First Impressions
There's a peculiar intimacy to watching someone sort through their makeup collection—a ritual that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. The video begins with a confession: the creator is about to declutter hundreds of beauty products, but she's already second-guessing herself. She admits that eyeshadow palettes are the hardest to part with because of their specificity; you can't just mix a shade that doesn't exist. I felt that in my bones. I've been a beauty editor for over a decade, and my own stash is a graveyard of palettes I swore I'd use for that one perfect transition shade.
The room is filled with the quiet rustle of drawers opening, the clatter of compacts, and the occasional meow of a cat in a box—a charming distraction that softens the daunting task ahead. The creator's voice is warm, self-deprecating, and refreshingly honest. She's not here to perform; she's here to confront the ghosts of beauty past. There's a palpable tension between the desire to purge and the magnetic pull of nostalgia. I've been there, staring at a Makeup Forever Flash palette that's long past its prime, knowing I'll never use it but unable to let go because it represents a time when my career was just beginning.
The Deep Dive
As the creator dives into the drawers, she categorizes products by emotional weight rather than practicality. The gel liners and special effects drawer is a graveyard of dried-out pots and forgotten formulas. She holds up a Kaja eyeshadow trio and wonders aloud if the brand still exists—a quick Google search confirms it does, but she admits she never reaches for it. This is the heart of the declutter: the gap between what we own and what we actually use. I've seen this pattern in countless beauty enthusiasts; we buy into the fantasy of a product, not its reality.
She moves to Stila, a brand she feels was underrated in its prime. The liquid eyeshadows—those shimmering, foiled formulas—were ahead of their time. "If they had risen to popularity in 2016, they would have really hit," she muses. I remember those shadows; they were indeed innovative, offering a wet-look metallic finish that pre-dated the liquid shadow craze by years. But innovation doesn't always guarantee longevity. Stila's artistry-based products were brilliant, but the market wasn't ready. This is a lesson for creators and brands alike: timing is everything.
The conversation shifts to About Face, a brand that launched with a controversial price-drop narrative. The creator recalls how they claimed to have recouped costs and then lowered prices, framing it as a consumer-friendly move. But she's skeptical: "You would have had to always have had the margins there." I understand her frustration. In an industry where transparency is rare, this felt like a calculated PR move rather than genuine altruism. Still, she admits the products themselves are good—the fluid eye paints are versatile and pigmented. It's a classic case of separating the art from the artist, or in this case, the product from the brand's story.
Real Results
After an hour of sorting, the results are mixed. The creator tosses dried-out gel liners, crusty liquid shadows, and anything that's clearly expired. She keeps four out of eight Hourglass Scattered Light shadows, admitting that nostalgia is her biggest obstacle. I've done the same—holding onto a Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill shadow because it reminds me of a launch event where I met a mentor. The emotional weight of these objects is real, but so is the need for a functional collection.
What surprised me most was her honesty about brand loyalty. She mentions that Nudestick faced backlash for political associations, and she had forgotten until viewers reminded her. This is the reality of the beauty community: brand ethics matter, and they can shift consumer perception overnight. The creator's struggle to reconcile her love for a product with a brand's missteps is something every beauty lover faces. It's not just about what works on your skin; it's about what aligns with your values.
The Honest Truth
Let's be real: this declutter is not a masterclass in minimalism. The creator keeps far more than she tosses, and she knows it. She jokes about being a "nightmare" and admits she's the worst at decluttering her own stuff. I appreciate the self-awareness. Too many beauty declutter videos present a sanitized, aspirational version of letting go. This one is messy, contradictory, and human. She keeps the Tarte chrome paints for nostalgia, even though she hasn't touched them in years. She holds onto the Victoria Beckham lid luster because... well, because it's Victoria Beckham.
But here's the honest truth: if you're looking for a guide on how to ruthlessly purge your collection, this isn't it. The creator's approach is more about reflection than reduction. She asks herself why she's holding onto things, and the answers are often sentimental. That's valid, but it's not practical. If you're someone who needs to downsize for space or sanity, you'll need a different strategy. For me, I've learned that if a product doesn't spark joy or serve a purpose in six months, it goes. But that's my rule; yours might be different.
Pro Tips
If you're planning your own declutter, here's what I've learned from this video and my own experience:
1. **Start with the expired stuff.** Gel liners, liquid lipsticks, and mascara are the first to go. If it's dried out, smells off, or has changed texture, toss it. No amount of nostalgia is worth an eye infection.
2. **Separate sentiment from utility.** Keep one or two truly meaningful items—like the first high-end palette you bought—but be honest about the rest. A product that reminds you of a good time but never gets used is just taking up space.
3. **Research brand ethics before buying.** The creator's experience with About Face and Nudestick is a reminder that brand reputation can change. Before you invest, check if the brand's values align with yours. It saves heartache later.
4. **Use swatching as a test.** The creator swatches products and realizes they're not as good as she remembered. Do the same. If a shadow is chalky or a liner is patchy, it's time to say goodbye.
5. **Set a limit.** Decide how many of each category you want to keep—say, five eyeshadow palettes, three blushes. This forces you to prioritize. The creator didn't do this, which is why she kept so much. Learn from her mistake.
Final Verdict
Would I recommend this video to someone looking to declutter? Yes, but with caveats. It's more of a cautionary tale than a how-to guide. The creator's honesty about her own struggles with letting go is refreshing, and her insights into brand history and industry practices are valuable for anyone who wants to understand the beauty landscape. But if you're looking for a streamlined, efficient declutter method, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Who is this for? Beauty enthusiasts who love a good story and want to feel seen in their own clutter. Creators who need a reminder that even experts struggle with consumption. And anyone who's ever held onto a product because of a memory. This video is a mirror, and what you see in it might just surprise you.
