Beauty Guides / Facial tools and rituals
How to clean and care for beauty tools
A cleaning schedule for gua sha stones, rollers, makeup brushes, sponges, tweezers and hair tools, and when to replace each one.
Clean tools work better, last longer and keep bacteria, old makeup and oil off your face. The good news: most tools need only mild soap, warm water and a few minutes.
The cleaning schedule
| Tool | How often | How |
|---|---|---|
| Gua sha stone, roller, ice globes | After every use | Mild soap and lukewarm water, or an alcohol wipe; dry fully |
| Foundation and concealer brushes | Weekly | Gentle shampoo or brush cleanser, rinse bristles down |
| Powder, blush and eyeshadow brushes | Every 1 to 2 weeks | Same as above |
| Makeup sponges | After every use, ideally | Soap and water, squeeze until clear |
| Eyelash curler | Weekly; replace pads every few months | Wipe with alcohol |
| Tweezers | After use | Wipe tips with alcohol |
| Hairbrushes and combs | Every 1 to 2 weeks | Remove hair, wash in soapy water |
| Flat irons and curling irons | Monthly, when cold | Wipe plates to remove product buildup |
| Pillowcases | Weekly, more if acne-prone | Normal wash; see silk pillowcases |
Gua sha stones and rollers
- After each session, rinse with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap. Avoid hot water, which can crack stones that are cold.
- Dry with a soft cloth, especially around the metal frame of a roller.
- Store flat in a pouch or box so the stone cannot fall. Jade and quartz can chip or crack if dropped on tile.
- Do not soak rollers, which can loosen the frame and rust the pins.
- Inspect for chips. A chipped edge can scratch skin, so replace the tool.
Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach and long alcohol soaks on stones. Polished surfaces can dull over time with strong chemicals.
Makeup brushes
- Wet the bristles with lukewarm water, keeping the ferrule (the metal part) pointed down.
- Swirl the brush in a little gentle shampoo or brush cleanser in your palm or on a textured mat.
- Rinse until the water runs clear.
- Squeeze out water, reshape the bristles and lay flat or hang bristles down to dry.
Never dry brushes upright in a cup while wet. Water runs into the ferrule, loosens the glue and can encourage mildew. More on brush types in the brush guide.
Sponges
Damp sponges are a cozy home for bacteria. Wash after every use if you can, let them dry fully in open air, and replace them every one to three months, sooner if they tear or stain permanently.
When to toss makeup
Many products carry a period after opening symbol: an open jar with a number such as 6M or 12M, meaning months after opening.
| Product | Typical life after opening |
|---|---|
| Mascara and liquid liner | About 3 months |
| Liquid foundation and concealer | About 6 to 12 months |
| Lipstick and lip gloss | About 12 months |
| Powders (blush, shadow, bronzer) | About 12 to 24 months |
| Sunscreen | Until the expiry date; do not use if expired |
Throw out anything that smells off, separates or changes texture. Replace eye products after an eye infection.
Never share mascara, eyeliner or lip products. Eye and lip infections spread easily through shared makeup.
