Is It Time to Refresh Your Makeup Bag?

Let’s be honest: we’ve all held onto that one lipstick for way too long—you know the one, the shade that’s basically discontinued but still lives rent-free in the bottom of your purse. But did you know expired makeup can cause breakouts, irritation, or even infections? Yikes. Just like your skincare routine needs seasonal tweaks, your makeup stash needs a regular refresh too. Here’s how to know when it’s time to let go, and what to replace it with.

👤 First, Let’s Talk Expiration Dates

Cosmetics don’t last forever. Here are the general guidelines:

Mascara & Liquid Eyeliner: Toss after 3 months
Liquid Foundation & Concealer: Replace every 6-12 months
Powder Products (blush, eyeshadow, setting powder): Good for 12-24 months
Lipsticks & Lip Gloss: About 1-2 years, depending on the formula
Pencil Liners: Last up to 2 years if you sharpen them regularly
Beauty Blenders & Sponges: Replace every 3 months (or sooner if it smells, crumbles, or is impossible to clean)

Pro tip: If it smells off, changes color, separates, or gives you a weird reaction—toss it. No regrets.

🌟 Signs You Need a Refresh

Your skin has changed (seasonally, hormonally, or from treatments like tretinoin)
You’re breaking out more than usual
Your makeup looks patchy, doesn’t blend well, or separates
You don’t feel excited to get ready anymore (yes, this counts!)
That brow pencil is now more dry crumble than slay arch

If you vape, smoke, or live in a hot/humid climate, your makeup may degrade even faster due to oxidation or bacteria build-up.

🧼 A Makeup Bag Audit Checklist

Here’s your glow-up homework:

Dump the whole bag out (yes, even that scary zipper pouch)
Check dates and toss expired stuff
Wipe down packaging with micellar water or alcohol spray
Sharpen pencils and wash your brushes/sponges
Make a wishlist of what needs replacing (more on that below!)

💕 goddess-Approved Swaps & Additions for Glowy Skin Goals

If you’re dealing with dryness or flakiness from vaping or using actives like tretinoin, here are a few makeup staples that play nice with your skin:

Hydrating Primers: e.l.f. Power Grip Primer or Milk Hydro Grip
Glowy Base: L’Oréal True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum or IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation
Cream Blushes: Rare Beauty, Tower 28, or Flower Beauty
Non-Cracking Concealer: Kosas Revealer Concealer or Maybelline SuperStay Skin Tint Concealer
Moisturizing Lip Tints: Glossier Ultralip, e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine, or Fenty Slip Shine

📊 Final Thoughts: A Fresh Beat = A Fresh Mindset

Refreshing your makeup isn’t just about expiration dates—it’s an act of self-love. Our faces change, our skin evolves, and our routines deserve products that match our current vibe.

So if your old foundation isn’t hitting like it used to or your mascara smells like high school drama… it’s time to let it go, babe.

Let your beauty bag match your energy: radiant, current, and absolutely glowing.

P.S. Want a skincare refresh too? Check out my updated nighttime and morning routines for combo, dehydrated, vape-affected skin in the next post!

Love & Light Collective. I am always so blessed to have you here.

The Aphrodite Collective