guide, thanks to Choice, here are dates for some common items:

• Aerosol products: 2 years
• Deodorants: Opened 6 months or unopened 3 years
• Face and body moisturisers: Opened 6 months or unopened 3 years
• Hairstyling products: 3-5 years
• Lipstick and gloss: Opened 12 months or unopened 5 years
• Makeup foundation: Opened 6 months or unopened 3 years
• Mascara and liquid eyeliner: Opened 3 months or unopened 3 years

See the article here for more product information.

The criteria you created during Week 1 of our challenge will assist you in making decisions about your items.  If you are new to the challenge, you can see our Week 1 post here.

What do I do with the keepers?

Keep them where they will be easily found and used but also in a way that minimises any chance of damage.

That might be in a bathroom drawer, on the vanity top or a dedicated dresser space.

Cleaning Tips for your Makeup and Hair Brushes

Why you are going through your items, take some time to clean the brushes that you are keeping.

Makeup and hair brushes are a repository for remnants of products, hair, oils, dust, dirt and bacteria.  Cleaning them regularly not only reduces the spread of those nasties, it extends the life of the brush and they perform better as well.

Your hair brush/es should be cleaned at least once a month.  Firstly, remove all of the hair strands then give your brush/es a thorough clean with a mild cleansing solution made up of: white vinegar and water (50/50); or a cup of water combined with a teaspoon each of shampoo and baking soda; or a cup of water mixed with 5 drops of tea tree oil (this one is recommended for wooden brushes).  An old toothbrush is good for this.  Then leave the brush to dry.

Makeup brushes should be cleaned every week or two if you are a daily user.  If you use them less frequently, monthly should be sufficient.  You can use a commercial alcohol-based cleaner, soap and water (unscented soap is best) or even a small amount of shampoo and water.  Leave your brushes to dry on a towel, preferably out in the sun or a warm area as the quicker they dry the better.

What do I do with the ones that no longer have a purpose for me?

If they are clean and in excellent condition but no longer have a purpose for you, or you are simply paring back on the volume, here are some sell/swap and donation options for your items.

If they are well used, please consider hygiene before you pass your items forward.

• Sell, Swap or Gift:

o   Swap with your friends or family

o   Post on your local/regional “Buy Nothing” or sales groups on Facebook

o   Garage Sale

o   Pass brushes on to friends with children for craft or dress-up activities

• Donate options:

o   Charity shops such as the Salvos or Vinnies

o   Green Shed (Mitchell or Mugga Lane)

o   Let’s Recycle Canberra (Hume)

How did you go?  Feel free to share your successes, challenges and tips on our Facebook page.

Happy decluttering!

Melissa x