I’ll admit it: I love hoarding makeup tools. Be it makeup brushes, sponges or any face cleansing tools, I just can’t seem to have enough of them. But when it comes to discarding them, I don’t have the heart to part with my beloved beauty tools. Can you relate?
If yes, I’ve got some sad news for you girl. Just like our beauty products, our makeup tools, too, come with a shelf life (sucks, right?). Old beauty tools harbour germs and bacteria and lose their efficiency over time. Bummer, ain’t it?
While it can be difficult to part with our beloved (read: expensive) tools, it’s also very necessary. Wondering how to figure out when it’s time to toss them out? Let me help you. Here’s a compiled list of the timeline to help you figure out when it’s time to let go of some very commonly used beauty tools…
Makeup brushes
If you have been ignoring our instructions to wash your makeup brushes at least once a week, then you’d probably need to throw them out a lot quicker. But if you take proper care of your brushes, wash them regularly under running water with a brush/baby shampoo, your brushes will last you for years. If your makeup brushes start to shed and leave bristles behind on your skin, then it is time to toss them.
Makeup sponge
Just like your brushes, makeup sponges also need to be washed every week using water and a gentle cleanser. This will restrict the spread of acne causing bacteria. Following this routine regularly and depending on how often you actually use the sponge, you will need to replace it every three to six months.
Eyelash curlers
If you have started to nervously think about the last time you threw away an eyelash curler and replaced it with a new one, we suggest you place an order for a new one right away. Although it may look like your eyelash curler is built for long-term use, it actually isn’t. The rubber pad could lose its shape, trapping your lashes and causing breakage. Hence, it is best to replace your eyelash curler at least once every year.
Tweezers
While tweezers don’t really come with an expiration date, they do get blunt and inefficient over time with use. This lowers their ability to cling to hair, and this is when you should be replacing them.
Hairbrush
No, girls, you cannot use your hairbrush until the end of time; they need to be replaced too (and a lot more frequently than you think). It is best to clean all your hairbrushes once every couple of weeks in a bowl of lukewarm water and baby shampoo. If you do this, then your hairbrush should last for at least 6-8 months without any problem.
A word of caution: please do not share your makeup brushes with anyone, and if you do, always wash them before using them.
Written by Urvi Dalal on Apr 16, 2020
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!