It’s time for a little spring cleaning!  No, I’m not speaking of cleaning out the dust bunnies that accumulated over the winter, nor am I talking about clearing your closet of all the clothes you haven’t worn in the last year, though you should do both!  I’m talking about spring cleaning your makeup case, makeup brushes and skin care products.  How can you expect to have fabulous skin if you are using old makeup, dirty brushes and expired skin care?

It’s easy to forget to toss makeup, especially when it’s a favorite!  But if you don’t routinely clean out your train case and wash your brushes you could be applying bacteria to your face!  Gross!  Here’s a list to help you know what to toss and when:

  • Water-based Foundation: 12 months
  • Oil-based Foundation: 18 months
  • Blush or Powder: 2 years
  • Powder Eyeshadow: 3 years
  • Cream Eyeshadow: 6 months
  • Pencil Eye Liner: 3 years (pencils are great because you are basically cleaning them w/ every sharpen!)
  • Liquid Eye Liner: 3 months
  • Lip Liner: 3 years
  • Lipstick: 1-2 years
  • Mascara: 3 months (be diligent about replacing mascara to prevent contamination and infections)
  • Concealer: 12 months
  • Most skin care items: 6 months to 1 year

These are general estimates and the expiration varies depending on the ingredients in the product.  Natural makeup may have shorter expiration time so check with the manufacturer.  If it starts to smell bad, change color or change texture, throw it out!

Makeup Tool Care:

It’s important to clean your makeup tools or you may be contributing to facial breakouts!

  • Makeup Sponge: Clean daily, toss weekly.  To clean, use warm water and a gently cleaning agent like baby shampoo.  Rinse well.
  • Makeup Brushes: Clean weekly.  Start by running under warm water.  Gently clean with a makeup brush cleanser or a mild cleanser like baby shampoo. You may also use 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar to clean with.  Rinse well. Shake out as much water as possible then lay flat to dry, preferably overnight.
  • Hair Brushes: Don’t forget your hair brush or comb!  Since it touches your scalp and collects hair oil and stray hairs, you’ll want to keep it clean and fresh for a healthy scalp!  Clean daily.
  • Eye Lash Curler: If you curl after you apply mascara (should be an exception, not the rule!), then gently clean with your eye makeup remover followed by a gentle cleanser.
  • Makeup Bag: In addition to cleaning your tools, you need to empty and clean your makeup case.  Really wipe it down and disinfect it!  Let dry before putting your makeup back in.  Do the same for any drawers or containers in which you stash your overflow.
  • Medicine Cabinet: Wipe down the shelves in your medicine cabinet or cupboard where you store your skin care.  Drips happen and get left.  Now is the time to scrub them away.

Taking care of these spring cleaning matters will give your skin a safer and cleaner start to the new season!  You’ll enjoy a freshly organized vanity area and some new makeup (hey, you’ve got to replace what you’ve tossed, right?!).  Happy Spring!