Detox your routine for the new season

06 August 2025 | By Leila Petersen

Refresh, reset, rejuvenate this spring

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Out with the old

Start by taking a critical look at what’s in your bathroom cabinet and makeup bag. Beauty products don’t last forever, and holding on to expired formulas can do more harm than good. Over time, they lose efficacy and may become breeding grounds for bacteria, which can lead to skin irritation, breakouts, or infections.

Most makeup has a limited shelf life:

● Mascara and liquid eyeliners should be replaced every 3 to 6 months.

● Concealers and liquid foundations are best used within 6 to 12 months.

● Lipsticks, powders, and blushes may last up to a year if stored properly.

Skincare products also have expiration dates, which can depend on packaging and ingredients. If a product changes in smell, colour, or texture, or you can’t remember when you opened it, it’s time to toss it. When in doubt, throw it out.

Clean your tools

Brushes, sponges, tweezers, and even hair tools can accumulate product buildup and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Dirty tools not only compromise the application but can also trigger breakouts and skin sensitivity. Aim to clean your makeup brushes at least once a week with a gentle cleanser. Sponges should be rinsed and deep cleaned frequently, and don't forget to wipe down hairbrushes, eyelash curlers, and facial tools too.

Switch up your skincare

As the weather shifts, so should your skincare. What your skin craved in winter- rich creams, heavy oils, intense hydration - may now feel too thick or greasy. Warmer temperatures and increased humidity can lead to oilier skin, clogged pores, and breakouts if you don’t adapt.

Look for lighter, water-based textures like gels, lotions, and hydrating mists that absorb quickly and provide moisture without weighing down your skin. Don’t abandon hydration altogether but be mindful of how your skin reacts to seasonal changes. Refresh your routine by focusing on balance, radiance, and breathability.

Shop now

• Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

• The Body Shop Vitamin E Gel Moisture Cream

• REN Radiance Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser

Exfoliate for a fresh start

Winter often leaves skin feeling dry, lackluster, and in need of revival. Gentle exfoliation is key to sloughing off dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and revealing a brighter, smoother complexion. It also helps your other products penetrate more effectively, making your routine more efficient overall. Opt for mild chemical exfoliants with ingredients like glycolic or lactic acid once or twice a week.

Shop now

• The Body Shop Vitamin C Overnight Glow-Revealing Mask

• Prai Beauty Ageless Radiance Tonic

• Teaology Tea Glow Exfoliating Cream

• Skin Republic PHA 3% Cleanser

Lighten up your base

As the days grow warmer, heavy foundations can feel suffocating and may even trigger breakouts when mixed with sweat and sebum. Spring is the perfect time to opt for breathable coverage that evens out skin tone without masking it. Switch to lightweight formulations such as tinted moisturisers, BB creams or skin tints. These offer a fresh-faced look while allowing your natural complexion to shine through. The goal? A dewy, radiant finish that feels as good as it looks.

Shop now

• Catrice Nude Drop Tinted Serum Foundation 095N

• Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator Fair

• Sorbet BB Cream Shade 01

• Garnier Skin Naturals BB Cream Oil Free

Boost your protection

With sunnier days comes increased exposure to UV rays and environmental stressors like pollution. Strengthen your routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher - yes, even on cloudy days. For added defense, layer an antioxidant-rich serum in the morning. Ingredients like vitamin C and E help neutralise free radicals, protect against sun damage, and reduce the risk of premature aging, redness, and inflammation.

Shop now

• Sorbet Brightening Vitamin C Serum

• Revolution 12.5% Vitamin C Radiance Strength Serum

• Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules

• Garnier SkinActive SPF50+ Invisible Serum Sunscreen

IMAGE: freepik.com

Products featured in this article

Clinique

Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator 15ml

R 220.00
The Body Shop

Gel Cream Vitamin E 50ml

R 245.00
REN Clean Skincare

Radiance Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream 50ml

R 1,090.00
Neutrogena

Hydro Boost Water Gel 50ml

R 221.00
The Body Shop

Overnight Peel 100ml

R 395.00
PRAI Beauty

Ageless Radiance Tonic 160ml

R 880.00
Teaology

Tea Glow Exfoliating Cream 150ml

R 243.00
Skin Republic

Skin Republic PHA 3% Cleanser 150ml

R 170.00
Catrice

Nude Drop Tinted Foundation 095N

R 60.00
Wet n Wild

Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator Fair 27ml

R 159.95
Sorbet

BB Cream Shade 01

R 185.00
Garnier

Skin Naturals BB Cream Oil Free Medium 50ml

R 111.00
Sorbet

Brightening Vitamin C Serum 30ml

R 199.00
Revolution Skincare

12.5% Vitamin C Radiance Strength Serum 30ml

R 29.00
Elizabeth Arden

Ceramide Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum 30pc

R 990.00
Garnier

Super UV Invisible Serum Sunscreen SPF50+ 30ml

R 204.00