Now Reading
Uh Hello. You Are Using Your Beauty Blender Wrong.

Uh Hello. You Are Using Your Beauty Blender Wrong.

Beauty Blender

Somewhere between the introduction of the first iPhone and the last Harry Potter book being published, the world of makeup was turned on its side with the invention of the Beauty Blender. This vibrant, egg-shaped sponge carried a hefty $20 price tag, but was soon a household name when virtually every makeup artist on the planet vouched for it as a “must-have”. While you may be using yours on a daily basis or digging it out from the depths of your makeup drawer for special occasions, I’m here to share some of the most common mistakes that people are making when using their Beauty Blender – yes, I mean you. 

Related: The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done For Beauty

beauty blender video

Biggest Beauty Blender Mistakes That You Are Making

WETTING IT PROPERLY

I know what you’re thinking. The sink is SO far and you just sat down to do your makeup. Amen sister. Even if you do manage to make it to the faucet, you run the sponge under the water for a second give it a quick pulse, and are on your merry way. BUT for proper use, the beauty blender should actually double in size when wet. That means you should run it underwater for about 10 seconds, squeezing it as you go so that it gets saturated with water (hence the size). 

Related: I Tested 5 Mascaras & The Best One Wasn’t The Most Expensive

 

WASHING IT ENOUGH

Beauty Blender

Experts recommend that you should wash your beauty blender after every use. (Excuse me, going to hide in the bushes) but since that’s usually not reasonable, try to at least wash it every week. There are a few tried and true suggestions like using castile soap (such as Dr. Bronner’s and even the BeautyBlender brand one) is your best bet. They do serious cleaning but rinses out easily so you won’t have to squeeze 1000 times to get the soap residue out. Hell, even dish soap is better than regular face wash. I can confirm that I have used this one and it worked just fine!

SWIPING INSTEAD OF BOUNCING

Getting Ready Big Bang GIF

One of the biggest errors makeup artists see is that users want to smear the product on their faces. The correct motion is to stipple or ‘bounce’ the beauty blender on your face. You literally want to use the circular nature of the sponge to your advantage and bounce the product into your skin. No wiping and no sweeping. Pro Tip: Use the bottom side of the blender for your face and the pointed tip closer to your eyes and around your nose. 

Related: Beginner’s Guide To Skincare – Start Here

 

See Also

REPLACING IT OFTEN

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but makeup sponges should be replaced every 3 months. Yikes! The Beauty Blender is a breeding ground for bacteria and while you should be cleaning them often, they have an expiration date. If you happen to you stretch the 3-month timeline, do right by your skin and swap that old one for a fresh one at least a few times a year. 


Ultimately, like all makeup brushes, sponges need to be taken care of. They are literally the vehicle that is delivering product onto your face. The last thing that you want is it to be covered in dirt, bacteria, and grime. Take care of that beauty blender – your skin will thank you!

How to Start a Skincare Routine for Beginners