How Often Should You Replace Your Makeup And Makeup Tools?
Keep your makeup collection fresh and updated.
Researched, written by 
Amber & The Team
Updated on July 9, 2023
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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.
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.
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.
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!
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