Do Beauty Blenders Get Moldy? (Plus, How To Care For & Clean)
The humble beauty blender has revolutionized the makeup industry, with almost every makeup lover having one of these in their kits. But, if you’ve noticed little black spots pop up on your beauty blender, you’re not alone. So the question is, do beauty blenders get moldy? And how do we stop these dreadful spots from ruining our favorite tool? Let’s discuss.
What Is A Beauty Blender?
A beauty blender is a multi-use, versatile makeup sponge that can be used for nearly all steps of your makeup routine. It can apply foundation, contour, concealer, setting powder and the list goes on.
Using a BB to apply your glam couldn’t be easier. You run the sponge under water until it doubles in size. Then, you squeeze out the excess water, so you’re left with a damp sponge. The reason we want the sponge to be damp, is so it doesn’t absorb our foundation or concealer.
To apply your cosmetics, all you do is gently bounce the sponge onto the areas you’d like coverage. Bouncing ensures you’re left with a flawless, streak-free finish.
Do Beauty Blenders Get Moldy?
As we mentioned, you’ll want to use a damp sponge to apply your makeup. And while a slightly wet BB ensures perfect coverage, it’s also a breeding ground for mold and bacteria if not cared for correctly.
What happens when you remove light and oxygen from a moistened beauty blender? It invites bacteria and mold to form. No, thank you!
So, to answer the question, do beauty blenders get moldy? Yes, they can, and they do. That means stuffing your wet sponge into your dark, zipped-up makeup bag is a no-go.
How To Stop Your Beauty Blender From Going Moldy
Here are the essential steps to protecting your cherished makeup sponge against mold.
Wash Your Beauty Blender After Every Use
The first step to stopping your beauty blender from going moldy is to properly clean it after each use. I know it sounds like a lot of cleaning, especially if you’re using it twice a day. But by ensuring you clean your sponge, you’ll not only prevent mold from growing, but you’ll also prevent breakouts!
We recommend using the beauty blender cleanser by Beautyblender to clean your sponge. The formula is cruelty-free and vegan and protects against 99.7% of harmful germs.
How To Wash Your Beauty Blender:
- Rinse your beauty blender under warm water till it’s completely wet.
- Grab your soap or beauty blender cleanser and work it in by gently massaging it with your fingers.
- If you still notice some stubborn stains that aren’t coming off, give your BB a soak. Grab a bowl of hot water and add a dollop of your BB cleanser.
- Put your beauty blender in the bowl and let it soak for 5 minutes. The soak helps loosen and remove the stains.
- Then, give it a good rinse underwater and gently squeeze out any excess water.
- Allow it to dry in your BB holder or on a clean, dry towel.
Store Your Beauty Blender Correctly
After you’ve given your beauty blender a good clean, the next step to prevent mold is to store it correctly. Remember, dark places without oxygen, I.E., your makeup bag will cause mold to form. So make sure you leave it out to dry before you put it in your cosmetics bag. Or even better, store it in an (adorable!) beauty blender holder.
Replace Your Beauty Blender Regularly
How long has it been since the last time you replaced your beauty blender? If it’s been a few months or more, the time has come to trade in that old BB for a shiny new one. It’s recommended that you replace your beauty blender every 3-6 months, depending on how often you’re using it.
Is your sponge ripping, peeling, losing its color, or not holding its shape? If so, take that as a sign that you need to buy a new one ASAP. Or, if you start noticing bad breakups popping up out of nowhere, your old beauty blender may be to blame. Solution? Replace regularly!
Our Top BB Pick: The OG Beauty Blender by Beautyblender.
Runner-Up: The Fan Fave Real Techniques Beauty Blender
What Do You Do If You Notice Mold On Your Beauty Blender?
You go to apply your makeup only to realize there are little black spots all over your beauty blender. Yikes! Do You throw it away or attempt to salvage it?
I know it’s hard having to part ways with your beauty blender. BUT if it’s moldy, it’s best not to put it anywhere near your face.
Your skin is extremely absorbent and if mold has formed on your beauty blender, so has bacteria. Yes, it’s annoying, but think of the potential breakouts you’re avoiding.
What Can You Use Instead?
So, you’re in the middle of your glam and are currently down a beauty blender. What can you use instead?
It might be time to break out the classic makeup brush to apply your glam. But if you don’t have a brush in your kit, don’t freak out. You’ve already got a fantastic tool at the ready that some makeup artists swear by – your fingers!
Similar to a beauty blender, you’ll want to tap the product on to ensure a smooth finish. It may be a little messier than your BB, especially if you’re using liquid products. But once you get your technique down, you might be surprised at the flawless finish your fingers provide.
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