The Beauty Tools You Aren't Cleaning but Should

You already know the importance of cleaning and disinfecting your makeup brushes. But what you might not consider is the bacteria and germs festering on other makeup tools too. Just ask yourself, when was the last time you cleaned your eyelash curler or the inside of your makeup bag? They're full of gunk, yet we do nothing about it. Not because we don't care but because we don't think about it. That's why we turned to two celebrity makeup artists for a little reminder. After all, they have two jobs: making their clients look good and keeping their tools bacteria-free to avoid breakouts and contamination. Here's what they have to say:

Tweezers

Makeup artist Stella Kae has worked on celebrities like Alyssa Milano and Patricia Arquette, and one tool she always uses is her trusty tweezers to apply lashes. Afterward, she says she cleans them with alcohol and sometimes places them in sterilizing bags.

Eyelash Curler and Pencil Sharpener

We likely don't have to explain why it's important to clean your eyelash curler since there's usually leftover mascara on it. Not only should you change the rubber strip on it every three to six months, but celebrity makeup artist Lusine (she works regularly with Victoria Justice) says she cleans it regularly between each client, along with another tool, her pencil sharpener. "They need to be placed in a state-board-approved disinfection solution for a certain amount of time to ensure that they are disinfected," she says. For those of us who aren't makeup artists, a rubdown with alcohol works too.

Makeup Sponges

Just like makeup brushes, sponges come directly into contact with our skin and makeup. Not only does that transfer bacteria, but Kae says, "it will muddy the colors you're trying to use!" Brush cleanser works on sponges or you can use gentle baby shampoo.

Makeup Bag

Yes, the inside of your makeup bag counts as a beauty tool. And the last time we looked in ours, it was a hot mess. Lusine says, "Anything that can come close to any opening of your face should be cleaned and sanitized. This includes anything that carries these products such as makeup bags or travel bags." Looks like it's time to give it a good scrub!