If you’ve been in the makeup game at all, chances are that you’ve heard of the Beauty Blender (or other makeup blenders, but for the purpose of this article, we’re sticking with the Beauty Blender).
They’re an amazing tool, yet a lot of us tend to use them incorrectly — but we’re here to right these wrongs.
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1. You’re using a sweeping motion instead of stippling motion.
I get it, if you’re brand new to using the beauty blender, how are you supposed to know the proper way to do things?
If you attempt to blend your makeup by using a sweeping motion across your face, it ain’t gonna look pretty in the end.
Instead, make sure you’re using a stippling/dabbing motion when you apply your makeup.
This is the best way to ensure you’re blending everything properly and not leaving any streaks behind!
2. You’re not pressing hard enough.
If you’re layering your makeup, you want to make sure you’re pressing the sponge into your skin relatively hard to ensure every layer will build and blend correctly without looking cakey.
3. You’re not washing it enough — and yes, that’s mold!
You should be washing your blender every day. If not, at least make sure you’re doing it weekly.
Frequent cleaning will actually make the sponge last longer!
Mornings are stressful enough without worrying about mold in your beauty blender.
No one has time for that.
Anyway, nothin’ beats a freshly cleaned makeup sponge.
Especially if you can get your boyfriend to wash it for you, like this guy.
4. But are you washing it PROPERLY?!
You can’t just rinse your sponge in warm water and call it a day.
Beauty Blender sells liquid and solid cleaners you can use to clean your sponge, but other makeup gurus have found that a gentle soap works just as well.
Laundry soap might be your new saving grace.
“The soap I was using to clean my beauty blender wasn’t doing it’s job,” wrote one Twitter user. Instead, the user decided to try Tide.
“I’m shOook. It cleaned my beauty blender like 100%” claimed the user.
It worked for this person, but be cautious of the chemicals you’re using on your blender and then putting on your face!
5. You’re using the microwaving method ALL WRONG.
It’s true — microwaving your beauty blender is a thing people do as another cleaning method. It sounds like a pretty bizarre way to get things clean, but if you do it right, it makes all the difference.
Just make sure that the alternate cleaning products you’re using don’t contain glycolic or salicylic acid.
Otherwise, your sponge will likely start to deteriorate faster because they’re made of special materials.
You simply add a small amount of liquid soap to a mug.
Fill the mug up to the halfway mark with water. Drop in your beauty blender, and microwave it for one minute.
The thing is, a lot of people didn’t listen to these instructions…
…and they just tossed their blender into the microwave without the water.
Just so we’re on the same page, do not forget the water — it’s a crucial step.
No, seriously, A LOT of people don’t know how to follow instructions.
So just to be really , really clear.
Put your blender in the water with soap, and THEN microwave that bad boy. Please don’t be a statistic.
No one wants to ruin their 30 dollar sponge.
I’m too afraid to try it myself, but if you’re going to make the move…please, please don’t mess it up.
6. You’re using a dry sponge.
Gorl , really?!
It’s super important that before you begin your makeup application, you soak it in water first. Rinse it out several times so it’s not dripping wet. You want the sponge to be nice and damp for application!
7. You’re not drying it properly.
If you store your blender in a dark or non-ventilated space, bacteria is going to grow, and it’s going to be disgusting.
Make sure you leave it out to completely air-dry for the best results.
Remember the moldy blenders you saw earlier? Not drying it properly was part of the problem.
This should go for any beauty products that get damp. Don’t keep them in dark places.
8. You’re handling your blender too roughly.
Your blender can handle a bit of aggressive stippling, but if you’re tugging and twisting it too much, it’s going to to start to break off in tiny pieces, so be kind to it.
9. You’re ONLY using your blender to apply foundation.
Despite popular belief, your beauty blender actually has many different uses and is great for all different types of applications, not just foundation.
Next time, try using your beauty blender to apply your moisturizer!
Or give it a go with your sunscreen! You can even use it to apply a self tanner to your face. Remember to dab, and you’ll avoid those ugly tanning streaks.
10. Keeping on that topic, you’re forgetting to contour with it.
When we said this blender has many uses, we meant it! Don’t forget that it’s the perfect tool to blend your contour. You’ll have those defined cheekbones in no time!
Of course, this works best if your contour is a cream, not a powder.
But give it a try and see what works best for you — you might be surprised by the results!
Seriously, it’s a speedy way to blend your face all out!
I find that a blender gives me slightly more control than a brush while blending out contour, especially around the nose.
11. And you’re not using it to apply powder.
I know it seems weird to use your damp sponge to apply a dry powder, but trust us on this.
Everything from your bronzer to a setting powder will look perfectly blended if you use the sponge.
P.S. Using a damp blender to apply serums makes my skin feel so much more moisturized.
And I’m all about that glowy, dewy skin at any time of the year.
12. You’re using a knockoff blender.
There are countless different blenders on the market these days, but very few actually meet the standards they should.
I know that some blenders are way more expensive than others, and that can be really annoying. But trust me, there’s a huge difference between the blenders.
The Beauty Blender is a fan favorite, and the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge comes in a close second.
Each sponge is made using a different combination of secret materials, which is what makes them so different from each other!
13. You’re keeping it around for too long.
Just like your makeup, the sponge will get old and need to be replaced. The Beauty Blender recommends that you replace it every three months if it’s used daily.
I once saw a beauty blender so dirty that it was stiff. I wish I was kidding.
Like, I know life gets busy, but forgetting to clean your makeup tools will only result in bad skin days, and we don’t want those.
14. You’re not recycling your old blender.
Once you replace your blender, don’t throw the old one away just yet. There are a few different ways you can upcycle it…
You can use the sponge to give your nails that gorgeous ombré look we can’t get enough of.
The blender is great for this, and your nails will be left looking #fresh.
I’m always looking for ways to up my mani, so this is perfect!
Sure, it might take a few tries to figure out, but the end result would be so worth it.
Word is, it’s also great to keep around for removing those annoying deodorant stains on your shirt.
Admit it, we’ve all got them. Definitely worth a shot, right?
Oh, and you can give it one last wash and use it to clean your phone screen or camera lenses!
It’s great for removing those pesky finger prints that always seem to haunt me.
You can now consider yourself a pro with beauty blenders!
Which will transfer into flawless makeup — what more do you really want in this life?
