Makeup Collection Organizer: Keep Track of Your Products

The makeup collection organizer turns a simple typed list into an overview of what you own. It is useful before you shop, when you declutter, and whenever you suspect that you have bought the same lipstick twice.

What this tool does

You type one product on each line. The organizer sorts the products into categories, counts them, adds up any prices, and points out repeats, gaps and crowded categories. The list is saved in your own browser, so it is there on your next visit. It is not stored on the website.

What you enter

One product on each line: the category, a comma and the name. A price at the end is optional.

The categories are foundation, concealer, powder, primer, blush, bronzer, highlighter, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, brows, lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, setting spray, brush and other. Capitals and plurals do not matter, and common alternatives are understood: "skin tint" counts as foundation, "palette" as eyeshadow, and "sponge" as brushes and tools.

The list may have up to 150 lines, and a name may have up to 80 characters.

How the result is worked out

• Count and value: products and prices are added up for each category. The total is the sum of the prices you entered, and the result says how many products have no price.
• Entered more than once: two lines with the same name in the same category, ignoring capitals.
• Gaps against a basic kit: the organizer checks seven things: a base, concealer, blush or bronzer, mascara, a brow product, a lip color, and a brush or sponge.
• Where you have the most: any category with four or more products, apart from brushes and "other".
• A category that is not recognized is counted under Other, and the result tells you which words were not recognized.

Messages you may see

• "Enter your products." when the list is empty.
• "Line 1 needs a category and a name with a comma between them, for example: lipstick, Rose Nude." for a line without a comma or a name.
• "Line 4: the name may be at most 80 characters."
• "The list has more than 150 products. Shorten it to 150 lines."

When several lines have a problem, the first is described and the others are counted.

How to use it

1. Empty your makeup bag or drawer, and type one line for each product.
2. Select "Organize my collection".
3. Read the gaps and the repeats before you write a shopping list.
4. Update the list when you buy or finish something. "Clear the saved list" removes it from this browser.

Worked example

Six lines: a foundation at 18, a mascara at 9, a lipstick "Rose Nude" at 12.50, a second line "lipstick, rose nude" with no price, a lipstick "Classic Red" at 14, and a blush with no price.

The result is 6 products in 4 categories, with a total of 53.50 and 2 products without a price. "Rose nude" is reported as entered more than once. The gaps against a basic kit are concealer, a brow product and a brush or sponge.

Limits and assumptions

The organizer reads only what you type. It does not know shades, sizes or how much of a product is left. A gap is only a note, and you do not need a product you would not use. The list stays in one browser on one device, and it is lost if you clear the browser's data, so keep a copy if it matters. For opening dates, use the Beauty Product Expiry Tracker.

Related on ArniSun

• Beauty Storage Organizers: Sizes, Features, and Cleaning
• Beginner Makeup Kit: Essential Products to Start With
• Makeup Hygiene: How to Store and Handle Products
• Beauty Product Expiry Tracker: Track Dates and Label Guidance
• Makeup Collection Management