Essential Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Makeup Sponge
Makeup sponges can be a great tool for achieving a flawless finish. However, to get the best results and extend the lifespan of your sponge, regular cleaning and maintenance is essential.
In this blog, we will share our tips, tricks and top products to make your life easier when looking after your beauty sponges.
Why should you clean your makeup sponges?
Apart from the fact that using a fresh, new sponge is one of the best feelings when doing your makeup, there are many reasons as to why you should regularly wash your makeup sponge. Let’s take a look into them:
- Prevent bacteria build-up: Dirty sponges harbour bacteria, dirt, and oil which can lead to breakouts and skin issues if not cleaned regularly.
- Improved makeup application: A clean sponge provides a smoother, more even application of makeup. Residue from old makeup can affect the way your makeup turns out, leading to a streaky or patchy finish.
- Extends longevity: Regular cleaning helps to maintain the sponge’s elasticity, making them feel brand new again. This saves you money in the long run as you wont need to replace as frequently.
- Loss of effectiveness: As makeup sponges accumulate more buildup, they lose their ability to blend makeup smoothly.
How often should you clean your beauty sponge?
Like makeup brushes, it is recommended that you frequently wash your makeup sponge to prevent it spreading bacteria to your face. Not only does a buildup of foundation look gross, but dirty sponges could cause your skin to develop breakouts from all the bacteria stored in your sponge. Ideally, you should clean your beauty sponge after every use to keep it as hygienic as possible, but we know how time consuming that can be.
With that being said, try and aim for once a week to thoroughly cleanse your sponge to get rid of any bacteria. How about adding it to your Sunday self-care routine, so you can start your week off with a fresh makeup sponge!
What is the best way to clean makeup sponges?
While it may be tempting to clean your makeup sponge with whatever household item you can find, we recommend using a cleanser specifically made for sponges. This is because, after it’s been cleaned and dried, you’ll be using that sponge on your face, and it’s crucial to use something gentle and safe for your skin. Specialised cleansers are formulated to remove makeup residue, oils, and bacteria effectively without damaging the sponge or causing irritation to your skin. By choosing the right cleanser, you ensure your beauty sponge remains in top condition and your skin stays healthy and flawless.
Step by step routine: How to clean your beauty sponge
Step 1: Thoroughly wet your makeup sponge.
Step 2: Work a sponge cleanser into your sponge.
Step 3: This step is optional, if you have a cleansing mat then gently rub your sponge over the cleansing mat. This will give your sponge a much deeper clean.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly, repeat steps two and three if necessary.
Step 5: Leave your beauty sponge to completely air dry.
How do you take care of a makeup sponge?
Take care of your sponge by giving it a deep clean every week and a thorough check once a month. You’ll know it’s time to throw out your sponge if it has stubborn stains that won’t come out from washing, or if it looks worse for wear. Typically, a makeup sponge should be replaced every one to three months, depending on how much you use it. Investing in a new makeup sponge every couple of months is essential for protecting your skin from breakouts, oil, and bacteria buildup.
Another important factor in increasing the lifespan of your beauty sponges is ensuring they dry completely before you use them again. This prevents mould and mildew growth, keeping your sponge clean and your skin healthy.
How do you keep beauty sponges hygienic?
If you use your sponge damp to apply foundation, make sure to wring out all the water and store it in a dry location. Letting your sponge sit wet on your makeup table prolongs drying time and promotes bacterial growth. Proper storage of your makeup sponge is just as important as cleaning it. Once dry, store your sponge in a silicone case to prevent your beauty sponge getting dirty.
Expert tips for extending the life of your makeup sponge
There are many ways to extend the life of your beauty sponges. A general rule of thumb is to wash your sponge whenever you notice makeup residue building up on it from frequent use, this will ultimately extend the life of your beauty sponge. Another effective approach is to use a specific sponge for each makeup application. By using one sponge for foundation, another for concealer, and so on, you prevent the buildup of different products, prolonging the lifespan of each sponge. This not only maintains the hygiene of your tools but also ensures there is no cross contamination of each product to ruin your makeup.
Keep your beauty tools clean and fresh
Cleaning your beauty sponges shouldn’t seem like a task you need to put off for months; in fact, next time you think about not washing your sponge, read through this blog again!
At Invogue, we have a range of cleansing tools that will make the process quick and easy. Our specially formulated cleanser is designed to remove even the most stubborn makeup residues, ensuring your makeup tools are not only clean but also hygienic. Plus, our durable silicone cleaning trays and compact sponge cleaners are perfect for on-the-go maintenance. Keep your beauty routine flawless with our convenient and effective cleaning solutions!