Q&A for How to Clean Makeup Sponges

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Question

Do you have to wet a beauty blender?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You will get the most even coverage and smoothest application if you dampen the beauty blender before you use it.

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Question

Can you use dish soap to clean a beauty blender?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You can, but I would recommend something milder if you have it, like a sulfate-free shampoo.

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Question

Can you clean a beauty blender?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, you just need to use a mild cleanser or baby shampoo. Rinse the blender in cool water, massage it with a little cleanser, and rinse it again, repeating until the water runs clear.

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Question

How often should I clean my makeup sponges?

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Tymia Yvette

Makeup & Lash Artist

Expert Answer

Post COVID-19, you should cleanse and sanitize your sponges, brushes, and all other cosmetic tools after every makeup application.

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Question

My new beauty blender feels too firm compared to my old one. What should I do?

Community Answer

You could soak your beauty blender in warm water to soften it or even soak it in water and then place it in the microwave for 10 seconds.

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Question

I can't get Revlon Colorstay foundation out of my sponge. I love this foundation, but it won't budge after cleaning with beauty blender cleanser, Bronners, dish soap or facial cleanser. What can I do?

Community Answer

Rub shower gel into it and leave it overnight. Then, in the morning, wash your sponge and it should be gone.

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Can I microwave a beauty blender to kill germs?

Community Answer

The beauty blender would probably melt. I would try washing it with a makeup cleaner, or simply buy a new one.

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Question

Can a beauty blender go in the dishwasher?

zee M

Community Answer

Never put any of your makeup brushes or sponges in the dishwasher. Use the tips in this article instead.

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Question

Should I oil the sponges after I wash them?

Ellie Homewood

Community Answer

No, you do not need to oil the sponges after you follow these steps.

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