Okay ladies, if you are like me, you have a stock pile of makeup that you find very difficult to part with. Let's face it, makeup is expensive. You want to scrape every last drip out of that lip gloss tube. Either that, or you have your favorite "shade" and you have used it so long that by the time you do think about replacing it, the manufacturer has moved on to something new.

Frustrating I know. But perhaps the makeup companies are on to something. The out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new approach may just be the reason to give your makeup collection a routine face-lift, for a couple of good reasons. And here is what they are: good organizing habits, and good health.

In following with my Simply Sort organizing philosophy of gather, sort and purge, the first thing you want to do is gather together all of your makeup. Clear out your vanity, your drawers, medicine cabinets, purses, hall closets... wherever else you may have makeup tucked away. Then organize everything by line item. Eye shadows with eye shadows, lip sticks with lip sticks, etc. I would gather full makeup kits as their own category.

Once all the sorting is done, sit and survey your collection. My guess is you will have more than you thought you did. Now is the time to get real and ruthless. Toss whatever is expired or you haven't worn in at least one month (if you are a daily makeup wearer) or two months (if you are more of an occasional wearer). Fingernail polish that you have worn in the last six months can stay as long as: you don't have a duplicate of it, it isn't dried, or funky looking, and you have enough room to store it neatly.

Know when it is time to toss: Guideline for expired make-up

Below is a guideline of expiration dates for different types of makeup. According to Marie Claire magazine, holding on to makeup too long can actually be bad for your health. Particularly using eye liner, and mascara past its prime. Bacteria can grow and cause eye infections.

Expiration dates — beginning from the time you first open these products:

Powders and shadows: 2 years
Cream shadows: 12 to 18 months
Foundation: 1 year
Lipstick & lipliner: 1 year
Mascara & eyeliners: 3 months
Makeup brushes: Clean weekly using a mild detergent
Makeup sponges: Replace weekly, or when sponge becomes soiled

Store in a cool, dry, place, out of the sun. Discard any makeup that is discolored or has an unpleasant odor. Also, avoid sharing make-up among friends.

And check this out: Becca cosmetics has developed a Anti-Bacterial Pencil Sharpener ($12 beccacosmetics.com) The blades are treated with an antibacterial solution that sanitizes pencils with every twist. How cool is that?!

Once you have your make-up collection narrowed down to what you actually use, and what is safe to keep, here are two more organizing solutions that I think are viable options depending on your budget.

1) Spinning Make-Up Organizer: I like this one because it spins, and can hold a lot for the amount of counter real estate it will use.

2) But if you have a smaller collection and are looking to buy something more affordable, this simple three drawer organizer you can meet your needs, and can be found at Target or Walmart.