The New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start, and what better place to begin than your makeup bag? Over time, makeup products can expire, become unhygienic, or simply fall out of use. Decluttering not only helps you stay organised but also ensures your products are safe to use and still effective for your skin.
So let’s go through some practical steps to refresh your makeup bag; this involves checking expiry dates, and organising your beauty essentials for the year ahead.
A makeup detox is essential anytime of the year and should be done regularly and as needed, especially if you are someone who buys new products regularly. Here’s why:
- Hygiene: Old makeup can harbour bacteria, leading to skin irritations or breakouts.
- Effectiveness: Expired products often lose their pigment, texture, and performance.
- Clarity: A clutter-free makeup bag helps you find what you need quickly, saving time and effort.
5 Steps for an Effective Makeup Refresh
Step 1: Empty and Sort Your Makeup Bag
Start by emptying out your makeup bag completely. Lay all your products on a clean surface so you can see everything at a glance.
- Group by Category: Sort items into categories like foundation, lipsticks, eyeshadows, and brushes.
- Check for Damage: Toss any products with cracked packaging, leaking bottles, or damaged applicators.
Step 2: Check Expiry Dates
Makeup products don’t last forever. Most have a shelf life indicated by a small icon on the packaging, showing the number of months they’re safe to use after opening.
General Expiry Guidelines:
- Mascara and Liquid Eyeliners: 3-6 months
- Foundations and Concealers: 12 months
- Powder Products (Blusher, Eyeshadow): 18-24 months
- Lipsticks and Glosses: 12-24 months
- Skincare or Primer Products: 6-12 months
If you’re unsure when you opened a product, look for changes in colour, smell, or texture – these are often signs it’s time to say goodbye.
Step 3: Clean and Sanitise Your Products
Before putting anything back into your makeup bag, give it a good clean.
- Powder Products: Use a dry tissue to gently wipe the surface.
- Lipsticks: Sanitise with a spritz of rubbing alcohol and wipe clean.
- Brushes and Sponges: Wash with a gentle soap or dedicated brush cleaner.
- Makeup Bag: Wipe down the interior with a disinfectant wipe to remove any residue.
Step 4: Organise Your Essentials
A well-organised makeup bag makes it easier to find what you need.
Tips for Organisation:
- Prioritise Everyday Items: Keep your most-used products in an accessible spot.
- Use Dividers: If your bag is large, use small pouches or dividers to separate categories.
- Declutter Regularly: Make it a habit to review your products every few months to keep things tidy.
Step 5: Refresh Your Collection
Now that you’ve cleared out expired or unused items, it’s time to add a few new pieces to your collection. Look for multi-use products or shades that match current trends.
Trending Products to Consider
Cream blushers for a natural glow
Pixi On The Glow Tinted Moisture Stick

Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush

SUQQU Cream Touch Blush and Lip

Hydrating foundations
Max Factor Miracle Second Skin Hydrating Foundation

Caia Cosmetics Dewy Drops Serum Foundation

Bold lip colours to brighten up your look
NARS Air Matte Lip Colour

FENTY BEAUTY Gloss Bomb Stix

3INA MAKEUP – Longwear Lipstick

A makeup detox is a small but impactful step towards starting the New Year fresh. By clearing out old products, organising your essentials, and adding a few new favourites, you can streamline your routine and ensure your makeup bag is working for you – not against you.
So grab your makeup bag, start decluttering, and get ready for a beautiful year ahead!