How Often Should You Replace Your Makeup And Makeup Tools?

Updated on December 16, 2022 by

Cosmetic Bag With Makeup And Tools

// We recommend helpful products in our articles. Read our full disclosure here.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful!

It's good to KNOW.

Subscribe to our newsletter for fresh, life-improving topics.

Picture Portraying How Often Should You Replace Your Makeup And Makeup Tools?

When you buy a new awesome mascara or palette, the last thing you want to do is throw it in the trash. Chances are you bought it with the plan to keep it for as long as you can, squeezing out all your money’s worth. After all, makeup is expensive! However, there is one downside to this seemingly perfect plan.

As long as you keep using your makeup, you are introducing new bacteria from your face into your expensive goodies every single day. The bacteria flourish and rapidly divide into your beloved makeup, and there comes a time when you should just toss it out instead of risking a terrible pink eye or a breakout.

As bothersome as it may seem, makeup products are a breeding ground for these pesky little creatures, and you should be replacing your makeup regularly to help prevent infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and molds that grow on it.

Today, let’s talk about how often should you replace your makeup products. Let’s begin!

 

How Often Should You Replace Your Makeup and Beauty Tools?

 

1. Sponges And Brushes

 

Every time you pick up your beauty blender, it soaks up oil and bacteria from your skin. These bacteria flourish in the warm and moist environment provided by the sponge, therefore you should aim to replace your beauty blender at least once every three months.

Unlike sponges, makeup brushes are more durable and they last longer. If you regularly wash your brushes with warm water and soap, they should be good to use for at least a couple of years. However, you should consider replacing them once the bristles become rough and start breaking.

Picture Portraying How Often Should You Replace Your Makeup And Makeup Tools?

 

2. Foundation And Concealer

 

Whenever you buy a foundation or concealer, it is a good rule of thumb to replace it if starts to get oily and changes its texture. Liquid foundations may start to smell bad, and that is your cue to throw it out. Generally, these products should last for at least a year before signs of decay begin to set in.

 

3. Lipstick and Lip Liner

 

As something that is constantly coming in contact with your mouth, you can imagine the bacteria that must grow on your lipsticks and lip liners if you keep them for too long. In a perfect world, you should say goodbye to these goodies at least once every year, but if you avoid sharing them with others, you can use them for up to 18 months.

Picture Portraying How Often Should You Replace Your Makeup And Makeup Tools?

 

4. Eyeshadow & Blush Palettes

 

Your eyeshadow palettes should be good for at least one year, and with proper upkeep, this can be extended up to 3 years. Avoid sharing the palettes, and make sure you are cleaning the applicators before every use to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria. It is also smart to avoid using the palette if you have an active infection to dodge any transfer of bugs.

Picture Portraying How Often Should You Replace Your Makeup And Makeup Tools?

 

5. Mascaras And Eyeliners

 

Mascaras and eyeliners regularly come in contact with the eyes, and this causes bacteria to accumulate in the tubes. Our eyes are precious and very vulnerable to bacteria, therefore it is not uncommon to see conjunctivitis or sties after sharing your mascara with anyone. To prevent this problem, you should never share your eye makeup with anyone. Mascaras and liquid eyeliners will be good for only 3 months, and you should replace them quite often.

 

6. Moisturizers And Sunscreens

 

Moisturizers and sunscreens are an essential part of your daily routine, and you don’t want to pump your skin full of products that have gone bad. As with foundations, you can safely say that a moisturizer has gone bad when it changes texture or color. Ideally, you should be replacing these products every 12 months but their life can be prolonged by storing them in a cool, dark place.

I hope I was able to guide you through the replacement schedule of your makeup through this article. As tempting as keeping old makeup may seem, your health should always be kept above everything – therefore, you should be on a proper replacement plan.

Besides, you don’t want your old muddy and oily foundation on your face, so you should look at it as an opportunity to go for a makeup spree!

Like these tips? Scroll down for more!

Editor-in-chief and co-authors at ShineSheets.com

"We love to research, examine, analyze, and present to you the best ideas that make life better. You can learn about our editorial standards here."

lavender flowers and essential oil on table

5 Astonishing Lavender Benefits For Beauty And Health

Yes, lavender benefits go way beyond a nice smell.
apple cider vinegar for hair rinse and apples on the table

6 Benefits of Using Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair

Instead of paying for expensive chemicals, why not try old good ACV?
salon

How To Make Curls Last Longer

Curly hairstyles are in vogue lately! (for like, the past 5 years)
perfect bronzer application example

How to Apply Bronzer (Without Looking Dirty!)

Here's how to avoid that "Cheetos-dusted" look.
10 Classy Nail Designs That Look Awesome With Any Outfit

10 Classy Nail Designs That Look Awesome With Any Outfit

For times when there's is no time to care about matching nails.
an example of how to get fluffy hair like 90s models

How To Get Fluffy Hair Like at The Salon

Don't wait any longer to enjoy the fluffy hair trend!
baking soda and bamboo brushes as safe teeth whitening options

5 Effective Teeth Whitening Home Remedies

That pearly white smile can be hiding somewhere in your kitchen.
woman enjoying ocean and beach

How The Ocean Can Help Your Skin: A Guide to Sea Salt Skincare

Sea salt skincare could be a gamechanger for your skin routine...
“Can I Use Retinol And Vitamin C Together?” Here's The Truth!

“Can I Use Retinol And Vitamin C Together?” Here’s The Truth!

No, but really, can I? Will it hurt my skin? Let's find out once and for all.
derma roller, serum and cotton buds on the table

Derma Roller 101: Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling At Home

If you're not obsessed with derma roller yet, you're seriously missing out.
minimalistic home clothes style

How To Look Effortlessly Pretty At Home

Keep looking classy and polished, even at home.

Read More

Beauty Makeup Skin