20 Questions To Help You Declutter & Curate Your Nail Polish Collection

20 Questions To Help You Declutter & Curate Your Nail Polish Collection | Simplify & Minimize

9/23/2018

Tips To Help You Declutter Your Nail Polish Today!

Before you get started, take inventory of your nail polish collection.
How many polishes do you have?
How many top coats, base coats or treatments?

At the end of the post count up how many nail polishes you decluttered and how many you held on to. It's exciting to see progress so feel free to share your success by leaving a comment!

Nail Polish Declutter Question 1: Is it old?

Do you remember purchasing this polish? Opened polish is said to last up to 2 years because over time the ingredients evaporated and cause it to get thick and goopy. Technically, unopened nail polish is supposed to last "indefinitely". But if you are looking to declutter and curate your nail polish collection, if you have a polish that is unopened after several years or you know you have had a polish since before you graduated or got married or moved into your current apartment that you have been in for 8 years then... it's probably safe to dispose of that nail polish. Declutter it girl! And don't look back!

Nail Polish Declutter Question 2: Is it dried up?

When nail polish gets thick you technically can use a product like Orly Nail Polish Thinner to get a better texture. I have done this with my favorite Seche Vite Dry Quick Top Coat a number of times as I have almost used it up so the bottom 1/3 of the bottle keeps getting too thick. But I am talking about the polish being crusty all around the opening so that when you open up the bottle of nail polish dried polish flakes off and into the polish bottle etc. Just get declutter that polish and move on. How annoying would it be to be doing your nails and accidentally get ones of those dried up chunks on your nail and ruin your manicure?

Nail Polish Declutter Question 3: Is the Nail Polish Constantly Seperated?

If you have to spend 5 minutes violently shaking the polish bottle and rolling it between your hands to try to get it to mix back up before you use it.... you don't have time for that! Declutter that nail polish!

Nail Polish Declutter Question 4: How much nail polish is left in the bottle?

If the bottle is less than half full, open it up to check the texture. If it is dry and crumbly or thick and goopy it's another easy declutter.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 5: What type of finish does the nail polish have? Do you actually like it?

Nail polishes have so many finishes. Just a few examples are Creme, Glitter, Pearl, Sheer, Metallic, Textured, Matte and so on. Over time you may realize you are drawn to certain finishes and nail polish styles. For instance, I find I really like the creme polishes. I like some glitter polishes, but I find them a pain to remove. Some metallic polishes are gorgeous, but it bothers me that its easy to see the stroke lines if you aren't a super skilled applicator. So in one quick swoop I was able to eliminate and declutter many polishes that I had which are finishes that I dislike.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 6: Do a test application of the polish. What condition is the brush in?

Does the brush have stray bristles or frayed bristles that make it challenging or impossible to achieve a nice nail polish application? If the brush is damaged then you will be frustrated every time you try to use that polish. Declutter it.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 7: Do you like the size and shape of the nail polish brush?

Some nail polish brushes are more dense than others, some are a little more rounded. Some are thicker so you could almost do an entire nail with one swoop. Others are much more narrow. Sometimes the handle on the brush (the lid of the nail polish) is too short and small or feels odd in the hand. If you dislike these things, declutter that nail polish.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 8: Does the polish formula apply easily?

If you have been painting your nails for any length of time you know that not all nail polishes are created equally. If the formula does not apply easily then consider decluttering it.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 9: How many coats do you need to apply for your desired look?

If a polish requires 2, 3 or even more coats for opacity - how often are your really willing to take time for that? If you're not willing to spend the time and you only put on 1 quick and sparse coat each time, you will never be fully satisfies with the way it looks so you may as well declutter.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 10: Once the polish is on - Do you like the look of it on your nails?

Sometimes you like a polish in the bottle or on a friend, but you just don't like it on yourself!

Nail Polish Declutter Question 11: Is the shade too dark or too light?

I recently wore a shade for the first time that was really dark and it just was not my style. Decluttered.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 12: Does it compliment your skin tone?

I am no expert on "color seasons" and whatnot, but I do think it is true that certain shades of each color look good on each person. Once again, a color may look great in the bottle, but conflict with your skin tone leaving you feeling less than great in it. If that's the case, declutter it.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 13: Do you like how the polish looks in a photo?

This is a great tip for decluttering or purging your closet. Seeing a photo of yourself in a clothing item can give you a whole different perspective and the same is true with polish. It may be just the perspective you need to declutter the nail polish or decide it's a keeper.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 14: Does the polish actually match your style or wardrobe?

This question does apply if you are one who likes to coordinate. If you bought a brown polish and realize you never actually wear brown and your classic neutral is, say, black... it's possible you will declutter this polish because you won't get a ton of wear out of it.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 15: Is it regular nail polish or gel nail polish? Do you have a preference?

I decided to declutter my gel polishes because I don't like the removal process of soaking in acetone. I love the gel finish, but I don't love that process. Maybe you feel the same. Or maybe you want to declutter all of your traditional polishes because you want to curate your nail polish collection with gel nail polishes. Either way, asking this question can help you easily declutter multiple polishes at one time.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 16: How long did the polish last on your nails?

If you have done a test application (which I recommend if you can't otherwise eliminate the polish sooner or know for sure you want to keep it) how long did it last? Did it chip on day one? Even though you used top coat?! Get rid of it. Or did It last for a whole week even though it's traditional polish? That may be a keeper! ;)

Nail Polish Declutter Question 17: What are the ingredients?

If you are moving toward more natural cosmetics and polishes that are 5 free or 7 free etc then you may be able to clear out many of your polishes with this question.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 18: How did it affect your nails after removing the polish?

Did this polish leave your nails stained, dried out, or peeling? I've had that happen. If your nails look and feel a wreck after using a nail polish, it's not worth it to keep that polish. Declutter it.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 19: Do you have duplicates or similar shades?

If you have 6 red polishes or pink polishes, could you narrow it down to your favorite 1 or 2 polishes? Think about the questions above to help you - which has a formula and finish you like, applies well with the brush, lasts long, and is flattering on you.

Nail Polish Declutter Question 20: What should you do with polish you want to declutter?

Evidently nail polish should be disposed of carefully and is consider hazardous waste (creepy). You can check here for a disposal location near you. But another option for polishes that you just don't prefer would be to pass them on to a friend or family member if you are absolutely certain you don't have any type of fungus you would be sharing. Sorry, had to give that disclaimer as it is an important detail.

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