'"Project Pan" is the hack to declutter your beauty cupboard.'

Let's have a quick chat about makeup, shall we? And also having too many things, which is something I've been yapping about pretty consistently for a while now.

These two fascinating (no srsly) subjects intersect in ways you wouldn't imagine in my home.

Because, while I have too much stuff generally, the thing I probably have most of is beauty products. Because I love trying out new skincare, makeup, hair products… anything I can get my grubby little hands on, really.

But I simply can't use up beauty products as quickly as I'm trying them out.

Which leaves my dresser looking something like this:

I know. Big yikes. Image: Supplied.

(And you guys — that's not even close to the half of it. I have a bathroom vanity too, AND three small "beauty lockers". Yes, the shame.)

Looking at my overflowing makeup stash is overwhelming and, I know, I know — why not just toss the products I don't use regularly? Well, because despite the sheer number of quarter-used products breaking my brain a little, a lot of these beauty buys are great. I don't want to throw them out, but also, how many cream blushes can a girl use each day?

Watch: The best lip liner hack. Post continues below.

So that's the predicament.

But now I think I've found a solution, thanks to TikTok (naturally).

Enter Project Pan, the beauty movement that's having a moment on social media, and encouraging the beauty obsessed to actually finish our products before buying new ones.

What exactly is Project Pan?

Project Pan is a challenge where people who have too many products (ahem, me) commit to using our existing products until we hit the metal "pan" at the bottom of the makeup container.

Obviously not all makeup and skincare has a literal pan — but it's about using a product until it's empty, rather than having hundreds of half-opened bottles of foundation in almost the exact same shade scattered across your bathroom vanity (guilty).

There's something deeply satisfying about finishing a product completely — and while it is, admittedly, a fairly slow way to declutter beauty mess, it's a method that doesn't leave you feeling like you've wasted money by tossing away perfectly good products.

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Project Pan isn't just about racking up those empties, though — it's also about mindful consumption and getting the most value from your beauty investments. And for someone like me, who hates wastage (one of the key bug bears at the heart of my semi-hoarding issues), that's a big win.

How to do Project Pan.

Okay so, you're sold on Project Pan (me too!). But where do you start?

First up, check expiration dates. Yes, makeup and skincare has use-by dates! Toss anything that's past due — go on, do it. If it's out of date, it could be a) less efficacious or b) a bacteria breeding ground (ew), especially eye makeup. Throw it, without guilt, knowing you're doing your skin a kindness. SPF too, please. Sunscreen that's past its expiration date isn't protecting you the way it should, and it needs to go in the bin.

Once you've sorted the keepers, prioritise products that will expire soon. Look for the little jar symbol with a number — that's how many months the product is good for after opening.

Nesxt it's time to get creative with your products. Can you repurpose a lipstick that didn't quite suit your pout as a cream blush? A shimmery eyeshadow as highlighter, or a face sunscreen as body SPF, if it doesn't work for your complexion?

Starting too many products at once is one of the biggest mistakes people make in Project Pan, so make the challenge feel more manageable, it's a good idea to divide your products into categories. Include a mix of daily essentials you regularly use, products that complement each other, and items from different routines (skincare, makeup, body care), so you have everything you need for your regular routine on hand. Then choose one item per category to start the journey. As you finish with, say, your first moisturiser, you can pick up the next one.

@sophiaegiuffre My current Project Pan products #projectpan #projectpanning #projectpanupdate ♬ original sound - Sophia Giuffré

Oh and guys, please don't force yourself to use products you hate. It's not worth it — you've got to feel good.

Project Pan works best when you select items you genuinely enjoy using, as this makes the process more sustainable and enjoyable. Just chuck anything you're not into, or give those products to friends who do like them (just… not mascara please).

Finally, as you start to work your way through your products, adopt a 'one in, one out' rule to keep the collection under control. Only buy a new product when you've completely finished an old one. (Yeah, I know how hard this will be, I don't love it either, but rules are rules! And remember, this is about reducing clutter and regaining sanity, so it's worth it.)

A couple of potential road blocks to watch out for.

Lack of organisation.

Keeping all products visible at once can be overwhelming. Store away products you're not currently panning, to maintain focus on your active items.

Not tracking your panning wins.

Not tracking your progress can reduce motivation. Consider documenting your journey through photos or notes to maintain enthusiasm and see your achievements, or even showing off your empties to the Project Pan community on socioal media.

Having unrealistic expectations.

Setting overly ambitious deadlines or trying to pan too many products at the same time can lead to frustration and beauty burnout, boo! Remember that using up products takes time, and steady progress is more sustainable than rushing through items. You've got this!

Why Project Pan is the ultimate beauty decluttering hack.

Okay, so what are the benefits of Project Pan? That is, aside from clearing clutter from your home, being a sustainable queen and potentially rediscovering new favourites…

Many Project Panners discover new ways to use their products. Some have found that products they initially disliked became favourites once they learnt different application techniques, which means improved makeup skills and a better understanding of what works for you, makeup-wise.

The beauty industry might be built on the excitement of the new, but Project Pan highlights the joy in using what you already have. It's a movement that celebrates commitment overconsumption — and proves that sometimes the most satisfying trends are the ones that help us appreciate what's already in our makeup bags.

Alix Nicholson is Mamamia's Senior Weekend Editor. Read more of her work here, or follow her on Instagram and TikTok.

Feature image: Supplied.