Makeup applicators are the wingmen of the beauty industry – they help you achieve that beautiful smoky eye or chiselled cheekbones, but don’t get any credit for it! Whilst most of us are quite particular about our lipsticks and mascaras, we often neglect our sponges and brushes. The result? A build up of bacteria, oil and makeup, that will cause your skin to break out. To save you from the horror of acne, we’ve listed out some easy ways to sanitize your tools.

Makeup Brushes

Apart from general hygiene, clean makeup brushes actually work better as they can pick up a greater amount of product.

After each use, mist on an anti-bacterial formula, like Sephora’s Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner, and wipe your brush on a tissue or a soft cloth. Repeat this step until you can see no more makeup.

In addition to the above, give your brushes a thorough cleansing once a month. Wet your brushes with lukewarm (not hot!) water and use a small amount of baby shampoo to lather them up. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear.

Remember to dry your brushes on a stand that angles downwards to prevent the water from trickling down and loosening the glue that holds the bristles together. Avoid laying your brushes flat on a towel, as they will get bent out of shape.

Sponges

Whether you use your trusted beautyblender or an array of sponges, washing them after every use is an absolute must!

First, soak your sponge of choice into tepid water. Then, rub it on to a bar of soap, like the blendercleanser solid or any other gentle formula, to build lather. Gently squeeze the sponge to remove the residue and rinse again. Repeat until your sponge is clean.

To dry your sponges leave them in a well-ventilated area overnight. To avoid fungal growth (gross, we know!), ensure that your sponges are completely dry before stashing them back in your makeup bag.

Although this task may seem like a chore, it’s a small price to pay to prevent nasty infections and zits. Use this article as a reminder and wash away!