The Makeup Bag Edit: What’s Worth Keeping & What to Toss

New Year Beauty Decluttering Tips from POUT

A fresh year calls for a fresh beauty routine — and that starts with your makeup bag. Over time, products expire, formulas change, and trends evolve. The best way to step into the new year looking (and feeling!) your most polished? A makeup bag cleanup that leaves only the tried-and-true favorites that help you glow.

Here’s how to edit your makeup bag like a pro (plus, what to replace with POUT-approved staples!).

1. Check Expiration Dates (Yes, They Matter!)

Old makeup can stop performing… and even irritate your skin. Each product has a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol — typically 6, 12, 18, or 24 months.

A quick guide:

Mascara & Liquid Liner: 3–6 months
Liquid Foundation/Concealer: 6–12 months
Cream Products: 6–12 months
Powders: Up to 2 years
Lipsticks & Gloss: 1 year

If it smells strange, separates, or feels different → toss it.

POUT Tip: Didn’t label when you opened it? Use a fine-tip Sharpie to mark new products going forward.

2. Toss Anything You Don’t Actually Use

If you haven’t reached for it in months, it’s not part of your beauty routine — it’s taking up space.

Ask yourself:

Does this shade flatter me?
Do I feel excited to use it?
Does it still perform beautifully?

If not, it’s time to let it go.

3. Keep Products That Work for Your Skin

Skincare-infused makeup and complexion-enhancing formulas are in their moment — and January skin needs all the nourishment it can get.

Reach for:

Lightweight, skin-enhancing foundations
Cream blushes for winter radiance
Neutral shadows that brighten the eyes
Lip products that hydrate + add color

POUT loves: Multitasking formulas that make you glow with minimal effort.

4. Upgrade Your Daily Essentials

New year = new routine. If your core products feel tired, chalky, or dull, you’ll feel the same applying them.

Areas to refresh:

Everyday lipstick or lip gloss
Brow gel or brow pencil
Your “I-just-need-to-look-alive” essentials
Primer + setting spray

A few luxe swaps make a huge difference — both in finish and joy.

5. Invest in Tools That Elevate Your Routine

Makeup applies only as beautifully as the tools you use.

Time to replace if brushes are:

Shedding
Misshapen
Scratchy
Impossible to clean

And while we love good sponges — they have a short lifespan. If yours is older than 2–3 months, refresh it.

POUT Perk: Stop by and we’ll help match you to the right brushes for your products.

6. Stop By POUT for a Makeup Refresh

Whether you need a total routine overhaul or just a few glow-boosting upgrades, our beauty team is here to help you rebuild your makeup bag with pieces that spark joy and radiance.