It is very important that we keep all of our makeup tools clean and sanitary as these are items that get in close contact with the eyes, lips and skin and if dirty can cause allergic reactions, breakouts and/or infections. It also helps to avoid the spread of germs by not double dipping or allowing any dirty tools to come into contact with your makeup or sharing makeup with other persons as this can contaminate the product(s) and spread bacteria.
Makeup Brushes
These can be washed and sanitized once or twice weekly or even fortnightly depending on how often you use them. Cleaning and caring for your makeup brushes will lengthen their life and you won’t have to replace them as often.
To clean heavily soiled brushes, you can simply wash them with a mixture of 1 pt. olive oil and 1 pt. dishwashing liquid. It is important to note that when wetting the bristles of the brush, you should keep the bristles angled downwards; never soak or submerge the brush into water as it can cause the glue to gradually separate and the bristles to fall out over time thereby prematurely ending the life of your precious brush.
You can use a shallow plate to hold the olive oil/soap mixture and then apply it evenly through the bristles of your brushes and watch as it begins to dissolve any makeup.
Rinse off the bristles under cool running water while making sure that they are still angled downwards so the water just runs off. When the water runs clear, gently squeeze out any excess liquid, reshape and lay the brushes flat on a towel to air dry for at least 6 to 8 hours.
To clean brushes with mild buildup, wash with either a bit of baby shampoo, dishwashing liquid or unscented pure white soap such as Ivory or Dial. After cleansing and rinsing, squeeze excess liquid, reshape and lay flat on a towel to air dry for at least 6 to 8 hours.
Once the brushes are dry, you can mist a paper towel with a bit of isopropyl alcohol then wipe down the brush handles to clean, disinfect and remove any makeup smudges or residue from them.
Sponges
Reusing sponges aren’t good for the skin as oil, sweat and makeup begins to build up in the sponge therefore creating the perfect environment for bacteria to breed and multiply. Instead, stock up on a few if this is your preferred method of applying your foundation, then use and discard when finished.
Powder Puff
These should be washed weekly with soap and warm water; you can also toss them in the washer and dryer on laundry day. Try to replace them often.
Tools
Tweezers, eyelash curlers, sharpeners and lash combs can be cleaned by spraying with isopropyl alcohol and wiping all residue off with a clean cloth. Once all of the residue has been removed, mist them again with the alcohol to sanitize and allow them to air dry.