Tools Cleaning & Hygiene

What it is

Tools used on the face repeatedly collect oil, product residue, dead skin cells, and bacteria - cleaning them regularly is a hygiene practice, not just a maintenance one. Dirty tools can contribute to breakouts and irritation independent of how good the products applied with them are.

How it works

Product residue (usually oil- or wax-based) traps bacteria and dead skin at the base of bristles or inside a sponge's pores, where it isn't visible from the surface. A proper wash uses a cleanser that breaks down that oil-based residue and rinses it away, rather than just wiping the visible surface color off the outside - a brush can look clean after a quick surface wipe and still be carrying buildup underneath.

How to do it

1. Wet bristles or the sponge with lukewarm water, avoiding fully submerging brush handles, which can loosen the glue holding bristles in place over time.
2. Work a small amount of brush cleanser into the bristles, massaging gently in the palm of your hand to work it down to the base, not just the tips.
3. Rinse until the water runs clear, repeating the cleanser step if residue is still visible.
4. Reshape bristles by hand and lay flat or hang to dry - standing brushes bristle-up while wet can let water seep into the handle and loosen it.
5. Let dry fully before storing, since a damp brush or sponge stored away is exactly the environment bacteria need to grow.

Cleaning other tools and products

• Eyelash curlers, tweezers, and sharpeners: wipe them with rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad after use - see Eyelash Curler, Tweezers, and Sharpener.
• Pencils: sharpen them before use to expose a fresh, clean surface, especially eyeliner and lip liner.
• Pressed powders and eyeshadows: a light mist of 70% isopropyl alcohol over the surface sanitizes it without damaging the product - useful after an illness or if a product has been shared.
• Mascara and liquid liner: never share them, and replace them about every three months, since the wand goes back into the tube after touching the eye.
• Makeup bags: empty and wipe them out regularly - spilled powder and product residue build up in the corners.

Common mistakes

• Washing brushes only occasionally instead of on a regular schedule - a light wash every one to two weeks, with sponges washed even more often, keeps buildup from accumulating.
• Standing brushes bristle-up to dry, which can trap water at the base and loosen the glue over time.
• Using harsh dish soap or hand soap as a regular substitute for a proper brush cleanser, which can dry out and damage natural hair bristles with repeated use.