Of course we all think to clean our bathroom sink and scrub down the shower, but it seems makeup products and tools get thrown to the back of the mind when it comes to cleaning. In reality, these products and tools can collect just as much bacteria and germs! These makeup items are ones you should be cleaning weekly to make sure you're not spreading any unwanted germs.
Eyelash Curler
Your eyelash curlers are bound to hold pounds and pounds, okay, slight exaggeration, of mascara and bacteria. To fully clean your eyelash curler, take a lighter to it. This may sound weird, but the fire fully rids your eyelash curler from any bacteria and excess mascara. Once it has been burned off, wipe with a tissue to make sure you have cleaned it completely.
Your Makeup Bag
Your makeup bag collects all kinds of oils and dirt from your various makeup products. Not only do you need to take care of your beauty products and tools but make sure to clean out your bag too! To clean the inside, flip the bag inside out and use makeup removing wipes to wipe it down.
Hair Straightener
Hair straighteners are prone to a lot of build up. From hairspray to dust and everything in between, straighteners go through a lot. To clean the straightener, use a damp cloth or a baby wipe to wipe the blades clean. Make sure the straightener is off and completely cool before wiping it. Never put your straightener under water!
Tweezers
Every time you pull an unwanted hair out, your tweezers pick up bacteria. The last thing you want is bacteria getting into a hair follicle and causing a breakout. Clean your tweezers after each use by simply wiping them down with an antibacterial wipe.
Razors
If you don't clean your razors, hair and products can build up inside the blades making it harder to shave. After each use, run the razor under high pressure tap water for about 10 seconds. Make sure you dry the razor completely to prevent rust.
Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes are one of the tools that should be cleaned once a week. If your skin is prone to breakouts you can even clean them more often. Once a makeup brush hits your face, it picks up oils and bacteria. Fill a small bowl with baby shampoo and warm water. Swirl the brushes around in the water, then swirl gently against the palm of your hand. Rinse with warm water and let dry.
Powdered Cosmetics
Yes, your powdered cosmetics can get dirty too! But don't worry, it's simple to disinfect them. Pour a teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol into a spray bottle and fill with water. Then spritz any powdered cosmetics with it and let dry.
Fake Lashes
Fake eyelashes are bound to get glue and mascara build up. Since they're delicate you can't just run them under water. Use isopropyl alcohol and a disposable mascara wand to clean the glue off. Dip the wand in the isopropyl alcohol and gently rub it along the lashes to clean them.
Lipstick
Believe it or not your lipstick can also collect germs over time and you definitely don't want to apply germs to your lips every morning. To clean your lipstick, put it in the freezer overnight. Take it out in the morning and let it return to room temperature before applying. The cold temperature will kill germs and bacteria.
Metal Nail Tools
Since your hands go literally anywhere and everywhere you do, you can only imagine the bacteria and germs that lie under your nails. Make sure to clean your nail scissors, metal files, cuticle nippers and nail clippers to avoid infection! Use a Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol and rub them down completely.
Pencil Sharpener
From lip liners to eye liners, your pencil sharpener comes into contact with a variety of products. The last thing you want is bacteria from one product going onto your face and vice versa. To clean your pencil sharpener, you first need to empty it out completely. Then dip a Q-tip in isopropyl alcohol and wipe down the sharpener making sure to get into the crevices. Finally, finish it off with a makeup removing wipe.
Sponges
Sponges are great for applying an even layer of foundation, but with that task comes the collection of many germs and bacteria. From leftover makeup to dead skin, your sponges are a breeding ground for germs. You should clean them once a week to make sure your face stays clean. Massage gentle liquid soap into the sponge and then rinse clean.
Hair Brush
If you're anything like us, your hair seems to come out in unbelievable amounts when you brush it. Your hair brush needs room to breathe too, so make sure to rid your brush of all the hair build up. Loosen the hair in the brush with a pen and then take scissors to cut through and release the hair.
Hair Dryer
Your hair dryer can definitely get a lot of build up over time. Whether it's dust or hair products, make sure to clean out your hair dryer too! To clean your hair dryer, pop off the grill on the dryer and use an old toothbrush to clean the crevices.
Loofah
Like sponges, loofahs can collect a lot of different things, from dead skin to soap build up. You probably want to make sure to clean your loofah at least once a week. They're easy to clean! All you have to do is throw them in the washing machine with regular detergent. But, make sure you don't throw them in the dryer because they will melt!
Curling Iron
Like your straightener, your curling iron can also get product build up. From hairspray to smoothing serum, it all collects on your curling iron. To clean it, take an old piece of steel wool and rub it along the iron. It'll be like brand new!
Know Your Expiration Dates
Cleaning something can only make it last so long. Eventually, you will have to throw out your products and tools. Mascara and loofahs should be replaced every two to three months. Eye pencils and powder foundations should be thrown out every two years.