Expired products to toss, ingredients to embrace, and simple organization tips.
It’s not like we will miss winter one bit! IF for anything it would be for the time it gave us to get our warm weather selves together. Hello Spring and hello spring skincare!
Spring Skincare and Makeup: Tips for a Fresh Start
As the season changes and the flowers bloom, it’s the perfect time to refresh your skincare and makeup routine. Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home — it’s also a great opportunity to declutter and revitalize your beauty products. Tossing expired products, reassessing your routine, and giving your makeup collection a makeover can leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for the warmer months. Here’s how to spring clean your skincare and makeup products for a fresh, glowing start!
1. Check Expiration Dates
Just like food, beauty products have expiration dates — and using them past their prime can lead to breakouts, irritation, or just ineffective results. Start by checking the expiration dates on all your skincare and makeup products. If you don’t see an expiration date, look for the symbol of an open jar with a number inside (e.g., 6M or 12M). This represents how many months the product is good for after opening.
- Skincare: Most skincare products, like serums and moisturizers, typically last anywhere from six months to a year. If you’ve had a product for longer than that, it’s time to let it go.
- Makeup: Mascara and liquid eyeliners have a shorter shelf life (usually 3-6 months), while powder products like eyeshadows and blushes can last up to two years. If the texture or smell has changed, it’s best to toss them.
2. Clean Your Makeup Brushes & Tools
Makeup brushes, sponges, and other tools are a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Spring cleaning is a great time to give them a thorough wash! Clean brushes help to apply makeup more evenly and prevent skin irritation.
- How to Clean: Wash your brushes with warm water and gentle soap or brush cleaner. Be sure to dry them completely before using them again to prevent mold growth.
- Beauty Tools: Don’t forget to clean beauty tools like tweezers, eyelash curlers, and even makeup bags. You can wipe them down with an antibacterial wipe after washing and drying to keep them sanitized.
3. Declutter and Purge Old Products
It’s easy to accumulate a collection of beauty products over time. Take a hard look at your skincare and makeup products and ask yourself if they’re still serving a purpose. Purging products you no longer use or need can free up space and help you streamline your routine. Here are some things to consider:
- Products You Haven’t Used in Months: If you haven’t reached for a product in a while, it’s probably time to let it go. Whether it’s a skincare item that didn’t work for your skin type or a lipstick you no longer love, clearing these out will make room for new, more exciting products.
- Duplicates: Do you really need three different tinted moisturizers or five foundations? Streamline your collection by keeping only the ones that truly work for you.
- Expired Samples: Samples can pile up quickly. While some are worth trying out, others just collect dust. Go through your sample stash and decide which ones are worth testing, and toss any that are past their expiration date.
4. Assess Your Skincare Routine for Spring
Seasonal changes can have a big impact on your skin. Spring often brings warmer weather and higher humidity, so your skincare routine might need a little tweaking to match the changing climate. Now’s the time to review your products and switch things up:
- Lighten Up: You might want to swap your heavy winter creams for lighter moisturizers or gels that won’t clog your pores in the spring warmth.
- Sunscreen is a Must: As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, it’s important to re-evaluate your sunscreen. Make sure you’re using one with broad-spectrum protection of at least SPF 30. Consider switching to a sunscreen that’s lightweight and works well under makeup.
- Exfoliate: After months of harsh winter air, your skin could benefit from some gentle exfoliation. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating serum to remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresh, glowing complexion.
5. Refresh Your Makeup Collection for Spring
Just as your skincare routine needs a spring update, your makeup collection might also benefit from a seasonal refresh. Spring is the perfect time to embrace lighter, fresher makeup looks, so consider swapping out some of your heavy winter products for lighter alternatives.
- Brighten Up Your Shades: Spring is all about light, fresh, and vibrant colors. Swap your dark winter shades for brighter blushes, pastel eyeshadows, and coral or pink lipsticks. Embrace the beauty of the season with playful pops of color!
- Go Lighter on Foundation: With warmer weather approaching, you might want to switch from a full-coverage foundation to a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. These options provide a more natural, breathable finish while still offering coverage.
- Declutter Old Makeup: If you’ve been holding on to makeup you never use, it’s time to let go. Whether it’s expired makeup, colors you no longer wear, or products that just don’t work for you, getting rid of them will make your collection more organized and manageable.
6. Organize Your Beauty Space
Now that you’ve purged and refreshed your beauty products, it’s time to organize your space. A well-organized skincare and makeup area will make it easier to access your essentials and will help you stay on top of your routine.
- Use Storage Solutions: Consider using drawer organizers, makeup bags, or trays to keep your products neatly sorted. For skincare, try stacking your products by type (cleansers, serums, etc.) or frequency of use. I know this will not be my last time saying this but check out Pinterest, (my favorite place online) to gage what styles are out there for you. I believe it has everything from trays to stands with tiers and drawers, depending on your personal style!
- Keep Your Daily Essentials Visible: Store the products you use most often in an easy-to-reach spot so you’re not digging through a pile of products every morning.
- Make Room for New Products: After purging, there’s space to treat yourself to some fresh, seasonal skincare and makeup products! Just remember not to overdo it — having fewer, but more effective products, is always better than an overwhelming collection.
7. Reassess Your Skin’s Needs
Finally, take a moment to think about how your skin is doing and whether you need any new products to address seasonal changes (check out my post on your skins’ undertone to discover colors that fit you best). You might find that your skin is drier or oilier as the weather changes, and it’s worth adjusting your skincare to match those needs.
Final Notes with Love!
Spring cleaning your skincare and makeup collection is all about refreshing your routine and making sure you’re using products that are effective, safe, and tailored to your skin’s needs. By checking expiration dates, decluttering, and reorganizing your beauty space, you’ll feel more confident in your routine and ready to embrace the new season. Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start — and your beauty routine deserves one too!