Hallie Gould, editor in chief of Byrdie, manages a constant flow of beauty products at her desk. Source: domino.com.
Managing the Clutter
Gould’s Brooklyn apartment is filled with beauty items—under her bed, in her closet, and in her bathroom. She estimates she has about 50 products in total, with 25 used regularly.
She avoids accumulation by following a strict one-in-one-out rule. When she brings in a new product, she removes one she hasn’t used in a while. Every three months, she conducts a full purge of unused or disliked items.
Testing Before Committing
As a beauty editor, Gould is surrounded by products daily. To avoid over-purchasing, she tests new items at her desk before taking them home.
She only brings a moisturizer home when she runs out of it. This rule ensures she only keeps products she genuinely needs.
Organizing by Use Frequency
Gould separates her products by how often they’re used. Hair and skincare items go in the medicine cabinet above her sink. Makeup is stored in a large makeup case, with daily-use items kept in the drawer below.
Items used sparingly are stored in small plastic organizers. A dedicated junk drawer holds body products and miscellaneous tools like her blow-dryer and curling iron.
Product Selection in Her Medicine Cabinet
Below are some of the products Gould would keep in her medicine cabinet, selected for effectiveness and reliability:
- Skinceuticals C E Ferulic – A vitamin C serum known for anti-aging benefits. Available at Dermstore.
- Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 – A hydrating lotion with a reputation for skin health. Currently not available for purchase.
- Renée Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel – A chemical exfoliant with berry-based ingredients. Available at Dermstore.
- Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich – A rich moisturizer praised for its texture and performance. Available at Dermstore.
- Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm – A gentle cleanser with natural ingredients. Available at Amazon.
- Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 – A repair serum for dry skin. Available at Dermstore.
These products are chosen not for popularity, but for proven performance and consistency in use.
Why This System Matters
For beauty editors, managing a large product inventory is both practical and necessary. The system Gould uses reflects a broader principle: intentionality in consumption.
It reduces waste, prevents clutter, and ensures only essential products remain in daily use. This approach is especially valuable in a market where new products are released frequently.
Limitations and Considerations
While the one-in-one-out rule is effective, it may not suit everyone. Some users might find it difficult to identify products they haven’t used in a long time.
Additionally, the system relies on personal judgment about what is truly needed. It does not account for seasonal changes or evolving personal needs.
There is also no mention of how Gould handles expired or damaged products, or whether she rotates items for freshness.
The system works best when combined with regular reviews and personal habits. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
For readers interested in product organization, bathroom organization and Byrdie offer further insights into managing personal care routines.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: original publisher image. Via original publisher. Image source
