This one’s for makeup junkies. Wearing makeup is such a fun way to express yourself. And the only rule you should follow is to clean your makeup brushes, sponges and tools regularly; not just because dirty tools are less effective but also because they’re the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. So unless you want to deal with acne flare-ups and eye infections, take heed now!
And since we’re all about cleaning and organizing our makeup-loving lives, here’s the skinny on how to clean ALL your beauty tools.
1. HOW TO CLEAN MAKEUP BRUSHES
How often: Once every fortnight is ideal. But if you’re recovering from a cold or giant zit, sanitize everything once you’re better to make sure no residual germs are left behind.
Method: Mix a dollop of baby shampoo (like Johnson's New No More Tears Baby Shampoo) with water in a shallow bowl. Swirl each brush around until no more product comes out of the bristles. Rinse the brushes in clear, warm (never hot) water and let air dry lying on a face towel. Never leave them drying by sitting them upright. It’s bad for the bristles and the metal fixtures! Bye bye bacteria!
2. HOW TO CLEAN MAKEUP SPONGES
How often: At least once a week.
Method: Wet the sponge thoroughly. Then apply a dollop of baby shampoo to the surface of the sponge and work up a lather. Gently squeeze the sponge till no more product comes out. Rinse thoroughly under water till it runs clear. Wring and let air dry on a clean towel. Don’t ever scrub at your sponge; it’s the best way to ruin them.
3. HOW TO CLEAN POWDER-PUFFS
How often: Depends on how often you use it and the weather. Every week in the summer or periods of heavy use, and once a fortnight in the winter or when you use them infrequently..
Method: Wash them the way you would a sponge; lather up gently with baby shampoo. Rinse well in running water and allow to dry thoroughly on a clean towel. Don’t place in the compact case till absolutely dry otherwise you’ll ruin your powder product!
Tip: If your applicator feels less fluffy after a wash, blitz with a warm (not hot) hair dryer to separate the fibers and make it fluffy again.
4. HOW TO CLEAN BEAUTY METAL TOOLS
(Tweezers, Nail Clippers, Eyelash Curlers and Files)
How often: After each use.
Method: Remove non-metal components like rubber pads and wash in warm water with a teaspoon of antibacterial hand wash liquid like Lifebuoy Total 10 Hand Wash. Leave to dry on a hand towel.
Tip: If you can’t do this every time then at least give your tools a quick rub with wet wipes like Ginni Clea Cleansing & Makeup Remover Wet Wipes - Lemon when you’re done using them.
5. HOW TO CLEAN HAIR BRUSHES AND COMBS
How often: Once a month.
Method: Soak combs in a deep bowlful of warm water with a little baby shampoo for fifteen minutes. Rinse with water and let them air dry.
Now to hair brushes. Start by removing as much hair from the brush as you can using your fingers. Rinse under warm water and then soak in a deep bowl containing warm water and a little baby shampoo. Swish the brush around to loosen gunk. You may want to use a soft toothbrush to scrub between bristles. Rinse well and let air dry, bristles facing down on a towel.
Tip: Never dry hairbrushes with the bristles facing up. The water can get trapped in the padding and encourage bacterial growth!
6. HOW TO CLEAN LOOFAHS/BATH SPONGES
How often: Every fortnight.
Method: Fill a deep bowl with warm water and a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. Soak loofahs for about half-an-hour and rinse well. Hang them up and allow to air dry.
7. HOW TO CLEAN MAKEUP CASES/BAGS
How often: Once a month. After all, your tools are only as clean as the containers they’re kept in!
Method: Take everything out of the case or bag. Wipe out spills with a warm washcloth dipped in some antiseptic solution. Wipe down the outside as well. Use a fresh, dry washcloth to dry clean. Then leave the bag or case open and allow to air dry thoroughly.
