Spring Cleaning Your Makeup Bag: What to Keep and Toss

When was the last time you cleaned out your makeup bag? If you can't remember, it's definitely time. Old makeup harbors bacteria, loses effectiveness, and takes up valuable space. Here's your complete guide to refreshing your collection safely.

Why Expiration Dates Matter

Expired makeup isn't just less effective—it's potentially harmful. Old products breed bacteria causing eye infections, breakouts, and skin irritation. Preservatives break down over time, making products unsafe even if they look fine.

Know Your Makeup Shelf Life

Mascara: 3 months - This is non-negotiable. The constant pumping introduces air and bacteria directly into the tube. Toss immediately if it smells weird or becomes clumpy.

Liquid Eyeliner: 3-6 months - Similar to mascara, liquid liners touch your eyes repeatedly. Replace frequently to avoid infections.

Cream or Liquid Foundation: 6-12 months - Once the texture changes, separates, or smells off, it's time. Pumps last longer than jars since less air exposure occurs.

Concealer: 12-18 months - Liquid concealers expire faster than cream formulas. If it's dried out or changed color, toss it.

Powder Products: 2 years - Eyeshadows, blushes, and setting powders last longer due to low moisture content. Discard if they develop a film, smell funky, or stop applying smoothly.

Lipstick: 1-2 years - Bullet lipsticks last longer than glosses. Toss if the texture becomes grainy or the smell changes.

Lip Gloss: 12-18 months - The wand dips back in repeatedly, introducing bacteria. Replace sooner if you've been sick.

Pencils: 2 years - Eyeliners and lip liners last longer because you sharpen away bacteria with each use.

Cream Blush/Bronzer: 12 months - Fingers touching cream products introduce bacteria quickly.

Visual Warning Signs to Toss Immediately

• Strange or rancid smell (natural ingredients expire faster)
• Separated liquids that won't remix
• Changed texture—watery, chunky, or dried out
• Color shifts or discoloration
• Visible mold (yes, it happens)
• Products you used during an eye infection

Smart Sorting Strategy

Empty your entire makeup collection onto a clean surface. Create three piles: Keep, Toss, and Maybe.

Keep: Used regularly, within expiration, in good condition Toss: Expired, damaged, or haven't used in 6+ months Maybe: Still good but rarely used—give yourself one month to use it or lose it

When to Break the Rules

That $60 eyeshadow palette you barely touched? If it's less than two years old, looks and smells normal, and applies well, it's probably fine. Powder products are more forgiving than creams and liquids.

However, never compromise on anything touching your eyes or lips frequently, especially mascara and eyeliner.

Extend Your Makeup's Life

Store products in cool, dry places away from humidity. Bathroom storage actually shortens shelf life—consider a bedroom drawer instead.

Clean brushes weekly with gentle soap to prevent bacteria transfer. Never share eye makeup, even with close friends.

Write purchase dates on products with a marker. You'll never guess again.

What to Invest In After Purging

Replace frequently used essentials first—foundation, concealer, and mascara. Consider multipurpose products to minimize clutter. A cream blush works on lips, a brown eyeshadow doubles as brow powder.

Buy mini sizes of trendy colors you might not use often. They'll expire before you finish them anyway.

Sustainable Disposal

Don't just trash everything. Many brands like MAC, Nordstrom, and Sephora offer recycling programs. You can return empty containers for rewards or proper recycling.

Remove excess product, separate components when possible, and check local recycling guidelines.

A streamlined makeup collection saves time, protects your skin, and makes getting ready genuinely enjoyable. Your refreshed makeup bag awaits!