Most of us love makeup. It enhances the look and makes you feel more confident. According to a study 31 percent of people aged 18-29 years, 41% of people aged 30-59 years, and 35% of people aged above 60 years wear makeup.(1)
But little do everyone know that not cleaning the makeup tools can make them gross and unhealthy.
Makeup tools if not cared for can get loaded with bacteria and cause a breakout. Makeup sponges if not properly cleaned, harbor harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus. Moreover applying makeup in the bathroom, public toilets, car, train, and plane, give these makeup products enough opportunity to gather harmful bacteria.
Along with the makeup tools, makeup products also are contaminated with bacteria. It is therefore important to check with their expiry date while using them.
A study done to check the bacterial contamination of make tools and makeup brushes found that 70-90 % of these products had dangerous bacteria in it.(2)
Amongst the makeup products and tools the beauty blenders, used to spread the concealer and foundation had the highest rate of contamination.
It is very important to educate the consumers about the use of makeup tools and on how to clean these products.
How To Clean Makeup Sponges?
As the beauty blenders or the makeup sponges are the most contaminated ones amongst all the makeup tools, they become the main reason for even spoiling the makeup products.
Here is how you can keep these completely clean.
Store It Right
Avoid storing these sponges in dark and moist places. Clean them thoroughly to keep them free from harmful bacteria. The bacteria grow easily in the dark and moist places.
And instead of stuffing those directly into the handbag keep them in a breathable mesh bag.
Clean Them Properly
The sponges need to be cleaned more regularly than the makeup brushes i.e. about three times a week.
How to clean it:
- Dampen the sponge, preferably with lukewarm water.
- Squeeze out the excess water in it.
- Take a homemade cleanser or a sponge cleanser and massage it until the sponge has completely absorbed it.
- Rinse the sponge with lukewarm water.
- Make sure that the cleanser is completely removed from the sponge.
- Leave it to dry up in a completely ventilated place.
- Make sure you are gentle while cleaning it to avoid tears and cuts on the sponge.
Replace It
Nothing lasts forever. Do not keep the sponge working for you for long. It should be replaced every three months. Longer you use it more damaged and unhygienic it gets.
Also, if the sponge becomes extra coarse and porous, it’s time to change it.
What Can Be Used To Wash The Makeup Sponges?
There are various products available to clean the makeup sponges and the blenders. You can even clean them with homemade cleansers. These ensure that the makeup applicators are restored after each use.
Homemade cleaners can be made by mixing olive oil and anti-bacterial washing-up liquid. Mix them properly so that the two ingredients are completely gelled up. Store it in a bottle to be used every time you want to clean your sponge.
It is very worrying to know about people’s poor hygiene practices when it comes to using makeup products. The bacteria which infect these are very harmful and can lead to various health conditions associated with skin infection, and even food poisoning and diarrhea.
Most of the makeup products come with an expiry date marked on them. It is very important to check and not uses the products beyond that date.
It is for your own safety, neglecting which can have negative consequences on you and your health. Stay clean, stay healthy and fit.
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