6 Smart Tips for De-Gunking Your Makeup Tools

Your skin deserves clean makeup tools.
Your skin deserves clean makeup tools.

Cleaner tools feel nicer on your skin and apply makeup more evenly. Here are top tips for keeping your brushes and sponges germ-free.

1. Use shampoo to wash your makeup brushes.
To avoid damaging bristles, use a mild cleaner like baby shampoo in warm water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. You'll be amazed (and maybe a little grossed out) by the deep color that rinses out, but it'll open your eyes as to how dirty the bristles were. Lay the brushes on a paper towel to dry overnight. In the morning, the bristles will feel way softer and your face will thank you. Try to do this once a month.

Related: 6 Things You're Cleaning Wrong

2. Clean sponges with warm water.
Saturate sponges and foundation brushes with warm water and squeeze out as much color as you can. Then massage the sponge with a mild cleaner until no more color runs off. Thoroughly rinse and let dry overnight. If you can, make this a weekly chore.

3. If you're pressed for time, try a spray cleaner.
You can just spray it on your makeup brushes and wipe off with a paper towel. Try Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Pro Brush Cleaner ($20) or Sephora's Daily Brush Cleaner ($7).

Related: Out of An Essential Beauty Product? No Problem!

4. Chuck the old stuff.
You should replace mascara every two months. Not only does this limit the chances of infection, it makes sure the formula's doing what it's supposed to -- enhancing your lashes. Liquid foundation has a shelf life of six months to a year, while powder makeup can last for years. Keep in mind that all-natural products may not have much lasting power, especially in warm, humid climates, because they lack preservatives. If a product's been occupying real estate in your makeup case but hasn't touched your face in months, toss it. Ditto for dried-out pencils.

5. Clean the inside of your makeup bag.
It's a germ breeder! Regularly clean it with a paper towel spritzed with an all-purpose cleaner, letting it dry before you refill it.

Related: Find the Right Makeup for Your Eye Shape

6. Always store your brushes upright.
This prevents them from getting gunked up from other cosmetics -- not to mention it looks more professional. Try keeping your brushes in a Mason jar. They'll look cute and it'll be easy to see which one you want to grab.

- By Mary Clarke

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