How to Disinfect Makeup Tools

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We’ve already been over why you should sanitize makeup, and how to disinfect eyeshadows and makeup brushes. But what about your eyelash curler, sharpener, and tweezers? Don’t worry, because it is SO easy to disinfect makeup tools!

Similar to when we disinfected our eyeshadow palettes, you don’t need many supplies. The only other thing you might need for your tool sanitization is a few small containers that will fit the items you’re cleaning, and that’s about it!

Sanitization Supplies:

• tools you are disinfecting
• 70% isopropyl alcohol
• small fingertip spray bottle
• small containers (plastic tupperware, shot glass, small bowl) that fit your tools
• cotton swabs

That’s right folks, I now am the proud owner of 70% isopropyl alcohol (Swan Isoprophyl Alcohol, 70% 16 oz). If you were here on Monday, you know that I only had 91% when I went to clean my eyeshadow palettes – even though you should be using 70% to properly sanitize!

Read that post here if you want to know WHY you should be using 70% isopropyl alcohol instead of a higher percentage.

Sanitizing Eyelash Curlers:

My eyelash curler is pretty gross. It has eyeliner and mascara on it, and the eyelash pad is pretty worn out. Let’s clean it, replace the pad, and it will be good as new!

Step 1: Remove rubber pad

Take out the rubber pad that cushions your eyelashes. We want to make sure and clean where the pad was, to ensure we clean any bacteria that could be hiding!

Step 2: Spray with 70% alcohol

Over a paper towel, give the eyelash curler a good spray down with alcohol. This initial spray will help clean the handle and all parts of the curler.

Step 3: Clean off any mascara residue

Using a cotton swab, wipe off any residue from mascara, eyeliner, glitter, or whatever might be on your eyelash curler.

Tip: If it’s being stubborn and won’t come off, soak your cotton swab in alcohol first.

Step 4: Soak curler in alcohol

Putting some 70% isopropyl alcohol in a small container, soak the curling end for about a minute. Since this area touches your eye, you want to make sure it is disinfected – especially in the area where the pad sits.

While you do this, throw that rubber pad in the alcohol too.

Step 5: Replace the rubber pad

Remove curler and rubber pad from alcohol and let dry. Once dry, put the rubber pad back in the eyelash curler.

If your rubber pad is torn up from use, you should replace it entirely. Luckily, there are many cheap options for replacement eyelash curler pads.

I personally use this eyelash curler and these pads, so I know they work together!

And you’re done, good as new! 🙂

If you are using an eyelash curler on many people, I would spray and wipe it down between clients, and then deep sanitize it by soaking it in alcohol after each job!

Sanitizing Pencil Sharpeners:

Pencil sharpeners aren’t just found in school desks. If you’re like me, you have one in your makeup bag, too – for eyeliner pencils AND for lip pencils!

Because your eyes and mouth can both carry bacteria, it is a good idea to sanitize your sharpener often.

Step 1: Clean off residue

Dip a cotton swab in alcohol and wipe away any residue from lip liners or eyeliners. This includes wood pencil shavings, too.

Step 2: Soak in alcohol

Because you really want to get inside the sharpener, there isn’t much point of spraying it before you immerse it. Let sit for a minute or two.

Step 3: Remove and dry

Let it sit on a paper towel until all alcohol has evaporated.

Sanitizing Tweezers, False lash tools, or beauty scissors:

Honestly, these are about the same steps as above.

Step 1: Clean off residue

Dip a cotton swab in alcohol and wipe away any residue on the tweezers. Personally, I use my tweezers to put my lashes on, so I have some lash glue on mine.

Step 2: Soak in alcohol

Again, for a minute or two!

Step 3: Remove and dry

Let it sit on a paper towel until all alcohol has evaporated.

That’s all there is to it!

You can follow this guideline to disinfect makeup tools and other small metal beauty objects – keep everything nice and sanitary!

I hope this was helpful, and that you can keep all your beauty needs clean and sanitary with my help 🙂

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Sanitization Series:

1. Why You Should Sanitize Makeup
2. EASILY Sanitize Eyeshadow Palettes
3. Wash Makeup Brushes with Dish Soap
4. Disinfect Makeup Tools
5. Clean Makeup Sponges
6. Sanitize Lipstick in 2 Minutes
7. Ultimate FREE Makeup Sanitization Guide!!!!

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