The first signs of spring bring a sense of renewal and an irresistible urge to declutter. While many of us instinctively start clearing out wardrobes and kitchen cupboards, our beauty routines often get overlooked. But your skincare and makeup need a seasonal refresh, too: it may be time to wave hasta la vista to heavier formulations, winter-worn tools, and expired products, and replace these with lighter formulations and sun care essentials for Spring and Summer.
So, what should you be clearing out, and what should you be stocking up on? We gathered the best tips from dermatologists, makeup artists, and hair experts to curate the ultimate spring clean checklist for your beauty shelf and routine.
Swap heavy-duty hydration for lightweight formulas
Winter skincare is all about protection—rich creams, occlusive balms, and intensive treatments designed to combat cold, dry air. But as temperatures rise and humidity increases, these same products can start to feel greasy and even clog pores.
Ditch thick, occlusive moisturisers with heavy oils like petrolatum or shea butter. Instead, opt for lightweight gel-based or water-based moisturisers infused with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Try:
Facetheory Supergel+ Oil-Free Moisturiser (£16, 50ml)
The Facetheory Supergel+ Oil-Free Moisturiser has a lightweight, gel-based formula. It hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy, making it perfect for oily or combination skin. Key ingredients like niacinamide help control oil production, while salicylic acid targets breakouts, and vitamin C works to brighten the skin. Buy it here.
Soothe + Smooth Light Moisturiser (£21.99, 50ml)
The Skin + Me Light Moisturiser is perfect for sensitive skin, offering a refreshing, gel-based formula that helps balance moisture levels while ensuring the skin feels breathable and comfortable. It has glycerin and hyaluronic acid for extra hydration, and the lightweight, high-absorption formula allows makeup to glide on easily without slipping or caking. Buy it here.
Make SPF your BFF
If you slacked on SPF during winter (we won’t judge), spring is the time to reinstate it into your daily routine. A good SPF should feel comfortable enough to wear every day, not just on beach holidays, so avoid thick, chalky sunscreens that leave a white cast. Look for formulations that, aside from being lightweight and wearing well under makeup, have antioxidants to protect against pollution too.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 (£25.55, 50ml)
The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 is a lightweight, invisible sunscreen. This gel-based formula applies smoothly and dries down to a velvety, matte finish, making it perfect for layering under makeup. It shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, and its non-comedogenic, weightless formula won’t interfere with their skincare or makeup routine. Buy it here.
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Spray SPF 50 (£36, 200ml)
Infused with the brand’s signature Cheirosa ’62 scent, the Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Spray SPF 50 is a fast-absorbing, lightweight formula that glides on effortlessly. Not only does it leave you smelling irresistibly tropical, but it also adds a subtle shimmer, giving your skin a radiant, healthy glow. Buy it here.
Swap harsh scrubs by gentle acids
After months of cold weather, skin can often feel lacklustre and dry. While the instinct might be to reach for a harsh scrub to clear away the buildup, over-exfoliating can actually do more harm than good.
Skip the abrasive physical scrubs with large exfoliating beads, which can irritate the skin, and opt instead for gentler chemical exfoliants with AHAs or PHAs. These acids work to exfoliate the skin’s surface without stripping it, leaving you with a smoother, more radiant complexion that’s ready for the season ahead. Try:
Paula’s Choice (£29.75, 88ml)
The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid 2% Lactic Acid Exfoliant combines the power of mandelic acid and lactic acid to slough off dead skin cells and improve skin texture without irritation. Mandelic acid is a gentle AHA known for its ability to exfoliate while being kind to sensitive skin, while lactic acid works to hydrate and smooth. Buy it here.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment (£69, 60ml)
This exfoliant is a cult-favourite for a reason. This potent, two-in-one treatment combines physical and chemical exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion in just minutes. Packed with AHAs, papaya enzymes, and exfoliating beads, it targets uneven texture, fine lines, and dullness, giving skin an instant glow. Buy it here.
Lighten up your coverage
Spring calls for a fresh, radiant look. While each one of us has its own preference when it comes to foundation (and likely a brand we remain loyal too), it’s worth considering a switch from full coverage to skin tints or lightweight BB creams with SPF for your day-to-day.
These formulas provide a more natural finish and allow the skin to breathe, making them ideal for the warmer months. For areas that need more coverage, you can use spot concealing instead of layering to avoid product buildup.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50 (£39, 32ml)
This multitasking beauty product combines full-coverage foundation, anti-aging serum, and broad-spectrum sun protection. Enriched with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E, it aims to hydrate, brighten, and protect the skin while delivering a natural, radiant finish.
Say hello to SPF lip balms
Yes, SPF isn’t just for your face and body – your lips deserve some protection too! Finish your spring clean checklist with a lightweight, SPF-infused lip treatments with emollients (like shea butter) and humectants (like hyaluronic acid) hydrate your skin at a deeper level while shielding it against sun damage.
COOLA Classic Liplux SPF 30 Original
This certified organic lip balm is made with over 70% natural ingredients. Offering broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, it shields lips from sun damage while delivering deep hydration. Infused with nourishing fruit butters like raspberry and avocado, this formula helps restore moisture, keeping lips soft, smooth, and healthy. You can buy it here.
The new spring beauty rituals to adopt
Beyond a spring clean checklist for swapping out products, small adjustments in your routine can help your skin and hair adjust to the new season.
Wash makeup brushes: Months of heavy creams and foundations mean your brushes are likely overdue for a deep clean. Use a gentle brush cleanser or baby shampoo to remove bacteria and buildup.
Declutter your beauty stash: Toss anything past its expiration date—especially mascaras (3 months max!) and liquid foundations (6-12 months).
Hydrate from within: Warmer weather means more hydration is needed, so up your water intake and incorporate hydrating foods like cucumber and watermelon into your diet.
Introduce a body scrub: It’s time to prep for short-sleeve season! A gentle exfoliating scrub will help slough off dead skin and boost circulation.
Out with the old, in with the new
Spring is quite literally a breath of fresh air. After months of winter’s chill, it’s time to shed the heavy layers, both in our wardrobes and our beauty routines.
This spring clean checklist will hopefully motivate you to quick to clear out old products and make space for the essentials you’ll need for glowing skin, healthy hair, and flawless makeup. Time to take a deep breath and go grab your beauty bag: you’re on a mission now.