By Jeanie Godwin for Southern Beauty Magazine

Spring is in the air and while a lot of people use this time to do some spring cleaning, many people forget to do the same with their beauty products and makeup tools. Just as you’d give your home or apartment a good spring cleaning, the same should be done with your make-up drawer. And even though it’s a lot of hard work, you always feel better after a good cleaning.

Some women may not feel comfortable getting rid of an item that has not been completely used. However, many cosmetics have expiration dates and disposing of these now could help prevent future problems. For example, mascara should only stay in your drawer for a maximum of 3months because it can harbor bacteria and cause an eye infection. (To help you remember when to throw away your mascara, take a sharpie and write the month on the bottom of the tube.) And don’t forget to clean your makeup brushes. These can also harbor bacteria and cause unwanted breakouts.

Cleaning out your makeup drawer is just like cleaning out your clothes closet. The rule of thumb is usually 2 years for an article of clothing excluding basics. If you didn’t wear it last year and you pushed it to the back of your closet again this year, chances are you won’t ever bring it back to life. This also means that the blue eyeliner you have been using since the 80′s is probably not in the style mix anymore. And if you haven’t used a certain lipstick, eye shadow or liner, in the last 6 months, throw it out. Chances are you have already replaced these items and are using the newest colors of the season.

Spring is the perfect time to get a fresh new look and to try new colors and styles. From the runway to the aisle way, top designers create the latest looks for your body, as well as, your face, and the two go hand in hand. So the next time you reach for that hot pink lipstick or the electric blue eyeliner ask yourself. Is this fresh and current? If not, toss it out and go shopping!