Are You a Beauty Hoarder?

by Victoria Stanell
Published Jan 09, 2012

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Let's face it, you probably have more makeup, hair, and skin care products than the average gal on the street. But does the amount of makeup you own signify a healthy collection or a hoarder's paradise? "It's not so much the number or volume as it is the behavior around the products," says Sheila Delson, a certified professional organizer specializing in chronic disorganization.

Compulsive hoarding is a physiological mental illness in which people feel the need to excessively collect items and refuse to throw them away. The disorder touches every aspect of a hoarder's life, but the bathroom can become an epicenter because it's so easy to acquire bottles of bath and beauty products. "Hoarders accumulate, and the bathroom sometimes sees the worst of it," says Sheila. "Storage becomes a huge issue—products first flood the counter tops, spread to the corners of the floor, then fill the sink and bathtub." Whether it's the shelf-appeal, the packaging, or the potential bulk discount, the thrill of the purchase serves to fill a psychological need. But when it comes to actual physical use, things quickly lose their luster.

When confronted with the thought of throwing these physical objects away, hoarders have a huge problem letting go. Objects are strongly tied with memory—perhaps a family member wore a scent they can't toss, or that specific lipstick shade was discontinued.

While it's true most typically buy more makeup than they need (what, we can't own 20 red lipsticks?), the reality is that we can only wear so much on a daily basis. "Truthfully, everyone only uses about 20% of what they have. The other 80% doesn't get touched—which is normal—and it just goes to show how much we waste," says Sheila.

But let's take a step back. If you can afford it, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a large and well-loved beauty stash. So what's the tipping point? "When it begins to interfere with the function of everything in your home, it’s a red flag," says Sheila. "Ask yourself these questions: Do I have room to store this? Can I easily access the product? Why did I buy this?" If you're looking to downsize, Sheila recommends reviewing all of your products first, then evaluating storage options second. "Do not purchase storage solutions or products until you've done the actual review work—always containerize last!" After you toss the old makeup and donate the impulse purchases, you'll end up with a collection you love—no matter the size!

Sheila Delson, CPO-CD®, is a New York-based certified professional organizer in chronic disorganization and specializes in neurological learning challenges. For over 18 years, she has helped individuals, families, and small businesses overcome life-long organizing difficulties. She teaches seminars across the country and is an active member of the National Association of Professional Organization (NAPO). She is the owner of Freedomain Concepts, a productivity consultancy.

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Jun 27, 2012

Rachel K.

i'm really not a hoarder but my family and friends think i am! i only have two friends who are as obsessed with makeup as i am. one definitely doesn't hoard but always has the budget to pick up anything she actually wants. one kind of hoards because i see her use about 10% of what she has semi-regularly, where as probably 80% is nearly NEVER used.... anyways, it's true that the girls with the cash to support a makeup addiction probably own too much. while i really would never want to throw out high-end products, i find myself able to part with low-end products pretty easily if i haven't used them in more than six months (obviously mascaras and some lip products will be gotten rid of more readily). when i have less of an income (college student) i will buy proportionally less, so i only buy the occasional drug store product and save up for high-end products that i really want. i make a conscious effort to only buy what i want and i pride myself on little waste. i don't use everything frequently, although i have a standard set of regulars, but everything in my collection is used at least once every month and a half.

Jan 27, 2012

Rianna H.

yes

Jan 14, 2012

Honey B.

I call myself an enthusiast! Actually that's in my profile description on here and twitter! I can't afford to hoard lmao ^_^

But the storage thing, idk. I live in a very tiny apartment and since I've moved in and aquired things I am truly running out of storage.

Like seriously if I buy anymore pairs of shoes I will have to start displaying them as art! I already do this with my jewelry & scarves lol

Jan 12, 2012

Adriana M.

I like to think my beauty product collection is mild. I don't have 20 different blushes, or 100+ nail polishes. I keep my collection to a minimum. And I hate wasting products; so if I have it, I use it!

Jan 12, 2012

Mehwish K.

I'm definitely a beauty hoarder. I have been in denial for a while now, but honestly I have gotten much better recently. It started with just eyeshadows and large palettes, then I went on to lip products, then face products, and most recently nail polish. I have over 200 bottles. Hair and Bath and body products are an occasional problem as well, but only if it is a really good deal. Lately, I have been disciplining myself better, mostly cause I'm broke and I know it, but that's better than nothing! I need to redirect my retail therapy urges into the gym because I think the results would be so much more rewarding...great article, I needed that.

Jan 12, 2012

Emily M.

i'm simply a collector! :) i am always up for throwing away old products. what i really enjoy doing is actually using them up completely. i've been doing tons of looks that are not really in my comfort zone! so far i've liked it and i'm glad i've gotten to experience this. my current fave: the not-so-usual eye liner. i like to line my bottom lash line with maybe a green or something...totally not used to doing that!