How to Clean Makeup Brushes & Beauty Kits
Since the pandemic, frequent and thorough hand washing has become the norm. But now it’s time to pay attention to cleaning the cosmetics and beauty tools we use every day.
Now we all know that the brushes, blenders and cosmetics we use on a daily basis should be cleaned regularly. But how often do we really do it? Cleaning makeup brushes and other tools from our beauty kit is essential, especially since they come into contact with our faces over and over again. So here’s our guide on how to clean makeup sponges, brushes and more.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes
Daily grime from dirty makeup brushes can cause irritation and breakouts. Can't tell the true color of your brushes’ bristles? It’s definitely time to give them a good clean.
Fortunately, cleaning makeup brushes is as easy as washing your hands. Just use antibacterial soap and water. Soak your brushes in warm water and soap first, then brush them across an old towel to remove build up. Leave out until dry, and voila!
How to Clean Makeup Sponges
Like with brushes, using makeup sponges over and over again without cleaning them can cause skin problems. But cleaning makeup sponges is easy and quick. Just soak the sponges or beauty blenders in warm water and soap, and squeeze and repeat until the sponge is back to its original shade. Leave the sponges to dry. That's it!
Using Makeup Sanitizing Spray on Palettes & Pencils
You can sanitize your makeup palettes and pencils with rubbing alcohol. Just pour some into a spray bottle and use it as a makeup sanitizer you can spritz over your eyeshadows and highlighter compacts. Wait until they're dry before using them. Eyeliner and eyebrow pencils can be cleaned in the same way, using a spray of rubbing alcohol on a clean tissue.
Check for Cosmetics Expiration Dates
Cleaning your makeup kits and tools is great, but you should also make sure the products you’re using aren’t expired. Most cosmetics have best-before dates after opening. Although these will vary depending on climate and how you store your makeup, we’ve outlined the basics below:
Eyeliners and Mascaras: Replace 3 to 6 months after opening cream and liquid products (foundations, concealers, blushes): 6 months to 1 year after opening
Powder products (bronzers, highlighters and blushes): 2-3 years after opening
Lipsticks, glosses and lip pencils: 2-3 years after opening
Always check your product's packaging for cosmetic expiration dates and guidance. But in general, if a product begins to change in texture or smell funny, it’s time to replace it.