Tips for Cleaning your Beauty Tools

Whether you are a beauty enthusiast or are hoping to start a career in the beauty industry, it’s important to be meticulous about keeping your beauty tools clean and pristine. Routinely cleaning your beauty tools will not only extend their lifespan but will also prevent the growth and spread of bacteria. Read on for the top tips to clean and maintain your tools.

Makeup Sponges

Makeup sponges or beauty blenders are very popular now for applying liquid and cream foundations and other makeup because they blend so nicely. Whether you use them wet, damp, or dry, you should wash them after each use with warm water and mild soap. Squeeze the sponge under running water until the water runs clear and there are no more suds, remove extra moisture by squeezing it in a clean towel, and then let air dry.

Makeup Brushes

While there is no exact rule as to how often you clean your makeup brushes, you should probably shoot for once every week or two. Brush hairs are porous and can hold on to dirt and bacteria. To wash your brushes, dip the bristles in lukewarm water, place a drop of mild cleanser on your palm, and massage the bristles into the cleanser. Then rinse thoroughly, squeeze out extra moisture, reshape the bristles and allow to air dry with the bristles hanging off the edge of the countertop.

Manicure Tools

Manicure tools such as nail clippers, files, cuticle nippers and nail scissors come in direct contact with skin tissue (sometimes occasionally breaking the skin – ouch!), so it’s very important to keep these clean and disinfected. Wash these tools with an antibacterial soap and warm water after each use; or for a deeper clean, scrub with a clean toothbrush and wipe down with rubbing alcohol. Let these tools air dry fully before putting them back in a drawer.

Hot Hair Tools

If you use styling products or heat protectants on your hair prior to using a flat iron or curling iron, those products can gradually build up on those tools, reducing their effectiveness. Make sure your hot tool is off, unplugged, and cool, and then wipe down the surfaces with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. Once the gunk is removed, wipe down with water and then dry with a soft towel.

Tweezers

Tweezers, which are usually used for removing hair (taming those brows for example), should also be cleaned after each use, ideally with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. Since tweezers are typically used on the face, they should be kept sanitized so they don’t cause breakouts.

If you’re interested in exploring a career in the beauty industry, check out Daytona College. Our Cosmetology program or our Full Specialist with Spa Services program will provide you with real-life experience and skills you need for the career of your dreams. Contact us to learn more or give us a call at (386) 267-0565 today!