Nothing lasts forever but sometimes it’s hard to get rid of a personal item e.g. the sponge you got from that store that never stocks the same item twice. You’ve caught feelings and now you wonder if you’ll ever find another like it. The not-so-good news is you could catch other things because bacteria piles up quickly and this build-up may lead to blocked pores, and skin conditions such as acne, eczema and rashes. The good news is you can always count on us to keep you informed and this time we’re talking about when to wash, change or replace those things that come in contact with our skin everyday.
When to change your beauty blender and makeup brush:
You should wash your beauty blender after each use then keep in an open area to dry before the next use. After using the same blender for 3 months, it’s time to get a new one and toss out the old one. If you prefer to use make-up brushes, you’ll want to steep the bristles in warm water and mild soap on a weekly basis and wash them gently. Generally, it’s time to replace your make-up brush if it starts to lose bristles when you use it.
When to change your sponge and towel:
Towels and sponges both soak in moisture and this makes them likely breeding grounds for bacteria. Air dry your towel after each use and wash it every 5-7 days, depending on how frequently you use it. Wring out and air dry your bath sponge after each use then replace with a new one every 3 weeks for natural sponges and 6 weeks for synthetic sponges.
When to change your pillowcase and bed sheet:
This really depends on your lifestyle. Some of us use our beds as a dining table, sitting room and office and should change bed sheets and pillowcases every 4 days while others are only there for one thing only – sleep – and can extend that time to a week. As a tip for both, flip your pillowcase to the other side when you’re halfway through the cycle.
When to change your makeup products:
Make-up already has the potential to clog pores now imagine what expired make-up will do to your skin. As a general rule, powder make-up may be kept for two years since they have no moisture content while liquid make-up may be kept for 6 months to 1 year. In both cases, products should be stored away from direct sunlight to avoid degradation. Also each ingredient has its shelf life which may be reduced when paired with other ingredients so always check the label of any product you’re using for an expiry date.