There’s been so much buzz surrounding the BeautyBlender since its inception and shamefully, I’ve only boarded the hype train a month ago (I know right?). It quickly became one of my go-to tools for applying makeup, and if you’re still not convinced or have tried it out and didn’t love it as much, you might’ve been using it wrongly all this time.

6 Ways You're Using Your BeautyBlender Wrongly - 1
Photo: Instagram / @BeautyBlender

#1 Not wetting it before use

BeautyBlenders require water to activate. Upon wetting, you’ll notice that the BeautyBlender increases in size and this allow a seamless application as it prevents streak marks from forming while you apply your foundation.

6 Ways You're Using Your BeautyBlender Wrongly
Photo: Instagram / @BeautyBlender

#2 You’re using a wiping motion to apply foundation

The right way to use the BeautyBlender is to bounce it on your skin. This action deposits the foundation on your skin, while blending out the product at the same time. Wiping it around only causes streaks and that doesn’t give you the optimum finish that the BeautyBlender is create for.

6 Ways You're Using Your BeautyBlender Wrongly
Photo: Instagram / @BeautyBlender

#3 You only clean it once a week

As the BeautyBlender has to be re-wetted for every use, its damp and moist conditions are perfect for bacteria growth. Plus, dried up foundation within the BeautyBlender will be harder to remove if you wait till the end of the week. BeautyBlenders should be cleaned daily, using a pinching motion to distribute the cleaning solution and then squeezing out the suds (and grime) gently. It’s pretty therapeutic to clean and watch your BeautyBlender look spanking new again.

6 Ways You're Using Your BeautyBlender Wrongly - 7

#4 Watch where you dry your BeautyBlender

It can be challenging to find a space to dry your BeautyBlender after you’ve washed it, but be wary especially if you’re drying it out in your bathroom. Placing your BeautyBlender to dry on the bathroom sink means that all the nasty bacteria and fecal matter might get on it when you flush. If you have to leave it in the bathroom, cover the toilet bowl before flushing. Better yet, leave it to dry on your vanity table instead.

6 Ways You're Using Your BeautyBlender Wrongly
Photo: Instagram / @BeautyBlender

#5 You’re not storing it properly

The worst way of storing is to put it in a ziplock bag. While it does prevent the BeautyBlender from getting dirty after you’ve cleaned it, there is a strong likelihood of mould and bacteria growing. You wouldn’t want to apply mould on your face, do you? Instead, use the plastic container it came in to store it (don’t cover it though), or use a mesh bag to transport it when you travel.

6 Ways You're Using Your BeautyBlender Wrongly
Photo: Instagram / @BeautyBlender

#6 You’re only using it for liquid and cream based foundation

Don’t limit yourself to just using the BeautyBlender for liquid foundations. While they’re made for them, BeautyBlenders are also great for using with loose and pressed powders to really set the foundation as they give you better control over the amount of product compared to brushes.

6 Ways You're Using Your BeautyBlender Wrongly
Photo: Instagram / @BeautyBlender

#7 You’re not using them with your skincare

BeautyBlenders aren’t just suitable for applying makeup – they can be used to apply sunscreens, serums and moisturisers as well. We recommend using BeautyBlender Pure (the white one) as it is softer and free from dyes.