3.18.2015

6 Beauty Tools You SHOULD Be Cleaning





It doesn't matter whether you have a couple of beauty products or are slightly obsessed with them: (that'd be me--hi, I'm Elle!) you have beauty tools you need to clean. I'm sharing some reminders for those beauty tools you SHOULD be cleaning. It's all painless, I swear!






Hair Brushes and Combs
WHY: Brushes trap oils, dirt, hair, products, germs and more
WHEN: Weekly is ideal but absolutely monthly
HOW: Simply remove the hair or cut it and pull if there is a lot of it. Generally, if you're removing hair weekly, you shouldn't have that problem. I also like using this tool to get hair out. I then add a tablespoon of shampoo to hot water (I use a clean sink) and leave my brush or comb in it for 30 minutes. Wash and let air dry. Don't forget to do this for all types of hair brushes.






Clarisonic Brush Heads (and similar brands)
WHY: Water, cleanser, oils, germs, skin, etc, gets trapped under the brush head. Don't believe me? Pop off the brush head and take a look. Gross!
WHEN: Brush heads should be replaced every 3 months, and should be cleaned monthly.
HOW: The head twists off, allowing you to clean the brush head on both sides as well as your Clarisonic device. I use a soft cloth and Qtips (if needed) to get in those crevices. If you use a facial brush that isn't battery/electric powered, clean it as you would a hairbrush.


Heat Styling Irons (curling irons/wands/flat irons, etc.)
WHY: Styling products can cause buildup which can lead to your hair getting stuck to the tool. It won't work as well. You've all seen that video of the girl burning her hair off? Nightmares.
WHEN: 1-3 months, depending on usage
HOW: Unplug first--some cleaners work best with a hot tool and others have the tool cooled. I shared how to clean your flat iron in this post, but there are some products you can purchase like this spray and these pads. Follow directions on product. I find if you clean it regularly, you won't have stubborn buildup and


brushes sponges



Cosmetic Sponges, Face and Eye Brushes
WHY: I couldn't do this post without mentioning these, of course! It amazes how many don't clean their tools! Ever! Not cleaning your brushes can lead the spread of bacteria. I discuss it more (I even did a bacteria test complete with petri dish test) below:


WHEN: Every week. I admit, I have enough brushes to rotate through, so I clean them all every 2 weeks-monthly. Depends on makeup usage, sickness, etc. It does take time, but it is worth it, plus I linked to some quick cleansers to help for those occasions.
HOW: Inexpensive cosmetic sponges can be discarded after a couple of uses, but those like the BeautyBlender are meant to be cleaned and resused.There are several techniques for each, which I've linked to below:



Eyelash Curler
WHY: Product from primers, foundations, eyeliners, mascara, and shadows, can build up on your curler. This can cause it to not work as effectively, could cause product to transfer to lids (making a mess of your shadow or liner) and could possibly hurt lashes.
WHEN: Before or after every use. Make sure the curler is clean before you use it for best results. This is another tool I am shocked that people never clean.
HOW: Use a soft cloth to wipe away any buildup. Takes seconds!



Hair Dryer (and attachments)
WHY: Hair and dust can get trapped in the air intake vent (usually at the back of dryers or there is one on each of the sides of older models). It could cause the dryer to not work as well--I've even seen older ones burn up. You clean your clothes dryer lint trap, right? The same basic principle works here.
WHEN: Every 3-6 months, depending on usage. I check the vents at the front and the back, as well as my diffuser (if you have curly hair you'll use this) and concentrator attachment (this handy tool comes standard with all dryers and is essential for a blowout).
HOW: Make sure it's unplugged. Many have removable lint traps that make cleaning easy. I use a lint-free cloth to wipe them free or I use Qtips to get into any spots. The attachments can be cleaned with a clean cloth if needed. I find my diffuser gets more buildup on it than my concentrator--just do a quick check!

You've officially been reminded! Now go clean those beauty tools!

Extra Elle:
  • I started watching The Jinx last night and made it through 2 episodes. What a crazy story--don't want to give anything away in case you've not seen this doc-series on HBO.
  • Did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? My nails were green, of course, but that's about all I did this year. Next time!


62 comments:

  1. Ive never cleaned my hairdryer before :| I probably should do that! And I cleaned my Clarisonic head for the first time last month and wow are you right. Ew. Definitely needs to be cleaned on a regular basis! Thanks for the tips!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  2. I'm guilty on a few of these! I have never cleaned my flat iron, hair dryer or my clarisonic! Thank you for sharing this!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  3. These tools are real musts! Thanks for sharing

    XX

    http://www.floortjeloves.com
    http://www.facebook.com/floortjeloves

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  4. This is such a good reminder. I'm pretty good at cleaning my makeup brushes and beauty blender, but am admittedly bad at the hair dryer. I think I've killed a few for that reason.

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  5. This is such a good reminder!! I clean the hair out of my brushes but I don't soak them. My curling iron, forget about it! Oh boy I have some cleaning to do!! I wore green and a funny pin, and Seamus got all dolled up! ;)

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  6. I have yet to clean my eyelash curler...yikes!! Need to get on that! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  7. I'm so bad with this! I need to get better with my brushes and shampooing my hair brush!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  8. I clean my brush every few weeks and my make up brushes twice a month. I need to clean my curling iron and hair dryer though. Thanks for the tips!

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  9. This is a valuable reminder -- too many gals neglect this. Spreading bacteria is a way to get sick. You're performing a public service here, buddy.

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  10. It's true, so needed! I confess most of the time I use my fingers to apply makeup, and I don't use sponges and lashes curlers and the device like you showed (I saw the Clinique one, once, and was interested, but didn't buy), but hair brushes I always clean and you are right, the facial brushes must be cleaned. And the hair dryer too! So that's why mine is not working so well - you are so right! I will take a look!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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  11. Confession. I am the worst ever at cleaning this stuff. Adding "clean beauty stuff" to my todo list today!

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  12. Oh gosh I'm horrible about remembering to clean things like this. I really need to clean my makeup brushes the most! And my flat iron but I never knew how! Going to check out that post!

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  13. wow. i am so guilty about cleaning none of these, especially my hair tools!! thanks for sharing Elle, I had no idea. cleaning my curling irons and blow dryer tonight!

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  14. I am terrible with my makeup brushes but am cleaning them once every two weeks. This is a really great list, Elle and I never knew about the curling iron!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  15. It's always good to be reminded. I certainly try to clean things on a regular basis but I find I somethings forget my flat iron. Thanks

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  16. What a gross, but totally necessary post. I cant tell you how many times I slack cleaning my hair tools. So nasty and hard to admit, but perhaps my Saturday morning will be devoted to that. (;

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  17. Thank you so much for this reminder! I will have to make sure I have everything cleaned up.

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  18. I can honestly say I have never cleaned my eyelash curler or flat iron...great to know! Thanks!

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  19. Great advice! I really need to get better about cleaning all of my various beauty tools. I've never even thought about cleaning my hair dryer!

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  20. I clean my make up brushes religiously, and I yank the hair out of my hair brushes maybe every few weeks but I do not soak them. I also have never cleaned my straightener. oops! And my hairdryer gets cleaned maybe once every few months when I notice it is bad. I need to get better!!!

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  21. I think the only things I clean on the regular are my makeup brushes and hair brushes. Never thought to clean my blow dryer even though I don't use it that often.

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  22. I have never used one of those makeup sponges. I have heard great things about them. I am a stickler for washing my brushes but not my hair dryer! Thanks for the reminder! Susan

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  23. I don't ever clean my hair styling tools and I know I SHOULD! Thanks for this reminder!

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  24. I'm hanging my head... I'm the WORLDS WORST!!!!
    But thanks for the push to get my butt in gear!

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  25. These all look great! I'm going to need to check them out!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

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  26. Don't get mad, but I always replace before I clean them soo not cool, I know!

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  27. I never clean my hair dyer or hair products in general.

    Gross I know.

    I'll do that asap I promise :)

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  28. This is a great reminder Elle! I'm pretty good about cleaning my makeup brushes, but I forget about my hair styling tools!! And I didn't do anything for St. Patrick's day either...oh well.

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  29. This is awesome. I started cleaning my hairdryer once I broke my last one...ooops!

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  30. I needed this, I need to clean my brushes more often! Love the post!

    Xoxo,

    Whitney & Blaire

    Peaches In A Pod

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  31. wait- I had no idea I was supposed to be washing my blow drier!! great post!

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  32. I am horrible at cleaning my brushes -- I seriously need to get better! It always amazes me how disgusting a Clarisonic can get -- ever time I clean it I get super grossed out haha!
    www.amemroyofus.com

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  33. I've gotttttt to be better about my makeup brushes. I just need to do if after applying the a.m. so they have 24 hours to dry hah. Great tips!

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  34. Oooh good tips! I never clean my hair brushes but now I am going to start!!

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  35. I clean my hair brush out about once a week. I think brushes are just easy to forget about a cleaning.

    Jessica @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

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  36. Thanks for all the tips! I remember the first time I cleaned my hair dryer-yuck! I was shocked at how much lint had built up!

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  37. Yikes I only clean my brush out...and by clean I mean just pull the hair out. I feel so dirty now lol!

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  38. great tips I always clean these items. Hope all is well with you babe!

    xo
    PinkSole

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  39. LOLZ....thanks for the reminder, Elle:) Not gonna lie...I'm super lazy when it comes to cleaning my personal beauty tools.

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  40. Blergh...I need to start cleaning my brush/comb. The soaking in shampoo idea is great for really making them feel new!

    xx

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  41. This is a good reminder... blah! So many chores in my life. ha, I never really thought about my curling iron.

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  42. Now on my to-do list: wash my brushes in the sink this weekend, check my hair dryer for a lint trap to clean, and clean out the inside of my Clarisonic! :)

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  43. I just bought a curling wand for my daughter (cheer hair necessity because curlers and curling irons are a PITA) and with the amount of hairspray needed, I need to be vigilant about cleaning it. I'm pretty good with my brushes but there's definitely room for improvement.

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  44. Yikes! I don't think I've ever cleaned anything but my brushes and those don't get cleaned nearly enough! Thanks for the reminder!

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  45. Fantastic reminder! I just cleaned my hairdryer vent and brush the other day. My husband and I seem shed alot of hair O_o

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  46. good point! I try to clean my makeup brushes more often

    http://natalyepronio.com

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  47. I had no idea about cleaning your blow dryer!!!

    p.s. haven't seen jinx, but i just may have to watch it since i've seen everyone and their brother talking about it lol

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  48. You're so right on all these, and it's embarrassing that we don't clean any of them, especially our hair brushes. We might have to get that tool! Thanks for the beauty reminder :)

    xx 365Hangers

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  49. A sage and timely reminder! I did get my comb cleaned out last weekend. :) T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  50. Perfect post, dear. ^^
    New post is online...

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  51. I've just started spring cleaning, so this is a great reminder to clean my beauty tools, too :)

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  52. Love the post and thank you so much for your support!! I deeply appreciate it ;)
    My Lyfe ; My Story
    @MyLyfeMyStory
    @MyLyfeMyStoryBlog

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  53. I am so bad at cleaning my brushes and I honestly don't think Ive ever cleaned my dryer or eyelash curler. So many fails haha.

    I need to check The Jinx out!

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  54. Posts like this make me feel that everything that I own is so so so gross.

    7% Solution

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  55. I'm pretty OCD when it comes to keeping things clean and disinfected. Basically every time I use my makeup brushes, especially eye brushes and foundation brushes, I wash them (this isn't too hard for me because I'll really only wear a full face of makeup once a week, on my day off. The rest of the days I'm a brows, lashes and lips only kind of girl). And as for my hair brush I remove the hair out of it after every single use. I only shampoo it once in a while though, but I really should do that once a week. Thanks for the tips!

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  56. i definitely clean all of the above...except the hair dryer. i'm guilty of letting the vent get clogged up...dryer not working as well...and almost catching on fire, lol!

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  57. Great post, very useful. I've never cleaned my hair dryer either! When I was using a Clarisonic, I started sanitizing it by filling a small wine glass with iso. alcohol once a week and placing the brush head in it face-down for about 10 minutes. I noticed an immediate reduction in break outs!

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  58. I agree with you that we have to clean our beauty tools. I always clean my all beauty tools once a week especially my hair combs and brushes. You know I also use soft cloth to clean my best hair dryer. It just take few seconds to clean it.

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