Spring is right around the corner (YAY!). Are you dreaming about warm rides and green grass too? In addition to that, spring seems to always bring out the itch to clean...tack trunks, the basement, your closet. While you're at it, take some time to look through your makeup bag. While you may think if makeup looks and smells ok it should be fine, that may not be the case. It also doesn’t matter if you “don’t use it that much." Cosmetics can trap bacteria, which means replacing them regularly is necessary to try to avoid skin irritation, breakouts, infections, etc.

Note: these timeframes are from when you OPEN the products. Again, it doesn’t matter how often you use them.

Foundation should be replaced every 12 months
Concealer should be replaced every 12 months
Powders should be replaced every 2 years
Cream & liquid blush should be replaced every 12 to 18 months
Lipstick, lip liner & gloss should be replaced every 12 months

Any products used around your eyes can be a hotbed for bacteria
Mascara should be replaced every 3 to 6 months
Eyeshadow should be replaced every 3 to 6 months
Liquid eyeliner should be replaced every 3 months
Pencil eyeliner should be replaced every 12 months
Gel eyeliner should be replaced every 2 months

Another important part of spring cleaning is to give your brushes and sponges a really good cleaning. I like to use either my face wash or Dawn dish soap (or sometimes both) and soak my brushes in warm, soapy water. I let them soak for 15-20 minutes, then rinse them well, give them a little shake to fluff back up and let them air dry.

Happy cleaning!