OK…I’m definitely on a roll with the “Sort, Edit and Organize” strategy this month.  I made a very deliberate choice to keep these projects quick because I knew I would be motivated by the almost-instant gratification that each one would provide.

When you break down the “SEO” process further and analyze each task, the first step of sorting seems to be a fairly quick process, and it can actually be fun (while you are rediscovering items you may have forgotten about).  The last step of organizing also tends to go quickly once you have identified your storage needs based on the items you have left.

It is the step in the middle, the editing, that can slow you down.  During the editing phase you are forced to examine each item and make decisions on whether you might keep it, donate it or throw it away.  For this cosmetics drawer project, it can get even more challenging because of different kinds of makeup and skin care products.

After some internet surfing, I found a great shelf life summary for cosmetics products written by Bobbi Brown in an elle.com online article  I decided to print it out so I could refer to it while I edited my cosmetics drawer.  This helped me make quicker decisions, but also made me realize that I don’t always remember how long I have had certain products.  I made a mental note that going forward I would try to write with a sharpie on the back of the items that Bobbi Brown says should last up to two years, which includes:  Blush, eyeshadow, liquid foundation, moisturizer, concealer and powder.  She says that eyeliner, lipstick, lipliner, brow pencil and cleanser should last around a year.  Sponges and mascara will only last about six months.

Armed with this knowledge I looked through the items in each category and trashed all items that I knew were in my drawer for over two years.  I’ll admit it had been a while since I cleaned this drawer!  One of my favorite items to buy is lipstick, so I already realized I needed to really cut back in this category.  I still probably have too many, but since it’s one of my favorites I allowed myself to keep the ones that I still love.  Over time though I’m going to try to determine what my true “favorites” are and get rid of those that I don’t use as much.  After all, Bobbi Brown suggests that lipstick should only be kept around one year.

I’m excited to share the before and after photos on this one because it really has improved the quality of my mornings.  I hope that these photos motivate you to give the SEO strategy a try with a drawer in your house.  It is SO much less stressful to have things that you use on a daily basis in a well organized space.  And, let’s face it, we can all use LESS stress in our daily lives.

Before (yes, this is embarrassing):

and After (yes…it’s the same drawer, only better):

Kristen Badowski is the newest member of our stylishly organized team.  More tips & ideas to come through this week’s posts on the Styled & Organized Living Facebook page, @StyledOrganized on Twitter & the Styled & Organized Living Pinterest page.  These Daily Tips will show you how to gain more control over your life through organization because Life is Better Stylishly Organized!