How to clean your beauty tools

MAKEUP SPONGES

1/12

Clean: Weekly  

“Like how you’d soak your kitchen sink sponge with detergent and tap water, do the same with your makeup sponge but use inexpensive facial wash instead. Rub it into the sponge to get the makeup out, and rinse with tap water until the sponge is clean,” says makeup artist Larry Yeo.

 

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MAKEUP BRUSHES

2/12

Natural Makeup Brushes

Clean: Weekly  

“Pour brush cleanser onto a sheet of thick tissue, and swipe it to and fro until you no longer see any residue on the tissue,” says makeup artist Ginger Lynette Leong. 

Synthetic Makeup Brushes

Clean: Weekly  

“If you tend to use it for heavier makeup products such as concealer and lipstick, your brush will need a more thorough cleanse,” says Ginger. Mix one part brush cleanser to two parts water and stir your brush in the solution until it comes out clean. Rinse well. 

 

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EYELASH CURLERS

3/12

Clean: Weekly  

“Wipe the eyelash curler with alcohol swabs to disinfect it and melt any mascara residue,” says makeup artist Ernest Lim. “If you’re allergic to alcohol, use makeup removal wipes instead.”

 

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APPLICATORS AND SPATULAS

4/12

Clean: Daily

That mini spatula you dip into your jar of skincare every day? It needs to be cleaned too. “Disinfect these with a 70 per cent alcohol spray, available at Guardian. Then wipe with a dry tissue,” says makeup artist Larry Yeo.

 

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FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH HEADS

5/12

Clean: Weekly  

“Apply your facial wash on an older brush head or toothbrush, and use it to scrub the inner parts of the brush head. Rinse and leave it face up to dry,” says makeup artist Larry Yeo.

 

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TWEEZERS

6/12

Clean: Weekly

"Disinfect these with a 70 per cent alcohol spray, and wipe dry with tissue,” says makeup artist Larry Yeo.

 

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SYNTHETIC BATH SPONGES

7/12

Clean: Daily

“Clean with soap, and hang it out to dry in the sun after each use. Don’t hang it in a dark and humid area as it may breed bacteria or get mouldy. Replace it every two to three months,” says Zunaida Parvin, training manager at The Body Shop Singapore.

 

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RAZORS

8/12

Clean: Weekly  

“Spray with a 70 per cent alcohol solution and pat dry,” says makeup artist Larry Yeo. 

 

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NAIL CLIPPERS, GLASS FILES AND CUTICLE NIPPERS

9/12

Clean: After each use

“Wipe off any debris, fill a bowl with warm or hot water and add a few drops of antibacterial soap. Soak for at least 10 minutes,” says Ashley Choy, manager of M’pir The Nail Bar. “Then, use a clean cloth to dry the tools and place them in dry, airtight containers to keep them germ-free.” 

 

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HAIRBRUSH

10/12

Clean: Weekly  

“Use a tail comb to remove any hair stuck to the brush and soak overnight in hot water (around 80 deg C). Rinse with tap water the next day and leave to dry,” says Michael Chiew, leading stylist at Hairloom.  

 

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CURLING AND STRAIGHTENING IRONS

11/12

Clean: Fortnightly

“Simply crank your hair iron up to the highest temperature and wipe with a dry towel,” says Michael Chiew, leading stylist at Hairloom.  

 

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HAIRDRYER

12/12

Clean: Weekly and fortnightly

“Clean the filter at the back of the hairdryer twice a month,” says Sam Chok, salon director of Chez Vous. The filter prevents any debris from coming into contact with the motor. To clean it, twist off the nozzle to access the filter and use a toothbrush or any small brush to remove debris.

“Also, after every use, wipe the outside of the hairdryer to remove the film of product residue that settles on the appliance when you style your hair,” Sam adds. 

 

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