When did you last clean your Beauty Blender? If you’re like most of us, you might not remember, or maybe you’ve never done it. We understand—cleaning your makeup brushes and sponges often gets forgotten. However, it’s very important and shouldn’t be ignored.
The good news? Cleaning your makeup sponge quickly and making it look new is easy. This guide shows you four simple ways to clean a Beauty Blender. Just pick the method that’s easiest for you to use regularly.
How Often to Clean a Beauty Blender
You should clean your Beauty Blender after every use for two reasons. First, for hygiene. A dirty Beauty Blender can collect many germs and bacteria, which can get onto your skin each time you use it. Second, a dirty sponge doesn’t work as well. When it’s full of old foundation, it can change the color of the makeup you’re applying.
Considerations Before You Get Started
Start by learning how to clean the sponge without damaging it. Avoid harsh cleaners and be gentle with your Beauty Blender. Using a makeup brush cleaner, like MAC Cosmetic Brush Cleanser, which works well on sponges and blenders, is a good choice. Be gentle when you rub or scrub and squeeze it softly when you’re wringing it out.
What You Need:
Surface Method:
- Textured surface (such as a cleaning mat)
Soap Method (choose one):
- Solid cleanser
- Liquid cleanser
- Baby shampoo
- Castile soap
Microwave Method:
- Microwave
- Liquid soap
Oil Method:
- Cleansing oil (such as coconut oil)
- Liquid soap
How to Clean Your Beauty Blender With the Surface Method
When you’re short on time (and aren’t we always?), the quickest way to clean a Beauty Blender is to rub it on a textured surface. A brush cleaning mat works well for this.
Another option is the convenient Beautyblender Keep it Clean kit. It includes a textured pad that fits over your hand, and comes with both liquid and solid cleansers.
How to Clean Your Beauty Blender With Soap
Water alone won’t get your makeup sponge completely clean; you’ll need some soap. It’s recommended to use specialized makeup sponge cleansers, such as a solid cleanser and a liquid cleanser.
They work like magic and remove all traces of makeup from the Beauty Blender. If you don’t use dedicated cleansers, it’s suggested to use a mild shampoo or a gentle, multi-purpose liquid cleanser.
Step 1: Rub Beauty Blender With Soap
To use the solid soap, first wet your makeup sponge thoroughly. Then rub the solid soap directly onto the sponge, working it into a lather. If you prefer liquid soap, wet the sponge and squirt some liquid soap directly onto it, working it into a lather.
Step 2: Rinse
Once you see the lather changing color from the makeup coming off, rinse the sponge thoroughly. If your Beauty Blender still looks stained, you can repeat the process. The formula is gentle enough to use daily without damaging your sponge.
Step 3: Let It Soak in Soapy Water (Optional)
If your sponge is really dirty, try giving it a little bubble bath. Fill a cup with water and add a few drops of liquid soap, then let the sponge soak for a minute or two. After that, gently massage more cleanser into it with your hand.
Step 4: Rinse Again and Dry
Give it a thorough rinse. When drying, make sure to place it in a well-ventilated area. It’s best to prop it up so air can circulate freely around it, ensuring there are no damp spots left.
How to Clean Your Beauty Blender With a Microwave
Just like using a dishwasher for dishes or a washing machine for clothes, microwaving a makeup sponge is a quick and easy way to clean it with little effort. The heat from the microwave also helps sanitize it, killing germs and bacteria. Just make sure to follow the right steps to avoid damaging your Beauty Blender.
Step 1: Mix Soap and Water in Cup
Add a few drops of gentle liquid soap to a cup of water, ensuring the cup is microwave-safe. Make sure there’s enough of the mixture to fully cover the sponge.
Step 2: Wet Sponge, Add to Cup, and Microwave
Wet the sponge under running water and place it in the cup. Microwave for 60 seconds, but let it cool before removing it. The soapy water will have changed colors, and your Beauty Blender should look like new.
Step 3: Remove, Rinse, and Dry
After the water cools, remove the sponge, rinse it under running water, and let it dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
How to Clean Your Beauty Blender With Oil
The idea of double cleansing, well-known in skincare, also works for cleaning your Beauty Blender. The basic idea is that oil breaks down oil. So, if you’re wearing a lot of makeup, starting with a cleansing oil can help dissolve the makeup oils more effectively. This method is especially useful for heavily makeup-laden sponges.
Step 1: Rub Oil Into Sponge
Start with a dry sponge and rub a few drops of oil, like coconut oil, into the sponge until the makeup begins to break down.
Step 2: Let It Soak in Soapy Water
After massaging the oil into the sponge, soak it in a cup of soapy water as described earlier. This second step of the double cleanse removes any remaining makeup and helps wash away the oily residue.
Step 3: Remove, Rinse, and Dry
Dry the sponge thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. Prop it up to allow air to circulate freely around it, ensuring it dries completely.
When to Replace Your Beauty Blender
Remember, while regular cleaning can extend the life of your sponge, it’s not designed to last forever. It’s recommended to replace it every three months. Now that you know how to clean a Beauty Blender properly, you can keep it in the best possible condition during its lifespan.