The Spring Beauty Clutter Cleanup

It’s closet clean-out season, and the sorting of clothing into donate, toss and keep piles is in full swing. But one thing that’s often overlooked is the overflow of beauty products hiding under the sink, around the tub and in drawers and cabinets. Not only does it look messy, but this cache isn’t going to do much for your looks. Borrow my beauty-editor tips for a clean sweep.

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1. Toss the following guilt-free

Be ruthless. Any product that isn’t living up to your expectations, has expired or produced an allergic reaction or sensitivity is a goner. Old partially filled bottles of shampoo and conditioner, hoarded trial sizes and sample packets — out! Also on the gotta-go list are heat tools that get too hot, have frayed cords or lack up-to-date safety features like ceramic and ion technology, grubby loofahs and makeup sponges, tired hair elastics and scrunchies, combs and brushes (including makeup brushes) with missing or bent teeth and bristles, last summer’s sunscreens and self-tanners, and dirty cosmetic cases that don’t clean up with a scrub. That’s a big haul right there.

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A close-up of a bottle that shows a 12-month PAO symbol (circled in red).

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2. Note the expiration dates of everything else

All products deteriorate over time. The active ingredients and preservatives break down, making products ineffective; preservative-free “natural” items go fastest. Bacteria easily contaminate double-dip products like mascara and open-mouth jars and bottles, leaving you vulnerable to rashes and irritation. Consider switching to pumps and tubes. Sunscreens now have a specific expiration date on the package, while others have a PAO (period after opening) symbol indicating how long a product is good for after opening. But who remembers the start date? Take a few minutes to tag the date of each already-in-use beauty product with a marker, and repeat as you open new ones.

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3. Check your makeup collection

Editing down makeup can be tricky and painful. It’s tough to part with a splurge designer lipstick, two-for-the-price-of-one products that seemed like such a good buy during COVID, or glam eye makeup palettes you use only on special occasions. Not everything has to go. Unopened products that have been stored in a cool dry place may be OK. Do a smell and texture test on everything in use or in rotation. Get rid of any products that have separated, changed color or texture, have dried out, look streaky or clumpy, or have a funky scent. In general, replace mascara every three months; creams, gels and liquids — including foundation, concealer, eye pencils, blush, shadow and highlighters — every six months to a year or as needed; nail polish every year or two. Powder bronzer, blush and eye shadow can last up to two years. Just gently skim off any film that develops on top with a butter knife.