From Chaos to Calm: How to Organize Your Dressing Table Like a Pro

The journey from chaos to calm begins with taking stock of everything you own. Yes, it sounds daunting, but laying it all out is the key to success. Lay all your items out on a flat surface—the bed, the floor, your dining table. Seeing everything at once will help you assess the magnitude of the situation(and your choices). Think of it as taking inventory.

Decluttering is a transformative and non-negotiable step in creating a stress-free and sustainable routine. It's not about getting rid of the excess; it's about embracing a mindset of simplicity and joy. But how do you know if it's time to let go? Ask yourself the following two questions:

1. Does it bring you joy?
2. Have I used it in the last 6 months? If the answer to either question is no, it's time to let go. Create three piles(or bags): keep, toss and donate.

Here's a handy decluttering checklist:

• Anything expired.
• Anything you haven't used for over 6 months and don't see yourself using.
• Products that don't suit your skin tone or type.
• Worn out tools or brushes.
• Bulky outer packaging taking up unnecessary space. Pro tip: Some product expiration dates are mentioned on outer packaging, use a permanent marker and write down the exact dates on your products before tossing out their packaging.
• Recycle empty containers around the house or send them to a recycling facility. Some brands even offer incentives for returning empties!

Look at everything laid out in front of you and start to organise everything by category—let this be as detailed as possible. Categorizing creates structure and order and makes it easier to locate what you need. Start by putting it into broad categories like skincare, haircare and body care and then sub-categorize further. This will make the next few steps more manageable. The goal here is that the only skin care or make up to end up on your shelves is the products that bring you the most joy!

Instead of keeping your stuff across the house, or putting your makeup on shelves, find yourself a corner in your bedroom or bathroom. Next up, invest in storage solutions. Smart and functional storage is the backbone of an organized beauty shelf. The right organizers can help you maximize your space and protect your products. What to look for:

• Drawer unit: For large collections, a drawer unit will help you organise makeup and skincare essentials while keeping things together.
• Acrylic trays: Perfect for categorising all your essentials. These come in a variety of sizes, pick a few that suit your collection.
• Lipstick organizers: Let's be real, we all have more lipsticks than we need. A lipstick organiser can help you keep all your favourite ones handy, making sure you actually use and(hopefully someday) finish what you have!
• Lazy Susans: These are large round trays that spin making them ideal for storing jars, perfumes, or skincare products.
• Drawer Divider: If you have a drawer that needs structure, inserts will help you separate items and create boundaries ensuring items remain where they should be.
• Rotating multi-layer organizers: For tighter spaces, or bathrooms—vertical storage is a game-changer. These multi-layered shelves store a lot more than you'd imagine and you can customise the shelf height based on your products. These serve as an ideal home for your skin care routine.
• Tiered Trays : If you want something more aesthetically pleasing, you can get yourself some tiered trays to help you save counter space while displaying your products beautifully. Pro tip: Always choose clear or white organisers for drawers—they look elegant and improve the visibility of your products. If you're organising a large space, buy the same type of organisers—creating visual uniformity is a game changer.

Now that you've decluttered and categorized, it's time to arrange everything. This is where the puzzle comes together. Organizing tips:

• Keep daily use items front and centre for easy access. For an added layer of efficiency, divide these into AM and PM use categories.
• Place occasion-specific or seasonal items on higher or lower shelves.
• Arrange products by type. For instance, group all lip products in one area, and eye products in another. Pro-tip: A label maker can help create a polished, professional touch. It will also be a visual cue for you to put items back where they belong.

A visually pleasing corner will spark joy and turn self-care into a ritual you look forward to every day. Pro Tip : Choose decor elements that complement your room's colour palette to create a cohesive look. Design ideas:

• For a boost of confidence and decor, add a decorative mirror to your space.
• Use decorative trays, materials like marble, mirror to add a touch of luxury.
• Add a small plant or vase to infuse life into your setup.
• Install LED strip lights or add a stylish lamp for mood lighting and added functionality.
• Include a small trinket tray to store your everyday items. It doubles up as decor while keeping things tidy.
• Keep a bluetooth speaker around for some calming tunes during your self-care sessions.

The key to making anything last is consistency. Without regular upkeep, clutter will inevitably creep back in. It only takes 15 minutes, add it to your calendar! Maintenance tips:

• Wipe down shelves and organizers to remove dust or spills.
• Check for expired products or items you no longer use.
• Rotate seasonal products to ensure they remain accessible as your routine changes. An organised beauty shelf isn't just about the aesthetics alone; it's a tool that enhances your daily routine. By decluttering and organising, you'll not only save time but also foster a sense of calm and clarity. Constant upkeep will ensure your sanctuary keeps bringing you joy.