Makeup Sponges: Best Practices and Care Tips To Avoid Breakouts

It is easy to get a flawless, smooth finish with a makeup sponge or the ever popular beauty blender. Many of us use them daily either to apply our foundation and concealer, or to blend and buff other liquid or cream makeup products. 

To get the most out of your makeup sponges, it's important to know the best practices for using them and how to keep them clean. A dirty makeup sponge can spread bacteria, causing acne breakouts or irritation. 

Using a makeup sponge for foundation application

When it comes to applying foundation, like Oxygenetix breathable Oxygenating Foundation with a makeup sponge, there are a few key tips to keep in mind:

1. Dampen your sponge: Before use, dampen your sponge with water. This will prevent it from absorbing too much product and make it easier to blend your foundation evenly.

2. Dot your foundation: Start by applying dots of foundation to your face using your fingers or a brush. Then, use your dampened sponge to blend the foundation into your skin.

3. Make sure to use a tapping or bouncing motion rather than dragging the sponge across your skin to get more coverage with a smaller amount of product.

4. Build coverage gradually: For a more natural look, it's better to apply foundation in thin, sheer layers and build up coverage as needed.

5. Use the pointed end of the sponge to apply foundation in hard-to-reach areas like around the nose and eyes.

Sanitizing your makeup sponge

Regular cleaning of your makeup sponges is crucial to prevent bacteria build-up and to keep them working effectively. Here are some steps to sanitize your makeup sponge:

1. Wash your sponge with warm water and soap: Use warm water and soap to clean your sponge after every use. Gently rub the sponge to remove any makeup residue and rinse it thoroughly. Bar soap works great for this!
2. Use a specialized sponge cleanser: You can also use a specialized sponge cleanser to clean your sponge. These products are formulated to remove makeup buildup and bacteria, and they're easy to use.
3. Soak your sponge in a sanitizing solution: To sanitize your sponge, you can soak it in a solution of water and vinegar or rubbing alcohol for a few minutes. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly afterward.
4. You can also microwave your sponge for a few minutes to kill the bacteria that may be at the center and harder to clean out. 
5. Let your sponge dry completely: After cleaning, squeeze out any excess water from the sponge and let it air dry completely. Avoid using a hair dryer or other heat source to dry the sponge as this can damage the material.

In conclusion, makeup sponges are a great tool for achieving a flawless makeup look, but they do require proper maintenance and sanitation to ensure they work effectively and don't cause any skin irritation. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your makeup sponges and keep your skin looking its best.