Make-up sponges should be washed extra typically than you may suppose, whether or not yours is a Beautyblender (or a equally formed knockoff) or an old-school wedge.
“Simply as kitchen sponges can change into a reservoir for micro organism, so can make-up sponges,” mentioned Dr. Alison Ehrlich, a dermatologist at Foxhall Dermatology in Washington, DC. Beautyblender suggests washing after each use.
Ehrlich recommends that individuals who put on make-up swap to single-use make-up sponge applicators for hygienic functions. However in the event you want utilizing a reusable sponge, plan on cleansing it no less than as soon as every week and switching to a backup sponge if the one you’re utilizing unintentionally falls to the ground.
Like cleansing make-up brushes, cleansing make-up sponges is fast and straightforward: Ready for them to dry is the longest half.
Moist and lather
Make-up-cleansing sprays and wipes don’t totally clear sponges. It’s important to use cleaning soap and water. Place soiled sponges in a bowl stuffed with lukewarm to heat water blended with a couple of drops of liquid cleaning soap, and use your fingers to vigorously work the soapy water into every of the sponges individually for no less than 15 seconds per sponge. Although you should purchase brand-specific sponge cleanser, it’s not required—common shampoo or cleaning soap work completely positive for cleansing make-up sponges. “Liquid cleaning soap can take away oils from each pores and skin and make-up,” mentioned Ehrlich. In our testing, Dial liquid cleaning soap and Dr. Bronner’s unscented liquid castile cleaning soap was equally efficient. Begin sparingly with the cleaning soap and add extra as wanted, as extra cleaning soap residue could be tough to take away from a make-up sponge.
Rinse and (if needed) repeat
Rinse the sudsed-up sponge in lukewarm working water till it runs clear. If after a number of squeezes you continue to see make-up residue draining from the washed sponge, repeat the lathering course of. Be aware that stains on the floor of the sponge are regular; so long as the water runs clear once you rinse the sponge, it’s clear.
Squeeze, blot, and dry
After a couple of closing squeezes to get as a lot water out as attainable, blot the sponge with a paper towel and let it air-dry. We prefer to dry and retailer clear sponges in these purpose-built holders, that are a handy improve from balancing drying sponges on a counter or shelf and having to rotate them so that each one sides dry totally.
Sponges can take up to a couple days to completely dry after washing. That’s why it’s a good suggestion to have a number of sponges in rotation, steered make-up brush designer Tim Casper, so that you all the time have a clear one useful. If you happen to’ve invested in a number of sponges, you may take into account batch-washing all of the used ones weekly, utilizing the next lather-rinse-squeeze technique.
This text was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.
