WHY SPRING CLEANING YOUR BEAUTY BAG IS ESSENTIAL FOR HEALTHY SKIN
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a spring clean. The gentle reset. The sense of clarity. The fresh start. And while wardrobes and kitchen cupboards usually get the full Marie Kondo treatment, there’s one area that often escapes our attention: the makeup bag.
Yet this humble pouch holds some of our most skin-impacting essentials — and, if neglected, can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. Old, expired and contaminated makeup products don’t just compromise performance; they can directly affect skin health, leading to breakouts, irritation, sensitivity, and even infection.
To uncover the real risks of using outdated beauty products — and exactly how to spring clean your routine properly — we spoke to Elizabeth Japal, Co-Founder & Aesthetic Practitioner Director at The Derma Lab, a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber with extensive experience in both community and hospital pharmacy.
“Makeup bags are warm, dark, and often slightly damp, which makes them perfect environments for bacteria and yeast.” Elizabeth explains.
If you’ve been wondering how often to replace makeup, when to wash makeup brushes, or how expired cosmetics really affect your skin, this expert-led guide will help you reset your beauty routine with confidence ... and intention.
In This Article
- Why Is It Important To Spring Clean Your Makeup
- What Happens to Your Skin When You Use Old or Contaminated Makeup?
- Makeup Products That Expire Faster Than You Think
- How Often Should You Wash Makeup Brushes and Sponges?
- What Skin Problems Can Dirty Makeup Tools Cause?
- How to Clean Makeup Brushes Properly
- Elizabeth’s Top 3 Makeup Hygiene Rules
Why Is It Important to Spring Clean Your Makeup?
At first glance, a well-loved foundation or long-standing lipstick may seem harmless. But over time, makeup undergoes subtle chemical and microbial changes that can compromise both performance and skin health.
“Over time, bacteria build up through repeated contact with your skin, fingers, and air exposure,” Elizabeth explains. “Oxidation also occurs — especially in liquid products — which changes the chemical structure of ingredients and reduces their effectiveness.”
Every time a product is opened, pumped, swiped or blended, it is exposed to air, moisture, skin oils and bacteria. As preservatives gradually break down, formulas lose their ability to self-protect against microbial growth. The result? Products that once enhanced your glow can start actively working against your skin.
“Expired or destabilised formulas can irritate the skin, disrupt the skin barrier, and trigger breakouts,” Elizabeth adds.
And because the skin barrier plays such a critical role in hydration, defence and repair, weakening it can have a knock-on effect across your entire routine — leading to increased sensitivity, dehydration, and flare-ups that feel stubbornly difficult to calm.
What Happens to Your Skin When You Use Old or Contaminated Makeup?
When makeup and tools aren’t properly maintained, the skin often responds — and not in a good way.
According to Elizabeth, reactions can range from mild irritation to more persistent inflammatory concerns, including:
- Acne flare-ups and clogged pores
- Contact dermatitis — redness, itching, and burning
- Perioral dermatitis
- Eye infections such as styes or conjunctivitis
- Worsening rosacea and heightened skin sensitivity
“The skin barrier will struggle to protect you properly if it’s under constant assault from bacteria or degraded ingredients,” she warns.
So, if your complexion has suddenly become unpredictable, reactive, or congested... your makeup bag may be the first-place worth investigating.
Makeup Products That Expire Faster Than You Think
While powders can feel reassuringly long-lasting, liquid, cream, and active-based products are far more fragile than we often realise.
Elizabeth highlights the biggest expiry culprits:
Mascara — Replace every 3 months
“Mascara is high risk for bacterial contamination due to repeated pumping and contact with the eyes.”
Each dip of the wand introduces new bacteria, while the warm, dark tube creates the perfect environment for microbes to thrive. Stretching mascara beyond its shelf life significantly increases the risk of eye infections.
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Liquid Concealers & Foundations — 6 to 12 months
“Concealers and foundations oxidise very quickly and harbour bacteria.”
Exposure to air and light gradually alters their formula, compromising texture, coverage and skin compatibility.
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Cream Blushes & Bronzers — 6 to 12 months
Cream blushers and bronzers are more prone to microbial growth than powders, especially when applied directly from pot to skin.
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SPF Products — Always check expiry dates carefully
“Once expired, UV protection within SPF’s becomes unreliable.”
Using out-of-date SPF may leave skin vulnerable to sun damage, pigmentation and premature ageing — even if it still feels fine on application.
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Active Skincare (Vitamin C, Retinol, Exfoliating Acids)
“Vitamin C oxidises quickly and retinoids lose potency over time.” says Elizabeth. As actives degrade, they not only lose effectiveness but may also increase the risk of irritation. “If the texture, smell, or colour has changed, it should no longer be used.” adds Elizabeth.
So, if in doubt, trust your senses... and err on the side of caution.
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How Often Should You Wash Makeup Brushes and Sponges?
If skincare is the canvas and makeup tools are the paintbrushes then dirty ones are the reason that your masterpiece may look undermined..
“One of the biggest skincare mistakes is not cleaning makeup tools frequently enough,” Elizabeth explains.
Her expert recommendations:
Foundation and concealer brushes: At least weekly Powder brushes: Every 1–2 weeks Makeup sponges: Ideally after every use Eyeliner and lip brushes: Weekly
“If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, more frequent cleaning is required,” she adds.
Consistent brush hygiene not only improves makeup application but it also significantly reduces bacterial transfer and congestion. It really is a simple habit with seriously powerful skin benefits.
What Skin Problems Can Dirty Makeup Tools Cause?
“Dirty tools are excellent at redistributing oil, dead skin cells, residual product and bacteria,” says Elizabeth. “This can lead to congestion, inflammatory acne, irritation, and sensitivity.”
Sponges are particularly problematic. “Sponges in particular can act like bacterial reservoirs if left damp in a makeup bag,” Elizabeth warns. Which means the warm, moist environment of your favourite sponge allow bacteria to multiply rapidly, meaning every bounce across your skin could be spreading contamination.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes Properly
Not all brushes are created equal and understanding how to clean your makeup brush correctly will both protect your skin and extend the life of your tools.
Synthetic brushes are durable and tolerate frequent washing well. Natural fibre makeup brushes are more delicate and should be cleaned gently to prevent brittleness, fraying and shedding.
“For natural hair brushes, avoid soaking the base where the bristles are glued, as this weakens the structure,” Elizabeth advises.
Avoid using:
- Harsh household soaps
- Highly fragranced detergents
- Alcohol-heavy cleansers
- Antibacterial hand gels
“These can damage bristles and leave irritating residue that transfers back onto your skin.” says Elizabeth.
Use instead:
- Gentle brush cleansers
- Mild baby shampoo
- Sulphate-light, fragrance-free cleansers
Elizabeth also recommends careful drying: “Rinse thoroughly and let brushes dry flat, with the bristles hanging slightly over the edge of a counter. This prevents water from loosening the glue and extends the life of the brush.”
Elizabeth’s Top 3 Makeup Hygiene Rules
To keep skin comforted and clear, Elizabeth recommends adopting these three dermatologist-approved habits:
1. Replace high-risk products on schedule
“These carry the greatest contamination risk.” says Elizabeth.
2. Wash tools regularly and dry them properly
“Clean tools equal fewer flare-ups.”
3. Never share makeup
“Avoid sharing makeup, even with friends. Your microbiome is personal!”
Final Thoughts: Healthier Skin Starts in Your Makeup Bag
Spring cleaning your makeup isn’t about ruthless decluttering — it’s about mindful editing. By refreshing expired products, committing to regular brush cleaning and staying aware of hygiene, you can dramatically reduce breakouts, irritation and sensitivity.
Sometimes, the most transformative skincare upgrades don’t come in a serum or treatment — they come from better habits. And there’s no better time to reset than spring.
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
