Tips to store your cosmetics – dryer & cleaner
We all know that it’s important to store our cosmetics in a cool, dark, dry and clean environment so as to prolong its shelf life. Few cosmetics need to be stored in the fridge and a majority of them are kept in your bedroom, probably in a cool dark corner or in the drawers. However, is the environment really dry and clean enough? I know mine is not if I do not make additional efforts so today, I’m going to share with you two items that I’ve been using to enhance the storage of my cosmetics.
Use of wardrobe humidifiers
Recently, I found one of my clays had turned moldy, despite having moved it out of my bathroom and keeping it in one of my bedroom shelves. I wrote an entry in June about why it was not such a great idea to store my cosmetics in the bathroom but it looks like the bedroom isn’t doing all too well either. Perhaps that clay had deterioriated so quickly because it was stored in my bathroom for awhile but I believe there must be some level of humidity in my bedroom too.
Reduce moisture and humidity
The idea of moving all my cosmetics to another room wasn’t feasible; I just want them to stay put! I first thought about using those dessicant silica gels but I had no idea where to get fresh supplies. Then I remember I used to get those wardrobe dehumidifiers and I went out to Watsons to grab two of the Orita bulky charcoal ones. Perhaps I’ll consider purchasing an electricl dehumidifier later but for now, these wardrobe dehumidifiers are good. I already noticed that my vitamin C powder is much easier to dispense, probably because it isn’t crumping up anymore.
Use of denatured alcohol
I’ve bought this bottle since watching the video where Jess of Yours Essentially used it to sterilized her bottles. I find this is particularly useful for wiping cosmetic containers and anything that I use to store my DIY stuff. In addition, they’re great to wipe the cosmetics storage space as well after a general cleaning session. Maybe I’m paranoid, but the idea of bacteria-free does appeal to me! Sometimes, I even use denatured alcohol to give my small brushes a quick wipe when I do not have time to wash them but this is generally not recommended since the alcohol will dry out the brushes too much.
So do you use any of this stuff for your cosmetics storage? Or do you have other tips that you can share with us to keep our cosmetics dryer and cleaner?
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personally i just make sure i use up everything asap, which means that i don’t have a big stash at any one time.
u can buy silica gel and other drying agents/equipment at camera shops quite easily
Have you tried white charcoal/binchotan? Came across this when I was browsing JL @ Marina. Thought it was quite interesting concept plus it’s earth-friendly/seems chemical-free too! I use this for my DSLR and lenses as well.
i have mini-fridges for cosmetics in mind. have seen cute ones being given away as GWP at kose counters before. but like you said, its not neccessary so i consider it a luxury haha.
Oh I never thought of camera shops. Thanks for the tip!
No never tried…actually never heard of it. I will take note the next time I’m at JL.
I have a small fridge but I don’t know where to put it. The one we have was bought cheap at $20 during one of the promos. It’s not specially made for cosmetics of course but it can do the job I guess.
On a separate note, I saw charcoal products being sold and they claim that it can absorb electromagnetic waves/radiation from computers and handphones. Any idea if there is true??
Great topic.
If I can have a dehumidifier, I some times put crumpled balls of kitchen towels in the same drawer where I store the cosmetics. The towels are brilliant in absorbing extra moisture. But they would have to be changed often.
However…. all said and done…. I would think that as a general rule of thumb…. products should be finished within 3 months once opened. Especially natural ones. Especially those that coes in tubs where it’s exposed to air. Those that are stored in thoughtful packaging ie. airless pumps probably can get away with a longer duration.
Kitchen towels! I actually lay some of my drawers with these towels and I change them once in a while. Haven’t noticed the color change but will try to use more and take note. It’s a great tip!
I completely agree with you too about using up the products sooner. Just that I didn’t expect my clay to deterioriate so quickly. ?
I did a search and this article seems quite informative http://b.japanesewall.com/2008/02/charcoal-can-do-magic-to-indoor-space.html. May have some truth there…
i actually have that exact same alcohol bottle that i use to clean alot of my makeup brushes and some makeup containers… I’ve recently converted to using alot more wet wipes cause its so so easy to use ?
Hi Sesame,
I didn’t know clay could turn moldy. I’ve always thought they could last forever because they are in “dry” form. Do you know what is the usual shelf-life for DIY clay masks? Thanks!
Ah thanks for the tip on wet wipes. I’m sure they’re more convenient! I’ll try it when I run out of the alcohol here. ?
Some states about 3 years, while some for 1 year. It really depends. But I was shocked that mine turned moldy after a couple of months!
Hmm…I guess a container of baking soda would work fine for dehumidifying? Since it absorbs odours and everything. A bit out of topic, but regarding charcoal absorbing electromagnetic waves and radiation, I’d seen on a Korean television programme that cactus does the part. Just to share.
Just another thing I forgot to mention, I saw silica gels being sold at Daiso when I was shopping at the Sembawang outlet
Baking soda? That’s interesting! I must give it a try as it’s really cheap. Would it change color.
I wouldn’t use cactus indoor though…bad feng shui. Hee…
Wardrobe dehumidifiers seem like an interesting way to deal with the hassles of a fashion-forward life. It’s unfortunate that the wipes did not help out with your cosmetic storage.
Christina last post is: My crawl space is only 2 ft. tall, would I still benefit from a closed crawl space?
Your suspicion of there being humidity in your bedroom is interesting. Your wardrobe dehumidifier suggestion is just as intriguing.