Jennifer Truesdale, a professional organizer based in Charleston, S.C., thinks there’s a more practical reason. “Many people don’t like to buy higher-end products without knowledge of them or their worth, so they feel excited to be able to try something new and different from what they typically might buy.” (Hence the rise of subscription “boxes” stuffed with small sizes.)

Our intentions are good. We grab travel-size toiletries from hotels because we can think of all the ways we’ll use them but, Ms. Truesdale said, “the follow-through is usually where the problem lies.”

But why aren’t we using these precious items that we’re all so lovingly collecting? Ms. Wischhover blames our tendency toward fantasy and wishful thinking, “Samples represent possibility. We pin our hopes on them — it’s fun to imagine that maybe finally you’ve found The One, so you delay trying it to prolong the experience.”

One day, I’ll take that vacation and need 76 mini bottles of body wash.

Tip #2: Donate the samples you don’t want or need.

Beauty samples are ripe for donation, which is great news for those of us staring down an angry mob of foundation samples in every shade but the one of our actual skin. But! Endeavor in all things to be responsible, especially when it comes to donations. (This is a polite way of saying that you shouldn’t dump all your unwanted junk on charitable organizations. Please stop doing that.)

Emergency shelters are more likely to want sample-size products, whereas long-term stay organizations will generally prefer full-sized product donations. The best way to determine this, duh, is to call or email organizations before making donations. Mindy Godding, a decluttering expert from Richmond, Va. also suggests thinking about how the new user will experience the product; does someone in an emergency shelter especially need an Urban Decay lip gloss sampler? Probably not.

Ms. Truesdale said toiletries like shampoo, body wash and lotion are generally welcomed at shelters (homeless and cold-weather shelters in particular), orphanages, Ronald McDonald House and children’s hospitals, where volunteer groups often put together comfort kits. Makeup can be donated to playhouses and school drama clubs, teen and youth development centers; makeup and perfume samples are also welcome at many Dress For Success chapters.