8 Makeup Items You Should Clean or Replace ASAP, According to a Dermatologist

Mmakeup and skin care products aren’t cheap, so it’s understandable that you’ll want to use every last bit before paying for a replacement. But continuing to use items past their prime could cost you in other ways. It’s true: most makeup items actually need to be cleaned or replaced—and probably more often than you think.

This is because nine out of ten makeup products are contaminated with bacteria, including heavy hitters E.coli And Staphylococci, according to a february 2020 study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology¹. “At least a few times a year I see patients come in with a flare-up of their acne or styrene and conjunctivitis that we can directly trace back to a makeup product,” says Noreen Galaria, MDa Washington, DC board-certified dermatologist and founder of Inner Glow Vitamins.

Exactly when you need to replace a product varies. That’s because certain items turn into germ pits more quickly than others. Here, derms share their nastiest offenders and when it’s time to revisit your favorites.

8 makeup items to clean or replace

Here are the top products you might want to throw away or replace.

1. Makeup brushes

When to clean: Once a week

Your makeup brushes pick up residue, oils, dead skin cells and bacteria every time they touch your face. “This buildup can cause breakouts and skin irritation,” says Blair Murphy-Rose, MDa board-certified dermatologist in Newport Beach, California, New York City, and founder of Skincare junkie. You should immerse them in warm, sudsy water (a mild dish soap or sulfate-free shampoo is sufficient) and let them air dry once a week.

Between cleanings, consider spraying the tip of the brush with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to remove surface bacteria. “This is a good tip if you’ve had to share your brush, been sick, or recently had an acne breakout, especially if you don’t want to transfer bacteria to your face but don’t have time for lengthy cleaning,” says Dr. Galaria.

If the bristles start to fall out or fray, it may be time for replacement. We love the Laura Geller Professional Full Face Makeup Brush Set ($39, Amazon). The brushes are professional quality, vegan and available in different sizes.

2. Beauty blenders and makeup sponges

When to clean: Two weeks for reusable products

When to replace: After each use for non-reusable products

Beauty blenders and any makeup application tool with a spongy texture can pick up bacteria from your skin and spread it everywhere, increasing the likelihood of breakouts and irritation. If a blender or makeup sponge is disposable, “they should be thrown away after each use,” says Dr. Galaria.

As for reusable ones? These are usually made of antimicrobial materials, “so they can be used for two weeks and then washed along with your makeup brushes,” she adds.

We love the Koh Gen Do makeup sponge ($30 for 2-pack, Amazon) for foundation and the Original Beautyblender make-up sponge ($20, Sephora) for mature skin.

3. Mascara

When to replace: Every three months

It often feels like you can hold on to mascara forever because there is always enough product in the tube. But it’s best to change the tubes once a season, even if the Period after opening (PAO) symbol indicates a longer shelf life. That’s because mascara is applied close to your lash line, where a lot of bacteria like to hang out. The bacteria then disappears back in the tube, where it happily thrives until the next time you take out the applicator and pop it in back on your eyes, explains Dr. Galaria out.

If you’re looking for a new mascara, we love it The Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes Mascara from Charlotte Tilbury ($29, Nordstrom).

4. Liquid, cream and gel eyeliners

When to replace: Every three months

Any other moisture-rich product that regularly comes near your eyes should be replaced in addition to your mascara, says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Pencil liners can last longer if they are regularly sharpened to a new point and the point is wiped with alcohol to sterilize,” she adds.

We love Stila’s new one Battle of Genius Eye Duo gel eyeliners ($28, Amazon) or elf satin eyeliner pencil ($3, Amazon) if you’re looking for new options.

5. Micellar water

When to replace: Every six months

These cleaners gently remove dirt and grime, but because they have such a high water content, they can eventually harbor bacteria and form on their own, says Dr. Galaria. Save micellar water in a cool, dark place can help extend the shelf life, but after six months it must be thrown away. You should also replace it sooner if you see mold, which usually appears as a cloudy film or blue-green bits around the water’s surface, she adds.

One of our favorites is Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water. The brand recently launched a travel size holiday package ($12, Ulta) with three different types of cleansers.

6. Lip balm, cream blush and face cream in jars

When to replace: Every six to twelve months

Any product that comes in a jar and requires you to open the lid and use your fingers to scoop out the product can turn into a sprouting jar quite quickly. “There is an increased risk of contamination (compared to products delivered through a pump or through a tube) because they are exposed to air and microorganisms every time they are opened,” says Dr. Murphy Rose. To keep germs to a minimum, consider using a disposable or washable applicator instead of wiping your fingers and the rim and lid of the jar with rubbing alcohol weekly, she adds.

One of our favorite lip balms is the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($24, Sephora). We like it too Rhode “Pocket Blush” ($16, Walmart) and Fair beauty Timeless firm + smooth cream ($30, Amazon).

7. Liquid foundation

When to replace: Every 12 months

Aside from the fact that older products tend to harbor bacteria, “they can oxidize over time, changing the consistency, color or odor,” says Dr. Murphy Rose. To keep track of when it’s time for a new one, write the date you opened your foundation on the jar with a permanent marker. Rather, throw it away if it shows signs of texture change, discoloration or a foul odor.

We know there are many foundation brands to choose from. One that caught our eye recently is the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Airbrush Foundation ($37, Sephora).

8. Lipstick

When to replace: Every 12 months

Once you fall in love with a certain lipstick, it can be hard to say goodbye to it after a year or so (pun intended). But “lipstick can collect bacteria from the lips and mouth, increasing the risk of infections,” says Dr. Murphy Rose. That’s why it’s important to replace them after a while.

If you want to keep germs at bay, consider sterilizing your lipstick every other week, like Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends. Simply dip the tip in rubbing alcohol for a few seconds and wipe it gently with a tissue.

Ready to try something new? Our recent lipstick favorites include Merit Signature Lip lightweight lipstick ($26, Sephora) and Dolce & Gabbana Beauty Gemstone Lipstick ($53, Nordstrom) if you want to splurge.