The concept of spring cleaning is often associated with steam mops and dust pans. But as a beauty editor, I think of spring cleaning as an opportunity to ditch the old and shop for new beauty products.
As we’re soon approaching the first day of spring, the new season offers the opportunity to swap out your old beauty products for new ones. Over time, products can lose their efficacy, whether due to ingredient breakdown or reaching their expiration dates, leading to a decline in performance. So to ensure your beauty essentials are always working their best and free of bacteria or expired ingredients, it’s always a good measure to replace when needed — and spring is a great opportunity for that.
“Even the best beauty items lose efficacy due to ingredient breakdown over time,” Dr. Marnie Nussbaum previously told TODAY. “So all beauty products will ultimately harbor bacteria due to multiple factors, which can lead to infection, irritation and acne.” And that means paying attention to expiration dates, odd smells and textures, along with anything else out of the ordinary.
To help break it all down, the board-certified dermatologist recently shared on the 3rd hour of TODAY, beauty essentials worth upgrading for the spring season. From a serum-infused body wash to multi-purposeful makeup kits, keep reading to discover our version of “spring cleaning” with expert-loved spring beauty finds.
Best spring beauty essentials, as seen on TODAYProducts to replace for spring:
An eight-piece makeup brush set for the face and eyes.
Comes with: 8 makeup brushes
If not cleaned properly, makeup brushes should be replaced every three months, per the dermatologist, as they can harbor bacteria, dirt and dead skin. For a makeup brush glow-up this spring, we’re loving Morphe’s eight-piece makeup set, which includes all of the tools you need for the face and eyes.
And to help maintain your new brushes, Nussbaum recommends washing them bi-weekly with a brush cleanser or baby shampoo.
Editor’s pick
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is rich, non-greasy, and fast absorbing formulated with essential ceramides that will lock in hydration to maintain the skin’s protective barrier.
Size: 19 oz | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum
“In the winter, you may be using a thicker moisturizer, with heavy occlusives to protect the skin,” Nussbaum explains. “But as we enter spring, we can transition to a more lightweight option.” So if you’re using an ointment or cream, you can transition into a lighter cream or serum to moisturize, such as this pick from CeraVe, which hydrates the face and body without the greasy or heavy residue.
Nussbaum notes that while she loves using this cream year-round, you should be replacing it every three months.
Buff away dead skin with this cotton exfoliating gloves.
Comes with: 1 pair | Materials: Organically grown cotton
“Exfoliating gloves are a great tool to get our skin smooth and ready for the warmer weather, but beware: They can harbor dead skin cells, germs and debris,” says Nussbaum, so you’ll want to swap these tools out periodically. These exfoliating gloves make it easy to buff away dead skin — just wear, add water and cleanser, then gently massage at least once a week.
Remove dead skin and prevent ingrowns with this face and neck scrubber for men.
Comes with: 1 scrubber | Materials: Viscose
For men, this facial scrubber can be used on the face and beard to prevent ingrown hair, prep for skin care and remove dead skin. Nussbaum says it’s great for after-shaving, especially for those who are prone to ingrown hairs.
Products to get you ready for spring:
New launch
A serum-based shower oil that’s infused with 50% glycerin for deep, lasting moisture.
Size: 15.3 oz | Key ingredients: 50% Glycerin
“After a long, cold winter, it’s so important to hydrate and repair the skin,” the dermatologist emphasizes. To bring the glow back, using a hydrating body wash makes dull skin appear more radiant. This editor-loved body oil contains 50% glycerin with a rich lather, leaving the skin with lasting, skin-softening moisture.
Plus, be sure to click the coupon code at checkout on Amazon to receive the discount.
This cream-coated mask comes in two pieces for a customized and no-slip fit.
Amount: 5 | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, adenosine, collagen
“After months of dry heat, cold temperatures and wind-chapped skin, we need to hydrate our faces,” says Nussbaum. Repair dry skin with a moisturizing face mask, such as this cream-coated sheet mask pack from Timesavvy. It comes in two pieces per mask, which should fit comfortably on the face without slipping, according to the brand.
This sheet mask is designed specifically for men, with the goal of targeting fine lines and redness. It includes anti-aging ingredients and is said to be suitable for all skin types.
Comes with: 4 single-use face masks | Key ingredients: Vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, collagen, green tea
The Jaxon Lane “Bro Mask” was designed with men’s skin in mind, with a beard-friendly design, larger dimensions, and high-performing ingredients to calm and soothe his skin.
Tackle excess oil with these oil absorbing facial sheets.
Comes with: 50 blotting sheets
“As spring approaches, our sebaceous glands produce more oil due to the higher temperatures, which may cause your skin to start feeling more greasy,” details Nussbaum. To combat excess oil, the dermatologist loves these facial sheets from Clean & Clear.
“The blotting papers instantly soak up oil and remove shine, without smudging makeup,” she says, “Use around your nose, T-zone or any area of your face for a quick touch-up, anytime.”
More spring beauty products to shop 
This Nioxin shampoo is designed to activate hair follicles to aid in hair loss.
Size: 8.1 oz | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine and lauric acid | Award: Best growth shampoo | Best for: All fine hair | Fragrance?: N/A
What we like
Removes buildupStimulating ingredients
Something to note
Focus on hairlineMassage for 2 minutes
Commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto used this Nioxin shampoo as a part of her own three-step method for promoting hair growth. After a few weeks of use, she noticed an increase in thickness around her hairline.
Before (left) and after (right)Courtesy Julie Ricevuto
Hypo-allergenic, cotton muslin washcloths.
Comes with: 10-pack, 12″ x 12″ | Materials: Cotton | Shades: 5+
“When washing our faces, we generally pat dry with a washcloth by the sink that sits in a damp, warm area that mold and bacteria love,” Nussbaum says. “They are also usually rough and irritating. The best way to avoid acne and the spread of bacteria and inflammation on the face is to use a soft, clean washcloth and replace after each use.”
These muslin washcloths, in particular, were made for babies, so we can trust that they’re gentle and soft enough for our skin, too.
A creme-to-powder eyeshadow stick for easy, everyday wear.
Shades: 25+ | Finish types: Shimmer and matte
“Eyeshadows should be replaced every six months,” Nussbaum previously told us, so use this as your excuse to upgrade yours. We’ve previously reviewed the Julep eyeshadow stick, and love it for swift application and touch-ups. It’s easy to blend (no tools required!), long-lasting and shouldn’t crease.
This deodorant is aluminum-free and formulated with prebiotics for 48-hour protection.
Scents: 5 | Key Ingredients: Prebiotics, Spirulina, Antioxidants, Niacinimide | Size: 2.6 oz
According to the brand, this aluminum-free deodorant delivers up to 48-hours of odor protection, so you can sweat without worry.
This unique moisturizer uses four types of hyaluronic acid to ensure hydration.
Award: Best value moisturizer | Overall score: 4.67/5 | Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid | Skin types: All
A previous beauty award winner for “best value moisturizer,” you surely get a whole lot of bang for your buck with the Drench and Quench Moisturizer from Bliss. With four types of hyaluronic acid, the cream offers “weightless” hydration for all-day comfort.
Cleans hair without visibly residue.
Size: 5.5 oz | Item form: Aerosol
For those days when you don’t have time (or the energy) to wash your hair, this dry shampoo both cleans and detoxifies the hair and scalp for a fresh and smooth feel.
Provides up to 24-hours of moisture for nourished, pillow-soft lips.
Size: 0.5 oz | Scents: 2 | Key ingredients: Shea and mango butters and vitamin E
Dry lips? Repair a damaged moisture barrier with the recently launched Burt’s Bees Lip Butter, which contains nourishing butters and vitamin E to soothe and soften a dry pout.
Pair with your makeup brushes and sponges to deep clean.
Size: 3 oz | Key ingredients: Lavender, coconut and sustainable palm oils, more | Compatible with: All makeup sponges and brushes
Spring cleaning also means cleaning your makeup brushes, too. So if your makeup tools haven’t been cleaned in a while, take this as a sign. We’re loving this liquid makeup tool cleaner for deep cleaning build-up.
An oil-free sunscreen that calms and protects the skin, without leaving behind a white cast or greasy residue.
SPF level: 46 | Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide, vitamin E | Reapplication: At least every 2 hours
Sunscreen is important every day of the year, but as the weather gets warmer, SPF application should be prioritized in your beauty routine. They also come with an expiration date, so if your current SPF is reaching its end, the dermatologist recommends this popular pick from EltaMD. It’s lightweight, oil-free and formulated specifically for those with acne-prone and/or sensitive skin.
Don’t forget your lips!
Size: .15 oz | Key ingredients: Aloe, Vitamin E | SPF: 30
We may be used to applying SPF on our face and body, but our lips shouldn’t be neglected. The skin on our lips is thin and can be prone to sunburn, too. “Lips cannot moisturize themselves and have a difficult time protecting themselves from the sun, so this makes a hydrating lip SPF critical to an everyday routine,” Nussbaum explained. To maintain these benefits, she adds that your lip products should be swapped out at least once a year.
Clean, blend and protect with this 3-piece set from Beautyblender.
Comes with: Beautyblender Makeup Sponge, solid cleanser and protective case
You most likely have travels on your agenda this season. As you’re packing for your next trip, don’t second guess packing your beauty essentials. This trio set includes a beauty sponge cleaner, a beauty sponge and a protective travel carrying case so your sponge stays in top shape no matter where your travels take you. Plus, it ensures you’re cleaning your tools at home and on-the-go, as makeup tools can be hosts for bacteria and germs.
Beautyblender All Stars Power Pink Starter SetVivian Le / TODAY 
Contains 70% Isopropyl Alcohol for effective sanitization.
Comes with: 200 prep pads | Key ingredients: 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
Nussbaum regularly uses alcohol prep pads to wipe down her phone, and she suggests that her patients do the same. “These wipes are great to clean off germs and bacteria on daily essentials (cell phones, sunglasses, watches, etc.), so that you’re still protected throughout the day and not transferring any contaminants to your skin,” the dermatologist added, which can contribute to breakouts.
The brand says this spray contains hypochlorous acid to target blemishes and give redness relief.
Sizes: 1 oz, 4 oz, 16 oz | Key ingredients: Hypochlorous acid | Benefits: Reduce redness, soothe irritation
Approved by the National Eczema Association, Tower 28’s SOS Rescue Spray drenches the skin with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredients to calm and soothe the skin barrier, says the brand. Just use it day and/or night, or whenever you need a quick refresh.
A fast-absorbing sunscreen that can be used for face and body.
Size: 3 fl oz | SPF: 60 | Key ingredient: CELL-OX Shield
This SPF from La Roche-Posay can be used on the face and body for optimal sun protection. “This is definitely a top sunscreen for me now!” shared media coordinator Lauren Biggerstaff. “It was lightweight, didn’t leave a white cast and felt super moisturizing.”
Conceal, correct and brighten with this affordable color correcting palette.
Shades: 6
Editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz said NYX’s color-correcting palette has been a staple in her makeup routine for years. “I sleep for maybe 4.5 hours a night, so you can likely imagine how tragic my dark circles are — and this palette has everything I need to help minimize their look,” she notes. “Not only does it contain yellow to balance out my purple undereye, but it also includes [green] to combat redness.”
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Dr. Marine B. Nussbaum.
Dr. Marnie B. Nussbaum, MD, FAAD, is an award-winning board-certified dermatologist based in New York.How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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