Is it Time to Clean Out Your Makeup Bag?

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What’s in Your Makeup Bag?

 

If you’ve been collecting makeup for years (or decades, no judgment… okay, a little judgment), it’s probably time to clean out your makeup bag.

Most people don’t toss makeup until it’s completely used up, even if it’s been sitting around far longer than it should. And a surprising number of makeup wearers rarely, if ever, wash the tools that touch their skin daily, like brushes and sponges. That’s a problem because expired products and dirty applicators create an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi, which can lead to irritation, breakouts, or infections.

Eye makeup is the biggest risk

Products used around the eyes, such as mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, require extra caution. The eye area is sensitive, and mascara in particular can become contaminated more easily because the wand is repeatedly exposed to air, skin, and moisture, then placed back into a dark tube.

A common rule of thumb: replace mascara every 3 months (and sooner if it smells off, looks different, or has dried out). Using old mascara can increase the risk of eye irritation and infections, including pink eye.

Face makeup can cause breakouts, too

Foundations, concealers, powders, and cream products can also cause problems when they’re expired or contaminated. If your makeup has changed texture, smells “off,” separates, or doesn’t apply the way it used to, that’s usually a sign it’s time to toss it. Old face products can contribute to clogged pores and acne flare-ups, especially if you’re already acne-prone.

The expiration date problem

In the U.S., cosmetic companies aren’t required to print a clear expiration date on most products. Some brands include a small symbol on the packaging that suggests how long the product is best used after opening, but it’s easy to miss.

Quick cleanup checklist

Here’s the simplest approach:

  • Throw out anything that smells weird, looks separated, or has changed texture

  • Replace mascara every 3 months

  • Wash brushes and sponges regularly (at least weekly if you use them often)

  • Don’t share eye makeup or lip products

  • If you’re worried about waste, buy a travel-size mascara so you finish it before it expires

Bottom line

Your makeup bag can quietly become a little bacterial science experiment if products linger too long and tools aren’t cleaned. Since expiration dates aren’t always obvious, the safest habit is to track what you open, clean your tools, and replace products before they cause skin or eye irritation.