You found our guide to Spring Cleaning for Your Beauty Routine!

As winter fades and the city awakens with the vibrancy of spring, there’s no better time to refresh your beauty routine. Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets—your skincare and makeup collection deserve a seasonal detox. Outdated formulas, expired products, and unnecessary clutter can compromise both your beauty goals and your skin’s health. By streamlining your regimen, you ensure that every product you use enhances your radiance while aligning with clean beauty principles.

Did you know that over 90% of women have used makeup after the expiration date? Tossing out-of-date items can reduce skin irritation and bacterial growth, improving overall skin health.

Interested in more spring cleaning tips? Check out our Spring Cleaning Checklist!

This article includes:

Spring beauty refresh routine
How to revamp my beauty routine
How to declutter makeup
How do I know if my makeup is expired?
Clean beauty products
How to simplify my skincare routine

Let’s get into it!

Spring Cleaning for Your Beauty Routine: What to Keep & What to Toss

The Expiration Rule: When to Let Go

Every beauty product has a lifespan, and using expired items can lead to breakouts, irritation, or even infections. Here’s a general guide for common products, however it is best to check the labels on specific products:

Mascara & Liquid Eyeliner: 3-6 months
Foundation & Concealer: 6-12 months
Lipstick & Lip Gloss: 1-2 years
Powder Products (Blush, Eyeshadow, Bronzer): 2 years
Skincare Products: 6-12 months (check labels for specific expiration dates)

Learn more about the general lifespan of makeup products.

Decluttering Your Makeup Bag

An overstuffed makeup bag not only creates chaos but also makes it harder to find the essentials. To streamline your beauty arsenal, start by:

Discarding Duplicates: If you have three nearly identical nude lipsticks, keep the one you reach for most often.
Assessing Texture & Scent: Any change in color, texture, or smell signals it’s time to let go.
Checking for Clean Beauty Alternatives: Replace products with cleaner, non-toxic versions that align with your skincare goals.

Learn more about clean beauty swaps on our list of the 25 Best Non-Toxic Makeup Brands.

Skincare Overhaul: Prioritizing Efficacy & Freshness

Spring is an opportunity to reassess your skincare regimen. Many products lose potency over time, especially those with active ingredients like Vitamin C, retinol, or AHAs. If your serum has oxidized or your sunscreen is past its expiration date, replace them with fresh formulations. Prioritize multi-tasking products to simplify your routine while maximizing results.

Learn more about the shelf-life of skincare products.

The Hidden Germ Havens: Brushes, Sponges & Tools

Your beauty tools accumulate bacteria, oil, and old product residue, making regular cleaning essential.

Makeup Brushes: Wash weekly with gentle shampoo or specialized cleanser.
Beauty Sponges: Replace every 3 months, or sooner if they show signs of wear.
Eyelash Curlers & Tweezers: Disinfect regularly with rubbing alcohol to prevent bacterial transfer.

Check out these tips for cleaning your makeup brushes.

Sustainable Swaps & Responsible Disposals

As you refresh your collection, consider eco-conscious choices:

Recycle Empty Containers: Many brands offer take-back programs for used packaging.
Opt for Refillable Beauty: Brands like Kjaer Weis, Tata Harper and Laneige provide luxurious, sustainable alternatives.
Minimize Waste: Purchase only what you truly need to maintain a streamlined, effective beauty ritual.

Check out refillable beauty products and brands at Sephora.

Finish Your Reset with a Wellness-Inspired Nail Care Service

After decluttering and refreshing your beauty collection, treat yourself to a self-care experience that aligns with your clean beauty values. Sundays Studio, a non-toxic, wellness-inspired nail care brand in NYC, offers luxurious yet mindful manicures, pedicures, and other wellness and nail care services free from harmful chemicals. Sundays’s serene studios provide an oasis of relaxation, ensuring your beauty reset ends on a high note—polished, refreshed, and rejuvenated.

Book a service at sundays studio.

Final Thoughts

Spring is the perfect season to refine your beauty routine with intention. By discarding expired products, updating essentials, and embracing cleaner alternatives, you ensure that every item in your collection serves a purpose. A fresh, curated beauty regimen enhances both confidence and skin health, allowing you to step into the season with renewed radiance.

Enjoyed this article? Next, check out Spring Detox: How to Renew Your Body and Mind.

more from sundays:

FAQ: Spring Cleaning Your Beauty Routine

Here are some frequently asked questions about refreshing and revamping your beauty routine!

1. How often should I clean my makeup brushes?

Weekly for foundation and concealer brushes, bi-weekly for powder brushes, and after every use for eye brushes to prevent bacteria buildup.

2. Can I use expired skincare if it looks and smells fine?

No. Even if a product appears unchanged, its active ingredients may have degraded, making it less effective or even irritating to the skin.

3. What is the best way to dispose of old makeup?

How do I know if my beauty product is expired?

Look for changes in texture, smell, and color. Many products also have a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol, indicating shelf life after first use.

What are the must-have products for a spring beauty refresh?

Lightweight hydrating serums, mineral sunscreen, cream blush, and a fresh lipstick shade can revitalize your beauty routine for the season.