Trash vs. Treasure: How to Spring Clean Your Beauty Shelfie

read time: 5 minutes

Spring is in the air, and that means one thing – it’s time for a fresh start! While many of us associate spring cleaning with decluttering our homes, our beauty cabinets deserve just as much attention. From expired products to skincare you’ve long forgotten about, it’s time to separate the trash from the treasure. If you want to streamline your beauty routine, enhance your super natural beauty, and make space for those must-have UKLASH essentials, keep reading.

Why Spring Clean Your Beauty Stash?

You wouldn’t eat expired food, so why use expired beauty products? Old cosmetics and skincare can harbour bacteria, work less effectively, and in some cases, even cause breakouts or irritation. Plus, a well-organised beauty cabinet makes getting ready a whole lot easier, so what are you waiting for - Here’s how to give your beauty collection the refresh it deserves.

Step 1: Declutter and Sort

They say ‘a cluttered room is a cluttered mind’, which is why it’s so important to live in a clean space that sparks joy and works for you and your personal wellness. For more healthy habits and top tips, head to our article here. 
Now back to reorganising your beauty shelf; take everything out and lay it out in front of you. This helps you see exactly what you have, what you love, and what you no longer use. Now, let’s break it down:

Check Expiry Dates - Every product has a shelf life. Most cosmetics have a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol – a little jar icon with a number, like ‘6M’ (six months) or ‘12M’ (twelve months) which indicates how long you should keep after opening. If you’ve exceeded this time period, the product has expired and it’s time to let it go.
Look for Changes in Texture, Smell, or Colour - Even if a product hasn’t technically expired, if it looks or smells different, it’s probably not safe to use.
Separate Daily Essentials from Special Occasion Products - Keep everyday items within easy reach and store special occasion products separately.

Step 2: Ditch the Duds – What Needs to Go?

Not all beauty products are created equal. When we’re clearing out our beauty cabinets, if we don’t love it, we let it go…

○ Expired Makeup & Skincare: Using expired products can lead to skin issues and infections. If in doubt, throw it out!
○ Half-Used Products You Never Loved: Be honest; if you haven’t used it in the last six months, you probably never will.
○ Dried-Up Mascaras and Eyeliners: Mascara should be replaced every 3-6 months to prevent bacterial build-up. Dried-out eyeliners also need to go.
○ SPF from Last Summer: Sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time. If yours is past the expiration date, replace it with a fresh one.
○ Old Tools & Brushes: If your beauty tools are past their prime, it’s time for an upgrade. Dirty brushes and sponges can lead to breakouts—give them a good clean or invest in new ones.

Step 3: Keep the Best – What’s Worth Keeping?

Now that you’ve made space, it’s time to curate your collection. Keep products that:
1. You genuinely love and use regularly.
2. Are still within their shelf life and in good condition.
3. Work well for your skin type and concerns.
4. Are cruelty-free and align with your values.

Step 4: Clean & Organise Your Beauty Space

A decluttered beauty collection deserves an organised home. Here’s how to keep your beauty cupboard clean and tidy:

○ Wipe Down Shelves & Surfaces: Dust and spills accumulate over time. Give your storage space a fresh start.
○ Use Storage Solutions: Acrylic organisers, drawer dividers, and beauty trays help keep everything in order.
○ Store Products Properly: Keep skincare in a cool, dry place, and avoid leaving makeup in direct sunlight.
○ Label & Categorise: Separate products by type—skincare, makeup, haircare, and tools—to make them easier to find. Use a marker or stickers to write the purchase date on each product to know when they expire in the future!

Step 5: Restock Wisely

Now that you’ve cleared out the clutter, it’s the perfect time to refresh your beauty routine with high-quality essentials. When restocking, consider:

•Invest in Multi-Purpose Products: Less is more! Choose versatile products, like our Vitamin C+ HA Eye Serum which offers a multi-purpose formula that helps to achieve a brighter, smoother and firmer-looking eye area.

• Prioritise Clean & Effective Formulas: Opt for products with nourishing ingredients that truly benefit your skin and lashes, like our viral Eyelash and Eyebrow Serums that are formulated to facilitate your hair growth cycle and bring out your super natural beauty.

• Align With Your Values: If you care for animals, people and the planet, look out for signs and symbols that make the product vegan-friendly, cruelty-free or recyclable!

How to Dispose of Beauty Products Responsibly

Beauty waste is a real issue, but you can dispose of products responsibly:

- Recycle Packaging: Many brands (including UKLASH) focus on sustainable packaging. Check if your empty bottles and tubes can be recycled.

- Donate Unused Products: If you have barely used products that are still good, consider donating them to homeless shelters or beauty banks.

- Check for Recycling Programs: Some beauty brands offer recycling schemes for empty products—look out for them!

Ready for a Fresh Start?

Spring cleaning your beauty cabinet isn’t just about getting rid of clutter—it’s about making room for products that truly work for you. A well-curated beauty shelfie means brighter skin, healthier hair and a streamlined routine that works for you and helps you to Never Stop Growing.

Time to toss the trash and treasure the best and feel healthier, bolder and stronger!