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How to Clean Your Makeup Tools the Right Way

When you think of your makeup collection, your makeup brushes and sponges might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they are the real backbone of your beauty routine. They’re the tools responsible for that seamless eyeshadow blend or the undetectable layer of foundation on your skin! 

Beauty tools have an important role to fulfill, but they can’t do it to the best of their ability if they’re clogged with makeup.

By washing your makeup brushes regularly, you guarantee that your makeup will always glide on like a dream. Beyond that, since your brushes come in such intimate contact with your face, keeping them clean prevents breakouts and even sickness. 

If you don’t know how to clean makeup brushes and tools, have no fear! We’ve put together this comprehensive guide with answers to all of your burning questions.

If you’ve found yourself wondering how often to clean makeup sponges or what soap to use to clean makeup brushes, we have the answers. We also cover a few important hygiene and disinfection details you may not have considered before.

Hygiene is at the forefront of our minds these days. There’s always a bottle of hand sanitizer hidden in our purse, and we never miss a chance to wash our hands. We should be every bit as vigilant with our makeup tools when it comes to cleaning!

Which makeup tools do you need to clean?

It’s important to clean any reusable tool that comes in contact with your skin! Brushes, sponges, tweezers, and even your counter space must be washed and disinfected regularly. 

It’s a little different for the tools that come built into your makeup product, like the mascara wand on our bestselling Cabaret Première mascara or the doe-foot applicator on our new Polynésie Française volumizing lip gloss. The makeup itself is already formulated with ingredients that kill pesky germs, so as long as you don’t use those products past the listed expiry date, they’ll stay safe and always ready to go. 

What to use to clean makeup tools

cleaning a makeup brush

There are a lot of different makeup brush cleaners you can use, and chances are they’re already sitting in your bathroom or kitchen cabinets! So what soap to use to clean makeup brushes? It depends on the brush!  

Gentle cleaners for animal hair brushes

If your makeup brushes are made from animal hair, the best thing to use is a gentle shampoo that will wash away germs without drying out the bristles.

You can even follow it up with conditioner to keep the bristles extra-soft. Another option is to clean the makeup brushes with soap – just make sure to select a gentle one that includes moisturizing oils or glycerin. 

Cleaning synthetic brushes

Synthetic, or vegan, brushes have become very popular in recent years, in part because they are soft yet durable and cruelty-free! You can clean synthetic makeup brushes with dish soap or hand soap and feel confident that they’ll hold up beautifully. 

What to use to clean makeup sponges

Maybe you’ve heard that you can clean makeup sponges in the microwave, but that’s a big no-no. The extreme heat might kill the bacteria, but it’ll also damage your sponge. Instead, it’s best to clean makeup sponges with soap, dishwashing detergent, or any foaming cleanser that’s free of alcohol. 

Disinfecting your makeup tools 

Sometimes you don’t have time to thoroughly wash your brushes, but you still want to clean them up quickly in a way that kills germs. That’s when alcohol comes to the rescue!

Just as it can sanitize your hands, rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle can also disinfect makeup brushes and metal beauty tools. 

We recommend choosing 70% isopropyl alcohol since it’s strong enough to disinfect effectively but not so strong that it’ll dry out delicate brush bristles. As a bonus, wiping your brushes down after spraying will eliminate makeup residue and allow you to change colors. 

How often to clean makeup brushes

Misting a makeup brush 

If you wear your makeup daily, cleaning your makeup brushes at home once a week is a must. If you don’t have time to deep clean them every week, that’s okay! You can sanitize them with alcohol every week and do a thorough clean with shampoo or soap once a month. 

How often to clean makeup sponges

Sponges hold even more liquid and bacteria than brushes, so you need to keep them extra clean. If you wear foundation every day, wash them at least 2-3 times a week. Thankfully, since they work best when damp, it’s easy to wash them with soap and water before every use! 

How to clean makeup brushes 

Washing a makeup brush with soap

Before you start washing your makeup brushes, make sure to set yourself up properly! Get situated near the sink, line up all of your brushes, and have a towel ready for drying nearby. 

Cleaning makeup brushes with soap or shampoo 

  1. Start by dampening your brush bristles, but be careful not to let the water slide down into the ferrule (the metal tube that connects the bristles to the handle). If any water gets trapped in there, the base of the brush can become a breeding ground for bacteria. 
  2. Next, squirt a small amount of your makeup brush cleaner of choice in the palm of your hand. 
  3. Swirl the brush in your palm until it suds up. 
  4. Then, massage the bristles with your fingers to thoroughly break down the makeup residue–it’s just like shampooing your hair!  
  5. Then, rinse your brush until it’s clear of makeup and soap residue. 
  6. Finally, squeeze the brush head with your fingers to remove excess water and reshape the bristles. 
  7. If your brush is still feeling a little too damp, press it gently with a clean towel, and set it down to dry–we have a few more tips on that below! 

How to disinfect makeup brushes and tools with alcohol

  1. Spray your brush head or a paper towel with enough alcohol to slightly dampen the brush. 
  2. Next, wipe the brush back and forth multiple times over the paper towel. Keep going until the brush stops depositing color. 
  3. Lay the brush flat to allow it to dry.  
  4. If you’re disinfecting a beauty tool, spray it thoroughly with alcohol but don’t wipe it down. Set it somewhere clean, and the alcohol will dry away quickly on its own. 

How to dry your makeup brushes 

Professional makeup brushes drying

When it comes to drying your makeup brushes, the most important thing to remember is that you don’t want any water finding its way to the base of the bristles. 

Instead of making gravity your enemy, use it to your advantage! After squeezing out as much water as you can and reshaping the brushes, lay them flat or angle them downwards to let all of the liquid run off of the bristles. They should look exactly like the photo above! 

You can make your own brush drying contraption, or take a tip from makeup artist Troy Surratt:

"lay down a towel on a flat surface and roll it on one side. Then, lay the brushes down so that the handle is slightly lifted, putting the brush on a downward angle."

How to clean makeup sponges DIY 

Woman cleaning a makeup sponge

  1. To start, place your sponge under a running tap. 
  2. Add some soap or detergent, and squeeze the sponge until it’s sudsy–this is your sign that the soap has gotten all the way through it. 
  3. Squeeze a few more times for good measure. The suds coming out of the sponge should take on the color of your makeup. 
  4. Rinse the sponge under the tap to remove all of the soap and makeup residues. Keep squeezing the sponge while rinsing to ensure everything comes out. 
  5. Gently squeeze the sponge with a towel to remove excess water. 
  6. Finally, place it in a clean and safe place to air-dry. 

How often to replace your makeup brushes and tools 

All good things come to an end! Another element of good beauty hygiene is knowing when to replace your tools. It’s pretty obvious with makeup products since the expiry date is listed on the package, but with tools, you need to learn to judge for yourself. 

When to replace makeup sponges

Reusable sponges have a lifespan of up to 6 months, but they often need to be replaced much sooner. If you start noticing small tears or an odd smell, it’s better to play it safe and throw the sponge away. But wait... don’t throw it in the garbage! Many reusable makeup sponges can actually go in the recycling bin!  

When to replace makeup brushes

Brushes don’t have a clear cut shelf-life. Some artisan brushes can last for decades, while mass-produced brushes may only survive for a few years. What’s certain is that brushes that are well taken care of last longer. It’s time to replace a brush when it no longer holds its shape or if its bristles start to shed.  

A clean finish 

Woman applying makeup

As long as you get it done in a proper fashion, it doesn’t matter how you clean your brushes. You can use a special makeup brush cleaner or settle on a DIY method to clean your makeup brushes at home with your favorite soap or shampoo. The most important thing is that you’re keeping yourself and your skin healthy and safe!   



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11 Effortlessly Chic Ways to Wear Eyeliner
August 22, 2021
11 Effortlessly Chic Ways to Wear Eyeliner

Are you looking for some super fun eyeliner looks to explore? From simple eyeliner styles to how to put on liquid eyeliner, and the best eyeliner pencil to use for a chic look, this article has it all! It’s easy to get into a rut with makeup, especially your eyeliner. Do you find you’re always creating the same look day in, day out?  Well, it’s time to mix things up! Whether you’re looking for something simple and chic, quick to apply, a pop of color, or something a little more special—we’ve got a look for you. There really are no limits when it comes to getting creative with your eyeliner. And beginners and pros are all welcome here.  Check out these 11 fun eyeliner looks below.  The less is more look Less can often be more, especially when it comes to French-girl makeup and beauty. After all, who doesn’t love rolling out of bed in the morning and getting their makeup complete in ten minutes? More time for sleeping in, getting your workout in, or even eating a delicious breakfast.  So, if this is your makeup philosophy, embrace it.  This is one of the more simple eyeliner styles on our list. First, you trace your upper lash line making a thin line along your top lashes with a black eye pencil. To complete the look, curl your lashes and add a healthy coat of lengthening mascara.  Told you this was going to be simple and effortless! The semi-outlined eye For this look, you’ll need a liquid eyeliner and an angled brush.  Use both together to trace your upper lash line, kicking the line out slightly at the outer corner of your eye to create a winged effect.  Next, using the liner and brush again, draw a line from the outermost part of the wing you just drew, all the way back to the halfway point of your lower lash line. And voila—you just created your semi-outlined eyeliner look! The French flick The French flick is also described as the toned-down version of a French woman’s classic eyeliner look. The difference with this look is you start at the center of the upper lid instead of the inner corner. This creates a subtle and smooth line. Use a micro angled brush to help you apply your eyeliner in whatever shade you like.  Black is the classic, and you can't wrong with it. Be sure to check your flick is symmetrical on both sides. Two is better than one For this look, you’ll need your standard black eyeliner plus another color for contrast. You can go for a neutral color here or something more vibrant—it’s up to you! Apply your eyeliner as usual to your upper and lower lash line. Next, apply your second color under the lower lashes for contrast. Use an angled brush if you want a thin, crisp line.  Don’t forget to finish your look with a swoosh of mascara to make your lashes pop.  A kitten-eye This look is all about dialing things back a notch from a full cat-eye, hence the kitten-eye name! We’re opting for a brown eyeliner for this one to create a subtler look, perfect to wear day or night. Use an angled brush to lightly line your top lash line. Start at the inner corner and extend it out into a baby cat-eye.  If you want to make this look all about the eyeliner, avoid curling your lashes and adding mascara.  Barely there eyeliner Here’s another simple eyeliner style for those of you who don’t want your eyeliner to steal the show. Applying a long-lasting eyeliner between your lashes is more than enough to add some beautiful definition to your eyes. And if you choose the best eyeliner pen for the job, it’ll last you all day and well into the night.  It’s true what they say—a little goes a long way. Without a doubt, this is an effortlessly chic way to wear eyeliner.  Smudged and smokey To create a smudged, smokey look, use a black pencil to line your lashes. Next, use a smudger brush to blend it out into an almond shape past your lash line.  Then sweep some shimmery gold shadow onto your eyelids and the inner corners of your eye, and blend for a sexy, smoldering finish.  Sleek ‘60s wing On the hunt for a classic winged eyeliner look? You’re going to love this sleek ‘60s wing. Use a peachy cream eye shadow as your base color, applying it from the lash line to the crease. Next, use a fine-tipped liquid eyeliner to draw a thin, straight line from the inner corner of your eyes, all the way to just past the outer corner. The trick is to extend the line upward, in the direction of the tail of your brow, but ease up on the pressure as you reach the outer corner. This will create a softer, faded line. Finish the look with some fluttery lashes by adding a coat of your favorite voluminous mascara. Thick and thin Have you ever played with the width of your eyeliner? This is a fun look to try while maintaining the definition of your eyes.  Try sweeping on a thicker line to your upper lash line, and keep the bottom lash as you usually would. You can even experiment with different colors to make this look extra playful!   Baby wings This is a cute spin on the classic winged eyeliner look. Connect your upper and lower eyeliner with the smallest flick at the outer corners. You’ll still create a winged look, but it’s simpler to achieve and can be just as dramatic. Metallic magic A flash of metallic can take a regular eyeliner look into something that is red carpet ready in minutes! Line your eyes as usual with your black eyeliner of choice. Wait for it to dry. Next, use a metallic liquid eyeliner and apply a thin line on top of the previous line. This will make sure it stands out and gives you that wow factor. We’re loving rose gold right now, but any metallic shade will work well with this look.   You now have 11 fun and almost effortless ways to up your eyeliner game, and try out a new look. Remember, makeup is all about feeling good and having fun. Classic looks are what we adore, but don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something a little different now and then. The golden rule? There are none!    

8 Easy Ways to Give Yourself a Mini Makeover at Home
August 11, 2021
8 Easy Ways to Give Yourself a Mini Makeover at Home

A beauty makeover is more than just a funny montage in a romantic comedy.  When life seems boring and mundane, giving yourself a new look is a sure way to improve your mood. You can transform yourself from head-to-toe or opt for a simple makeover that targets just one part of your look.  No matter what kind of makeover you choose, that moment when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror with a new style is incredibly energizing! We’ve collected a few makeover tips and suggestions for how you can give yourself an easy mini-makeover at home.  DIY facial   The first step to a truly rejuvenating one-day beauty makeover is a pampering facial. It’s a great way to give the skin a pick-me-up, especially if you plan to put some makeup on after.  The ideal facial should include some exfoliation, to remove dead skin buildup and prepare the skin to accept moisture. You can make your own scrub, or use an exfoliant from your favorite skincare brand. After that, give yourself a gentle facial massage, and follow it up with a nourishing mask or a thick layer of moisturizer.  Hairstyle Changing up your hair can make the biggest difference, and it’s the one thing that many of us have neglected over the last year. If you’re ready to make a big change, you can give yourself a haircut, but for most of us, taking the time to master a new hairstyle is a safer bet.  If you’ve been wearing your hair straight for the longest time, we recommend giving a tousled, wavy look a try! It’s a French girl staple that you can achieve with the help of a texturizing spray and a large curling iron. If your hair is naturally a little wavy, you can also just go to sleep with a braid in, and you should wake up with nice, natural-looking curls.  New style    The best way to give yourself a style makeover without having to spend much money is to invest in some new accessories. It’s amazing how big of a difference a nice silk scarf or a skinny belt can make to your look! Even smaller touches, like earrings and bracelets, can amp up an outfit.  If you’re willing to invest a little more, you can give yourself a complete style makeover by upgrading your wardrobe. Your first, and most relieving step, should be to get rid of the clothes you don’t like anymore—you can take some inspiration from Marie Kondo for that!  After that, consider what kind of aesthetic you’d like to have, and browse Pinterest for inspiration! You may decide to pick up a few new outfits or a couple of separates that’ll enhance your existing wardrobe. Building a French capsule wardrobe is another great way to go about things, especially if you’d like to simplify your life with classy yet versatile clothes. Lip color   If everything we’ve suggested so far seems a little too involved, you can give yourself the most low-effort beauty makeover with a simple lipstick change. Red is our favorite color, of course, because it adds glam factor even to a totally bare face, but any vibrant color will act as a quick pick-me-up.  One of the benefits of our Matte Constance lipsticks is that they come in a duo-pack, so you can experiment with the help of two lipsticks in one!  At-home mani Giving yourself a simple manicure will help you feel polished and put together, and it’s an especially nice treat when you don’t want to fuss with hair or makeup. Every time you look down at your hands, you’ll feel a little more composed.  You don’t even have to paint your nails—the simple act of soaking your hands in water, moisturizing the cuticles, and filing your nails into a nice shape is enough on its own. However, nail polish is great, especially if you decide to get creative and experiment with nail art.  New makeup technique    You don’t have to buy dozens of new makeup products just to improve your makeup game. If you always wear natural makeup, try a smokey eye. If you’ve been doing your eyeshadow the same way for the last five years, try a newer trend like a cut crease or a fox eye.  Many of us fall into the habit of doing our makeup the same way every day (that’s actually the secret behind the 5-minute face!). However, taking the time to experiment with styles and techniques you haven’t tried before can be a lot of fun, and you might even discover something new to add to your daily look!  Up your brow game Bushy brows are in these days! Upping your brow game will bring out your eyes, and going for a fluffier look will also give you a youthful air. It’s the best makeup hack for immediately transforming your face. You’ll feel more put-together, but unlike wearing a brightly-colored lipstick, it won’t make you feel too showy.  All you need to amp up your brows is a great eyebrow makeup product, like the Brow Arcade pencil. First, brush the hairs up for a feathery look, and then add a few strokes of color to fill them in.  Hair color    Another extreme (but surprisingly quick) makeover you can do is to change your hair color! Box dyes have come a long way over the last few years, so you can achieve shiny hair all by yourself at home.  We recommend choosing a color that’s not too far from your natural shade, so you don’t have to deal with damaging bleach. The key to finding a color that really flatters you is to choose a shade that is either slightly darker or lighter than your skin tone, but with a matching undertone. For instance, gold-based shades are great for those with warm skin, while blue-based or ashy tones are best for cool skin.  Coloring your hair can be a fun way to mix things up, but we’re also big fans of keeping it totally natural! Uplifting change  Small or big, a simple makeover is an instant mood-lifter. Whether you decide to give yourself a new look or just make a few small changes, we know you’ll feel renewed, energized, and ready to face the world!   

10 Surprisingly Easy Bold Makeup Looks You Can Do At Home
July 20, 2021
10 Surprisingly Easy Bold Makeup Looks You Can Do At Home

You might be pleasantly surprised to know that bold makeup looks can be simple and easy to create. A lot of makeup can take time to perfect and recreate. But these easy and fun makeup looks will be like a breath of fresh air. We’ve searched high and low to bring you the best bold makeup looks that will only add a few extra minutes to your current makeup routine (we’re talking ten minutes max!). Even if you’re spending most of your time at home right now, adding something fun and different to your makeup routine might be just what you need. You get to be creative, try out a new look, and feel pampered. And the best part is if you mess it up, there’s no one to judge you! Just wipe it off and start again.  Plus, there’s no need to stock up on a ton of extra beauty supplies. The charm of these makeup looks is that so many of them can be done working with the products you already have. Dig deep in your drawers and vanity case and pull out everything you have. Chances are you’ll have a bright eyeliner or bold lipstick or eyeshadow palette in there that hasn’t seen the light of day in a while! And now is the time to use it.  Here are ten easy bold makeup looks to try at home today. Red carpet ready Who says you can’t get dressed up to the max and look a million dollars when you’re not going anywhere? Makeup was created for us women to have fun, reinvent ourselves whenever we please, and feel good.  This red carpet look is easy to do, requires just a small amount of makeup and a ton of sass. Find the boldest shade of red lippy, a matching lip liner, and a tube of your favorite sexy mascara.  A red lip combined with fluttery lashes is a classic combo that will never go out of style.  Wanna take this look further? Put on the most glamorous outfit you can find, and strut around your house like you are literally walking the red carpet. Because, why not?!  Smokey eye with a twist We all love a sexy, smokey eye—it has to be one of the best eye makeup looks ever invented. And even if you’ve never tried this look before, it’s simpler to recreate than it first looks.  But today, we’re giving you a smokey eye with a twist and a bucket load of drama. This look focuses on the under-smoke on your lower lash line.  Top tip: use a combination of chocolate brown and black eyeshadow for this look. Using the two together will create a warmer, more luxurious finish. Really layer the shadow under your eyes to create a rich, sultry look.      All-over shimmer To create an all-over shimmery look, you’ll just need a few key products. For a simpler look, opt for a neutral color palette. And if you want something a little more fun, pick one color and apply different shimmery and glossy shades on various features. Use a shimmer-filled highlighter along your cheekbones and below your brows. Choose a gloss to swipe over your eyelids for extra dewiness. Complete the look with a glossy lip.  And voilà! Let the light catch your face and shine like a diamond all day long.  Double metallics The metallic trend is so hot right now. But what’s better than metallic eye shadow? Double metallic eyeshadow, of course! Pick your two colors of choice. You can stick with classic metallics like silver and gold or make this look even more fun by throwing in a jewel-toned metallic color.  Apply one color on your eyelids (right up to about 1-2 cm below your brows) and the other to your lower lash line. Don’t worry about trying to apply it perfectly—this look is more about letting those metallics work their magic.  Finish with a coat of mascara.  Half and half This bold makeup look is a ton of fun and can be created in a couple of minutes.  All you need is two different eyeshadow colors that you love, and an eyeshadow brush.  The brighter the colors, the louder this look will be.  Remember to use an eyeshadow base on your lids first to help your topcoat stay put and have a more vibrant finish.   Pretty pastels This is a gorgeous look, especially for the spring/summer season.  Choose a bright, punch pastel eyeshadow or eye pencil, and apply it to your upper lash line. If you want a simpler, subtler look, keep your line thin. And if you want to make more of a statement, thicken the line up and even extend it up and out past the outer corners of your eyes.  We’re loving this fresh, minty-aqua shade. Don’t forget to finish your eye makeup with a coat of classic mascara to make your eyes pop.    Color clash Clashing colors is not a fashion faux pas. Forget everything you ever learned growing up—the secret to a bold makeup look is often about breaking the rules! Playing with color is an easy and fun way to create a striking look. For a statement color clash, use two different colors for your lips and eyes.  For example, shimmery gold eyeshadow and a satsuma orange lip. A cherry red lip and a purple eye shadow.  The choice is yours. Play with different colors. See what you like and what works best with your skin tone.  French girl daydream This play on the classic French look is so simple to do and looks stunning. It’s all about a winged eyeliner with a twist. The twist being, you exaggerate the upper lash line and only draw half of your lower lash line. Keep the rest of your makeup natural and low-key; tinted moisturizer, some concealer wherever needed, a bit of brow gel, and a hint of blush on your cheeks. And no French beauty look would be complete without some voluminous mascara.       Punchy pink lip A bold red lip is a classic choice for making a statement. But why not mix things up and opt for a pop of pink instead? A bright pink lipstick is fun, feminine, and can be just as dramatic as a red lip. Plus, it’ll pair really well with a natural overall makeup look. That means you can recreate this look in minutes! Don’t forget to line your lips to ensure your lipstick lasts all day long.  Filled-in cat eye We all know and love a classic cat eye, but eyeliner is fiddly, and it can take a long time to learn how to properly put on eyeliner for this look. This is why we love a filled-in cat eye for an easy, bold makeup look that anyone can do at home.  Outline the under and upper eye (including the outer edges). And don't worry, it doesn’t have to be immaculate because it won’t be the main focus here. When you’re done, fill in your full lid with an eyeshadow color of your choice. Match your color to your outfit, clash it on purpose, or keep it simple with a subtler shade. It’s up to you!   Are you ready to try these easy, bold makeup looks at home? If you’re looking to inject some fun and newness into your ordinary makeup routine, these looks are a great place to start. The key to creating a stunning makeup look is learning what colors, textures, and styles work with your skin tone and structure and accentuate your natural features.  There’s no better time than now to experiment and try out some new looks!