Spring is here, and the change of season is a perfect time to boost your beauty routine by giving your makeup bag a bit of a clear-out.

As it takes a lot to find the perfect makeup – trial and error with foundation alone equates to more time than we care to admit – we tend to hold on to a good thing. As a result, our makeup bags become a catch-all of brands, shades and expired products (which not only perform poorly over time but can wreak havoc on our skin). So, whether your makeup bag is just a bit dirty from daily use or packed to the brim with products making it hard to find what you’re looking for, we share our top tips for spring cleaning your makeup bag.

Wash your makeup bag

The first place to start is with your makeup bag. Whether your favourite eyeshadow has exploded or bits of foundation are rubbed everywhere, remove all the products and clean the bag well. You’ll be surprised how much dirt your makeup bag holds. Turn it inside out and rinse it under the tap with soap or shampoo. Or if it’s machine washable, pop it in the machine at a low temperature, and it’ll come out like new. Wipe or rinse all your products before popping them back in the bag; they will look and feel as good as new.

Wash your brushes

We paint, contour, and highlight our faces with makeup brushes daily, but when was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? Did you know that dirty makeup brushes and tools can cause congestion, breakouts and skin irritation? This is easy to avoid by giving your makeup tools a little TLC. Ideally, brushes should be cleaned every two weeks. Luckily it’s simple; all you need is warm water and a gentle anti-bacterial soap. Simply wet your brushes, squeeze a little soap into the palm of your hand, and swirl the brush around, rinsing as you go, massaging it into the base of the brush hairs. You will be amazed at the amount of grime rinsed down the drain. Leave them to dry by laying them flat with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter. Don’t forget your makeup sponges – microbial-resistant sponges like beauty blenders should be cleaned with soap and water once a week and replaced every three to four months.

Purge Old Products

We are all guilty of clutter and accumulating products that we don’t use. As much as you love that one perfect lipstick (which you’ve seemingly had forever), the rule of thumb is that you should be tossing it after about a year. Also, check how long you’ve had your mascara because they have a short shelf life – the wand can attract bacteria that can irritate and harm your eyes. Products with the longest shelf life include blush, bronzers and other face powders. 

Spring is also a great time to adapt your products for the warmer weather ahead. Invest in a higher SPF foundation, bronzer, and brighter lip and eye shades.

Adopt an eco-mindset

Products packed with chemicals are not only bad for the environment but also for your skin. So, it’s time to ditch those harsh chemicals. Luckily, more and more beauty brands now create natural products that haven’t been tested on animals and are affordable.

One of the biggest culprits is face wipes and cotton pads. They contain a cocktail of plastics and fibres, which means they’re non-biodegradable and bad for your skin and the environment. Plus, makeup wipes don’t actually properly remove makeup; they tend to just spread around whatever makeup is on your face and create a breeding ground for bacteria. So instead, swap your throwaway wipes and pads for washable natural and reusable bamboo pads.