10 Things to Clean Out of Your Makeup Bag for the New Year

It is time for a fresh start, and what better way to kick off the new year than by cleaning out your makeup bag? Over time, makeup products can accumulate, and some may no longer be good to use. By organizing your makeup collection, you can ensure that you are only keeping products that work for you. This simple task can make your routine smoother and more enjoyable.

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Discard Expired Foundation and Concealer

Foundations and concealers do not last forever. Over time, their texture and color can change, making them less effective. If you’ve had a product for over a year, it might be time to toss it. Test its smell, feel, and consistency before deciding whether to keep it. A fresh, up-to-date formula will work better with your skin and give you smoother results.

Old foundation and concealer can cause breakouts or irritation if left unused for too long. Keeping expired products also means you could be applying bacteria to your face. Toss out any products with a strange smell or consistency changes. If the product separates or feels dry, it’s a sign it’s time to replace it. Make sure to keep only the products that still perform well for your skin type.

 Clean Out Old Lipsticks and Lip Glosses

Lip products have a shorter shelf life than other cosmetics. Most lipsticks and glosses should be discarded after one year. When cleaning out your makeup bag, check for any products that have changed color, smell, or texture. Toss out any lip products that no longer glide smoothly on your lips. Replacing them ensures that you have fresh options for every occasion.

Old lip products can carry bacteria, which can lead to lip infections or irritation. If your favorite shade has gone bad, it might be time to invest in a new one. Always store your lip products in a cool, dry place to extend their shelf life. If you have multiple shades of the same color, consider keeping only one or two of your most used. A fresh lipstick or gloss can give you a confidence boost every day.

Check Mascara for Clumping or Dryness

Mascara can dry out quickly, especially after being opened. If it’s clumping or flaking, it’s time for a new one. Never keep mascara longer than six months to ensure your eyes stay healthy. A dried-out tube can lead to irritation or make your lashes look less defined. Swap your old mascara for a fresh one to get the best volume and length.

Even if your mascara still looks fine, it’s important to replace it regularly. Old mascara can harbor bacteria, which increases the risk of eye infections. Keep in mind that after six months, the product may lose its effectiveness. A new mascara tube will provide the best results, making your lashes look fuller and more defined. Stick to the six-month rule to keep your makeup bag clean and safe.

Replace Old Eyeliners

Eyeliner pencils and gel liners have a limited shelf life, especially once sharpened or opened. If your eyeliner is no longer smooth or smudges easily, it’s time to replace it. Gel eyeliners, in particular, can dry out faster, making it harder to apply evenly. Discard any products that have become too hard or have an unusual texture. Fresh eyeliner will help you create sharper, more defined lines with ease.

Sharpen your pencil liners before use to get rid of any bacteria or debris. If your liquid eyeliner has become watery or separated, it’s no longer effective. If you notice any irritation after applying eyeliner, it’s time to swap out your old one. Consider upgrading to a long-lasting formula for better results throughout the day. Your eyes deserve a safe, smudge-free eyeliner that enhances your look.

Toss Out Old Powder Products

Powders, including setting powders, blushes, and bronzers, can last a bit longer but still have an expiration date. If your powder products start to smell or look cakey, it’s time to part with them. Check for any discoloration or hardening around the edges. Toss them if they’ve become difficult to apply or have lost their pigmentation. Replacing these products will help you maintain a smoother application.

Old powders may also harbor bacteria that can lead to breakouts. The oils and sweat from your skin can cause powder products to break down, especially after long-term use. If the powder is hard to the touch or has changed its consistency, replace it with a fresh one. Store your powder products in a cool, dry place to extend their shelf life. A fresh blush or bronzer will give you a more natural, glowing look.

Declutter Expired Makeup Items

Makeup and skincare often overlap, so make sure you’re keeping only effective products. If your moisturizer, primer, or serum has expired, it could do more harm than good. Skincare products lose their potency over time, and they may irritate your skin if kept too long. Look for any items that have changed color or consistency, or those past their expiration date. Toss them to make room for fresh, nourishing products that benefit your skin.

If you’ve had a skincare product for over six months, consider checking its shelf life. A simple test is to check for separation or a change in texture, which are signs that the product is no longer effective. Old skincare can clog pores and cause breakouts, especially with oils or serums. Keep your skincare routine clean and fresh by switching out expired products. This will ensure your skin is getting the nutrients it needs.

Sort Through Old Brushes and Sponges

Makeup brushes and sponges need regular cleaning, but they also have a lifespan. If you notice your tools shedding bristles or are unable to clean them properly, it may be time for a replacement. Brushes can harbor bacteria, which can lead to skin problems or infections. Replace any tools that have lost their shape or have become too dirty to clean effectively. Regularly check the condition of your brushes to keep your makeup application smooth and clean.

Old sponges can lose their elasticity and become harder to clean. If a sponge smells musty or feels rough, it’s time to throw it out. Dirty brushes can transfer dirt and bacteria to your skin, causing irritation or acne. Invest in high-quality brushes and sponges that can withstand frequent use. Keeping your tools in good condition will make your makeup routine more enjoyable.

Purge Unused or Duplicate Products

Chances are, you have multiple similar products in your makeup bag. These duplicates take up unnecessary space and can lead to clutter. It’s time to sort through your products and keep only the ones you actually use. If you have more than one foundation, lipstick, or mascara in similar shades, keep the one that works best for you. Streamlining your collection will make your daily routine more efficient.

If you find a product that you’ve had for a while but haven’t used in months, it’s time to let it go. Holding onto items you never use can cause unnecessary buildup in your makeup bag. Stick to your go-to favorites and discard the items that don’t work for you. Reducing excess products will free up space for new ones that you’ll actually enjoy. This will also ensure you are only using products that suit your needs.

Declutter Your Eyebrow Products

Eyebrow products such as pencils, gels, and powders are a must for most makeup bags. However, they can become dried out or lose their effectiveness over time. If your brow gel has thickened, or your pencil has become too hard, it’s time to replace it. Expired eyebrow products can create uneven or unnatural-looking brows, so it’s essential to refresh them. Dispose of any brow products that have lost their shape or color.

Ensure your eyebrow products are still effective by testing them out before applying them. If your brow pencil is too dry or your gel doesn’t hold your hairs in place, toss them. A fresh brow pencil or pomade will give you the best results when shaping and defining your brows. Keep only the products that match your current brow routine for a streamlined makeup bag. This will make your routine faster and more effective.

Review Your Makeup Bag for Items You Don’t Like

Sometimes we hold onto makeup products that we don’t enjoy using. Whether it’s a lipstick shade you never wear or an eyeshadow palette that doesn’t suit you, it’s time to remove these items. By getting rid of products you don’t like, you’ll have more space for things you actually use. Regularly reassessing your makeup collection helps keep things fresh and functional. Plus, it prevents you from holding onto products that just aren’t right for you.

Not every makeup product will suit your taste or style. If you find that certain products no longer bring you joy or you simply don’t use them, part ways with them. This makes room for new and exciting products that you’ll actually enjoy. A curated makeup collection helps you feel more confident and organized. Take the time to review your makeup bag and remove anything that doesn’t make you happy.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.