In spring, many of us are seized by the urge to organise, streamline and downsize what we own. This is generally a noble sentiment, although it would make sense not only to declutter, but also to ponder why we have all this stuff in the first place. I feel that this year has been particularly abundant in videos about cutting down one’s beauty stash: my theory is that brands’ habit to send PR items to bloggers and youtubers has reached the stage where all of them have wayyy too much stuff and gifts no longer feel that special.

While I absolutely think that going through your things and making sure you’re not pointlessly hoarding is a good thing, here are three things to keep in mind while doing so.

1. You are not a beauty blogger. Unless you are, in which case disregard this point, unless you are a blogger like me who doesn’t receive much stuff, in which case read on (this would make a great flow-chart). The thing is that when beauty gurus “purge”, they can afford to be quite careless. Even if they get rid of something they later regret throwing/giving away, they will very likely receive something similar soon in the post. Or if not, they can afford to repurchase or can even ask the brand for a replacement. Now, I often turn quite brutal when editing my possessions and it has happened several times that I’ve gotten rid of something only to go out and buy the same thing or something similar in a month. I am very familiar with fantasies of a super-streamlined beauty routine, but this is not who I am. Although not everyone is like me, most people buy things for a reason. So even in the middle of a puritanical passion to purge your vanity, keep that in mind.

2. Your skin changes. I don’t mean you should hold on to that extra rich moisturiser just in case your oily skin suddenly turns dry. There are, however, products that I don’t use for months, and then desperately need. Targeted spot-busting treatments are one such category, soothing balms and oils another. So while I generally believe that truth is revealed in practice – if you don’t use it, you don’t need it – there are exceptions. Maybe you don’t use lipbalm or hand cream every week or even every month, but when you need it, you probably really need it. I would keep some around.

3. Seasons change as well. This point is related to the previous one, but there are nuances. When you look at your lipsticks or nail polishes in March, it may feel that you’ll never want to wear burgundy again. You might be actively disgusted by the colour. However, when Autumn comes around, you and burgundy could be inseparable again. It is difficult to tell. Foundation is an even more practical case with people often being several shades lighter/darker in different seasons. Depending on where you live, you may also need very different skincare in summer and winter. I would therefore exercise caution and if you’re unsure, keep the seasonal stuff until that particular season comes around again and decide then.

To sum up: by all means, throw out everything that is too old to use (I would not be overly worried about that powder blush, but do be careful with “green” skincare), give away things that don’t work for you, analyse your habits and strive to be less wasteful. Just remember that decluttering isn’t a competition and in the end, your beauty collection needs to fit your life rather than some arbitrary standards of beauty or minimalism gurus.