We’re just one day into summer, which means you’re probably in reset mode. There are plenty of ways to usher in a “new season, new me” attitude, but there’s something especially gratifying about spring cleaning your personal space.
And regardless of how extensive or minimal your beauty routine is, replacing your makeup tools should be a part of that ritual. Ever wake up to a surprise pimple or breakout and wonder how it got there, in spite of your careful and calculated routine? Dirty brushes and sponges could be the culprit. Even if they still look presentable, the amount of germs festering on top of them only spreads in the summer heat. Forget about an ill-placed lash or mismatched foundation.
One of the biggest mistakes makeup wearers are guilty of is using tools way beyond their expiration date. According to Jean Baik, founder of MISS A (a website that sells beauty essentials for $5 or less!), weekly washes or spot cleaning will elongate their life and save you money in the long run.
“Dust and dirt will collect on your makeup brushes and you don’t want to put that back on your face!,” she says. When cleansing your makeup brushes, “Wet the brush hair and put a little dab of brush cleaning soap or baby shampoo. Rinse under water and squeeze out access water. Lay flat to dry on a towel.”
For those who like to layer on their faves everyday, there’s also new wave of tools that this process to the next level, like the AOA Brush Cleaning Egg. Consider it the heavy duty makeup equivalent of a car wash, where you brush your tool back and forth to remove all signs of pigment. At the same time, if you notice that the bristles on your tools are beginning to fall out, Baik says that’s a telltale sign that you need to trash them. But at the end of the day, “if you take good care of your brushes by washing them properly, you really don’t have to replace them very often; especially good quality brushes.”
On the other hand, sponges require a bit more attention. For starters, if you’ve been using the same one since spring, it’s time to say goodbye. “I replace my Wonder Blender sponge every 2-3 weeks…I always use a new one when some of the darker stains don’t come out after washing or little pieces of the sponge start to break off.”
The cleansing routine is similar to brushes, since you simply need to use a brush cleaning soap or facial cleanser to wash and squeeze to rinse until water run clears. However, remember to keep your sponge elevated in something like the Wonder Blender Holder so it can completely dry. Happy cleaning!