Why you need to wash your makeup sponges regularly, and how

I get goosebumps of something akin to terror when I see someone use grotty, dirty sponges to apply their foundation. Doesn't she know? I wonder. It must be that she just doesn't know. How else can she bear using a caked-up sponge on her face like that?

In case you're a new reader at Project Vanity though, welcome, and please wash your sponges regularly if you don't. Dirty foundation sponges are the harbingers of dirt, oil, and bacteria picked up from your face after using them, plus they stay in your compact away from the sun - meaning, omg, mold. Mold can grow on a dirty sponge. I can't even.

I rarely use sponges though because I sometimes forget to wash them. If you're like me, I recommend using a brush instead since they're easier to spot clean with a brush cleaner, thus cutting down the drying time by a mile! You can also have extra sponges lying around your desk or bag for when you forget to wash the one in your compact.

There's no excuse. A dirty sponge (or tools in general) might be giving you pimples, which could be why they stay on even after all the treatments and skincare you've been trying out.

So how does one wash a makeup sponge? It's easy! Squirt some dishwashing fluid or baby shampoo (clear, not creamy) onto the little bugger, squeeze it to loosen up the makeup, then rinse it. Repeat until the water runs clear. To dry it faster, wrap the sponge in a towel and squeeze the excess water out.

You can actually use the sponge with a powder foundation after to get heavier, smoother coverage! Make sure the foundation formula can work with water though. Sometimes they're not designed for  wet application techniques.

You must wash your sponge at least once a week, twice if you use it everyday. ^_^ Just a friendly reminder, if you don't do this yet!

How often do you clean your makeup sponges and tools?