Cleaning Blenders & Sponges: The Options
Cleaning your beauty blenders and sponges regularly is crucial for hygiene and makeup application. We’d always recommend cleaning after every use, however at least once a week is non-negotiable – otherwise all sorts of nasties can start growing in your sponges, causing breakouts.
We’ve compared the different methods and Pros and Cons of each
Solid Cleanser Bar (Recommended)
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Step 1 |
Step 2 |
Step 3 |
Step 4 |
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Wet the Sponge Fully saturate your beauty sponge with lukewarm water. Squeeze out excess water so the sponge is damp but not dripping.
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Activate the Cleanser Gently rub the damp sponge directly onto the surface of the solid cleanser bar - you will see a rich, creamy lather forming. |
Cleanse and Massage Using your thumb and fingers, gently massage and knead the lather deep into the sponge to release the makeup residue. Remember: Do not twist or pull the sponge too hard, as this can tear the material. |
Rinse and Dry Hold the sponge under running lukewarm water and continue to squeeze until the water runs completely clear. Squeeze out all remaining water and leave the sponge in a clean, open, and well-ventilated area to air dry completely. |
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Pros |
Cons |
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Maximum Effectiveness: Lathers instantly for a deep clean; superior at lifting heavy foundation/concealer. Travel-Friendly: Zero mess, compact, and non-liquid. Gentle: Often formulated with conditioning ingredients that are good for tools and skin. |
Cost: A specially formulated Cleanser Bar is a little more costly than household products
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Liquid Cleansing Soap
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Step 1 |
Step 2 |
Step 3 |
Step 4 |
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Wet the Sponge Fully saturate your beauty sponge with lukewarm water. Squeeze out excess water so the sponge is damp but not dripping.
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Activate the Cleanser Pour a small amount of cleanser into the palm of your hand and work the damp sponge into the liquid to create a lather. |
Cleanse and Massage Using your thumb and fingers, gently massage and knead the lather deep into the sponge to release the makeup residue. Remember: Do not twist or pull the sponge too hard, as this can tear the material. |
Rinse and Dry Hold the sponge under running lukewarm water and continue to squeeze until the water runs completely clear. Squeeze out all remaining water and leave the sponge in a clean, open, and well-ventilated area to air dry completely. |
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Pros |
Cons |
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Convenient: Easy to dispense precise amounts. Readily Available: Can often substitute a bespoke liquid brush cleanser with gentle baby shampoo or dish soap* *Low Cost: Uses a product typically already found in the home.
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High Waste/Cost: Requires much more product to achieve the same clean as a solid bar. Messy: Liquids can drip and create more sink residue. Not Travel-Friendly: Risk of leakage in luggage. If using household cleaners: Harsh Tools: Can strip the sponge material, reducing its lifespan. Not Skin-Safe: Residue can irritate the skin.
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