It's pretty simple: Grab your sponge and soap and head to the sink. I appreciate your posted information. Regularly scrubbing your makeup brushes and sponges prevents baked-in stains and gross bacteria growth. "The first time I tried this, I set my blender on fire. I tested out four different ways to clean a makeup sponge and shared my thoughts on the effectiveness of each one. 2022 Cond Nast.

Getting your makeup sponge to look brand new doesn't have to be a complicated nor time-consuming process. sponges beautybrainsblush If you wear makeup every day and a Beautyblender is your go-to applicator, Dr. Chimento suggests giving it a wash at least once or twice a week, if not after every use (especially if you're applying a significant amount of makeup). After you've rinsed, you must always allow for proper drying time and ventilation. Alexandra Engler is the Beauty Director at mindbodygreen. All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. The soapy water will transform into gross makeup stew, and your once-dirty sponge will look like new. Not because it doesn't do a decent job of cleaning the sponge, but because I'd rather use dish soap than waste my face wash on a makeup applicator. Take it from celebrity esthetician Rene Rouleau, who says, "A Beautyblender holds on to bacteria, so when you use it in the morning, youre spreading germs and oil all over the face." Some reusable makeup sponges, often called makeup blenders, are sold with solid soap cleansers. Here's how: On the other hand, beautyblender pro Chi says you can wash your blender with dish soap, but that he doesn't recommend doing it often. Your favorite shampoo, mild soap, or facial cleanser will do the trick. To remove all of the makeup, you may need to apply soap and rinse the sponge several times.

fircosmetics Ad Choices, How to Clean Your Beautyblender and Makeup Sponges the Right Way, Jennifer Lawrence Wore the Most Chill Version of a Corset Dress in New York City, 55 Mystery Movies That Will Keep You Guessing Until the Very End, Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu Drops Her Skin-Care Routine. Several dermatologists weigh in on the best ways to get rid of a sunburn. And I have tried them all myself, just to see if I was missing anything," says Silva.

And all of their uses out there brings us here: How do you clean these little things? Stephanie Montes is a freelance contributor covering all things fashion and beauty. Do not throw your absorbent and soft beauty tool into a bag full of makeup, germs, and sharp corners. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_. You can also speed up the drying process by removing water with a clean towel: "I also recommend using a towel or washcloth to blot the excess moisture out of the sponge before you set it down to dry.". "And this is really gross; very dirty sponges will start to smell weird. It was really helpful, because I didn't know how to clean a makeup sponge until you, "It was helpful to learn how to clean reusable makeup sponges to avoid skin breakouts. 23 April 2020. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Makeup ideas, product reviews, and the latest celebrity trendsdelivered straight to your inbox. If that doesn't scare you into cleaning things up (it should), this buildup can also mess with the sponge's function: Dirty, overused sponges just don't work as well as freshly cleaned ones. Previously she worked at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com. Beautyblender makes specialty liquid and bar soap, but many pros also swear by dish soap for a less expensive option. "After washing or using your sponge, you always want to make sure you let it air dry in an open space," says Silva. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. A full-time freelance writer and editor based in New Jersey, Julia previously served as a health and wellness reporter for Elite Daily and kick-started her career in the e-comm space as the beauty editor for BestProducts.com from 2015-2017. Soaking really loosens up the sponge so the makeup can seep out into the water. But when you go to rinse, skip all the internet fads and hacksa clean, gentle soap and water is really your best friend. Plus, while this technique definitely takes the most time, there's less grunt work on your part. Make sure there's enough of a lathered solution to submerge the sponge fully. Glamour may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Tossing a damp sponge into a makeup bag or back into it's packaging with the lid on, will create mold. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The most popular methods include soaking it in warm water with dish soap and using brush shampoo. There's what we know we should be doing and what's, ahem, realistic. Allow it to create a lather. Now, consider the fact that, by their very nature, sponges are prone to bacteria growth: "The longer something stays wet, the more likely it is for mold to grow," says Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab Director, Carolyn Forte. This is how to use a cleansing solid for the most thorough clean: Jami Svay, a professional makeup artist, loves using Dawn dishwashing soap. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. This content is imported from Twitter. Add a few drops of the liquid cleanser directly onto the sponge and begin massaging, pressing, and pushing it into the sponge under running water. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to store makeup sponges, keep reading! A beautyblender is so gorgeous and pristine until you use it just once. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Bella Cacciatore is the beauty associate at Glamour. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Remember that you just washed your sponge, so why would you want to dirty it again by exposing it to all the things you just spent time washing away? Wait at least 30 seconds for the cup to cool before grabbing it from the microwave. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

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"In severe cases, bacteria can spread to open wounds you have from acne, waxing, or other hair removal forms, which are entry points for irritants.". This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If your Beautyblender is wet and dirty, at least leave it out so it can dry.". It does, however, loosen it up. Julia Guerra is a contributing beauty/style and fitness writer for Insider Reviews. Now you'll think twice before skipping a cleaning. I've also noticed fewer breakouts in the past month, and my makeup sponge looks much better on my vanity when it's bright and pink. He notes that if you only use it occasionally, it can last up to six months or longer. If you are allergic to dish soap, do not use it! Hold your sponge under running water until it expands in size. "So just like washing your face or brushing your teeth every day, this will help keep your makeup tools in tiptop shape. This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Beautyblender suggests replacing yours after three months of useand it's a great rule of thumb for all your makeup sponges. "You want a clean sponge at all times because, otherwise, it can harbor bacteria and moisture, which can cause breakouts," celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh tells Glamour. Makeup sponges are beloved by artists and amateurs alike, as they make for a dewy, oh-so-natural finish. Not only does a buildup of foundation look gross and make your sponges harder to use, but dirty sponges could be harming your skin. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. She received her journalism degree from Marquette University, graduating first in the department. With daily use, any makeup tool can accumulate dead skin cells, dirt, oil, pollution and bacteria," says makeup artists Rea Ann Silva, founder of Beautyblender. Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. In just a few days time, my makeup sponge was already sporting some serious foundation stains. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. "If you don't fully rinse, your sponge can get kind of hard and dense. In theory, knowing how to clean your Beautyblender is easy. Look for a mild, hypoallergenic hand soap, shampoo, or facial cleanser instead. Place your sponge in the mixture, and let it sit for a few minutes. Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Remove them from the washer and keep them in the bag to hang-dry. This article was co-authored by Tymia Yvette. Beyond spreading bacteria, she adds, Youre creating an environment in the skin where, potentially, breakouts could be exacerbated and the skin is not in optimum skin health.. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Connect with her via Twitter@j_guerra27. Ergo, even after a single use, makeup sponges hold on to foundation, concealer, and oils, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms, explains Dr. Stacy Chimento, a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. "I personally prefer to stay away from sodium lauryl sulfates because that's a detergent that runs off into our waterways, and I avoid fragrances because they can damage the sponge foam. Microwave the cup for around a minute, and then let the cup cool before grabbing it. Last Updated: March 8, 2022 We welcome your feedback. "I have seen this work, but the first time I tried this, I set my beautyblender on fire," said Chi. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Although it's technically not made to clean your beauty tools at all, this child's toy could actually pass for maintaining your sponges in a pinch. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider So what's the best way to get your beautyblender squeaky clean without ruining it? If it's not after each use, you're not cleaning it enough.

LADIES I PUT MY BEAUTY BLENDERS IN THE MIRCOWAVE FOR 1 MINUTE AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED pic.twitter.com/iT0448Mctq. Support wikiHow by From there, I spot-treated any leftover stains by massaging a tiny pump of soap into the area and giving it a thorough rinse. loofah In addition, during a pandemic like COVID-19, you should clean and sanitize your sponges and other tools after every makeup application. Plus, it really lets you get your hands in there. Alexandra Engler is the Beauty Director. Do not keep your sponge inside a drawer, medicine cabinet, or sealed cosmetic bag. You can wash makeup sponges using the same kind of cleanser you would use to clean a makeup brush. Thank you, wikiHow! There seems to be an endless number of articles and posts about how you can use the microwave to zap away germs and bacteria. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. I always want to have these sponges. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. You will not damage these products by cleaning them with gentle, scent-free soap. Needless to say, there was a lot of product clouding up the water.

I dampened the sponge and applied some of my Pacifica Creamy Gel Vegan Face Cleanser, massaged the product in, and rinsed thoroughly. ", Silva agrees, noting that some soaps run the risk of shortening the life span of the sponge: "If you are using anything that isn't alcohol-free and gentle and was not formulated for makeup tools, you risk breaking down the foam. Your once-perfect little neon egg suddenly becomes overtaken by a mess of foundation stains and streaks of old eyeliner. "And many sponges are treated with stuff like flame retardants, and I certainly can't recommend cooking them up with microwave rays. You can add a bit of olive oil as well for extra cleansing. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Finally, wrap the sponge in a towel and squeeze it until all of the excess water is out of it. If you don't know Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap, you can thank us later for this tip. But remember that viral Reddit thread where people were cutting open their Beautyblenders to reveal disgusting masses of foundation inside? It's probably not necessary every time, but I would definitely do this once a month. Once the sponge has absorbed all of the soap, rinse it under warm water. Like I mentioned at the beginning of this article, it had been a long time since I started regularly cleaning my makeup sponge and it probably benefited from the additional 30 seconds. Washing your makeup sponge at least once or twice a week might sound like a big ask, but it's really not.

LADIES I PUT MY BEAUTY BLENDERS IN THE MIRCOWAVE FOR 1 MINUTE AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED pic.twitter.com/iT0448Mctq. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. When she's not writing (for work or creatively), you can find Julia curled up on her couch reading, practicing yoga, exercising in some capacity, adventuring with her husband, or spending quality time with family. Set aside to air-dry. Squeeze your makeup sponge under running water until it's completely soaked and expands in size. Sometimes, no amount of cleaning can save your sponge. Reusable, microbial-resistant makeup sponges or beauty blenders are an eco-friendly alternative to basic foam sponges. Then, apply a dime-sized amount of liquid dish soap to the sponge and massage it in with your fingers. My sponge smells way better, thanks to you!". Your sponge should be damp, not soaking wet. If you've ever wondered the best way to clean your Beautyblender, we rounded up four foolproof methods. They can fill up with gunk fastcausing loads of skin problems.

"Blendercleansers are all natural and protect all of my makeup tools from 99.7% of all harmful germs and bacteria for a full 24 hours after washing, even if stains are left behind," says Chi. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to store makeup sponges, keep reading! Rinse and repeat. Wash your sponge as many times as needed until it is completely clean. This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Washing your makeup sponge is quick and painless and should honestly be done weekly. PSA: TikToks Favorite Cleaner Is Even Better Than Youd Think. It works double duty: "That way, not only will my beautyblender be clean and disinfected before it touches my sensitive skin, my blender will be wet and ready to use." ", And in case you want some sensorial cues it's time for a rinse, Patinkin looks for these: "There's the obvious visual cue of how dirty the sponge looks. Could squeaky-clean beautyblenders really be as easy as popping them in the microwave in a dish of soapy water? Receive your FREE Doctor-Approved Beauty Guide, You needto wash your sponges for the same reason you need to wash your makeup brushes: In the same way they're good at soaking up and transferring makeup, they're good at doing thatfor a whole bunch of other gunk. Continue rinsing and squeezing the sponge until the water coming off of it is free of suds. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 334,035 times. In fact, there are a few different ways to clean a Beautyblender that take minimal effort or time away from your day.

Never simply toss it back into a makeup bag. That way I would clean my sponge about twice a week. Mix a two-to-one ratio of dish soap and olive oil and massage it into a dry Beautyblender. In her current role, she covers all the latest trends and updates in the clean and natural beauty space, as well as travel, financial wellness, and parenting. This certified fair-trade soap made with organic oils is cruelty-free, biodegradable, non-GMO, and vegan. All rights reserved. "I have seen and heard of so many different, crazy ways that people have tried in order to clean their blenders. As for the soap, there are plenty of sponge-specific washes on the market, but any gentle option will do in a pinch. Above all, keep in mind that while regularly cleaning your sponge will help extend its longevity, these sponges aren't meant to last forever. This is what my sponge looked like before I added it to the microwave, after a few days of makeup buildup. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. After time's up, give your sponge a few squeezes to squish the soap solution through. This Facial Brush Gave Me the Deepest Clean of My Life, TikTok Says These Patches Give You an Instant Eye LiftSo We Put Them to the Test, 10 Ways to Find Sunburn Relief Without Ruining Your Vacation. How To Deep Clean A Beautyblender So It Looks Brand New. Let us count the ways: Using gentle bar soap, dish soap, or beautyblender's cleansing solid is what our pros recommend for best results. References Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Experts explain. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, How to Clean Stainless Steel So It Sparkles Again, 8 Best All-Purpose Cleaners for Every Mess, The Ultimate Guide for Washing a Weighted Blanket, The Most Effective Way to Hand-Wash Clothes, Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years.

Makeup & Lash Artist. Approved. You might've seen a viral hack here and there about how best to sanitize your makeup sponges, but we're here to tell you the actual best tried-and-true ways. I'm aware this is neither eco-friendly nor hygienically sound, which is why I've made a commitment to change my ways. "With daily use, any makeup tool can accumulate dead skin cells, dirt, oil, pollution and bacteria," says Mark Chi, Global Trainer & Makeup Artist at beautyblender. brushes She has reported on the intricacies of product formulations, the diversification of the beauty industry, and and in-depth look on how to treat acne from the inside, out (after a decade-long struggle with the skin condition herself). (And on that note: Look for clean sponges that are made with ingredients you trust.). ", "You gave my mind a creative spark. clean and dry.

If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. Wash your reusable sponge at least once a week. Why Marvel's Karen Gillan Embraces Her Anxiety, Your New Must-Try: Sauted Dandelion Toast, The Only Marathon Training Plan You'll Ever Need, Your June Horoscope: Communication Clarity. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The formula worked similarly to dish soap, but I actually found that I needed to apply less of the shampoo than I did the soap I was only at my sink for three minutes at most. Dish soap worked surprisingly well. Overall, I didn't love this method. % of people told us that this article helped them. While cleanliness is top of mind, take advantage of all this time at home to give your sponges a good deep clean.

Grab all your sponges and put them in a net lingerie bag (like this one). Add a little more soap to any areas that need some extra love, and massage it on your palm. To know when to toss your makeup sponge, look for these telltale signs: 105+ Amazing Gifts for Any Man In Your Life, How to Read the 'Virgin River' Books in Order. First, mix a few drops of mild soap (dish soap or baby shampoo will work too) with water in a microwave-safe cup. We found five of the best tutorials to help motivate you to finally clean your damn makeup sponge, ahead. Think about it: When's the last time you cleaned your blender? Once it starts looking used or there are little tears in the foam, I usually just toss it. If you use your sponge damp, you'll also start to feel it squish differently when there's too much product built up on the inside," she says. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Routinely cleaning your Beautyblender or makeup sponge will help you get more use out of the applicator and also prevent breakouts. This content is imported from YouTube. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Learn more about our spongebob giphy face gifs If you are looking for a reusable sponge, purchase a microbial-resistant foam sponge or blender.

Toss the bag in your empty washing machine. Can you use dish soap to clean a beauty blender? Jeung likes to add in a combination of Beautyblender liquid cleanser and Meyers laundry detergent before running the washing machine on gentle, with an extra rinse cycle. As a best practice, Chi says it's best to wash your beautyblender first thing in the morning before applying makeup. If the only thing that will get you excited to wash your Beautyblender is a cute, novelty purchase, we'll take what we can get. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. First, the color of any past products can be accidentally transferred. She also adds that when you're not routinely cleaning your makeup sponges, they don't perform the way they're supposed to because there is so much product buildup. Using any bar soap, rub the sponge back and forth against the bar while applying pressure to build up a lather and deposit the cleanser inside. You may also rub the sponge over the bar of soap. This will loosen and break up the makeup, according to Jeung. ", She goes on to explain that more severe or harsher soaps (like traditional shampoos or dish detergents) may cause issues in another way: "One of the most important steps is you must fully rinse out the soap," says Patinkin. ", Patinkin notes that it's not just that it's unnecessary, but there might be real reasons you don't want to use it. In a microwave safe cup (a mug is perfect), mix water and a couple squirts of soap. 2009 - 2022 MindBodyGreen LLC. Make sure to rinse all of the soap out of the sponge. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Rinse regularly while doing this. ", But in case you just know you're notgoing to be that diligent, makeup artists Jenny Patinkinwho boasts her own collection of sponges, brushes, and toolssays every three to four uses is OK, or "at least once a week! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Remember, this method alone does not take makeup out of the sponge. Keep your sponge on your bathroom counter in a clean soap dish. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Not to mention, they just don't work as well. But when it comes down to it, it's really not so bad. These are simply silicone tools that have small indents, spikes, and nodules that help you work the sponge or brush more thoroughly. :) Dish soap also works well. Even if you spend a fortune on your skincare routinecleansers, masks, toners, serums, you name ityou might not be considering the unkempt Beautyblender you press into your face daily for months on end. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. ), and the fact that I haven't really known how to clean a makeup sponge has also been a contributing factor. This method is the easiest since all it requires is soap and water. Nuke it in your kitchen microwave with some dish soap and say bye-bye to micro-organisms that may be growing on the sponge.

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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. It was. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Reviews team. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com. Julia's bylines have since spanned across publications like InStyle, Insider, SheKnows, Eat This, Not That!, MindBodyGreen, and more. I'd be concerned that it might alter the chemical composition." wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It can be used for everything from washing your face to disinfecting your kitchen floor, but it's particularly great at removing stains from your Beautyblender. Laziness is partially to blame (I struggle to go through my own skincare regimen these days, and you expect me to give my sponge a bath? Do yourself a favor and take five minutes to clean your makeup sponge. Once the water cools off, rinse your sponge and wring it out under running water. You've done your job when the water is back to transparent and there's no more lather left. Expert Interview. I decided to test new cleaning methods every three or four days from my sponge's first soak. Why trust us? This method is great for aspiring makeup artists, or those of us who have multiple sponges on hand. This is because makeup sponges "typically breed the most bacteria out of any applicator because of their ability to hold onto moisture," she says.

In a perfect world, experts say to wash them with every use. And with the plethora of shapes and sizes out there, you can rely on them for everything from foundation and concealer to even shadows or blush. You'll still need to schedule regular deep-cleaning sessions like the ones above, but some dish soap and a battery-powered spin cycle is just what you need to freshen up your favorite sponge temporarily. While there are several varieties out there, most more or less function the same: Apply soap and water, grab your pad, and move the sponge around in circular motions, being mindful to work all the sides. 10/10 would recommend. When you travel, keep your sponge in a separate mesh makeup bag. Keep in mind, drying your Beautyblender properly is just as important as the regular cleanings.