If you’re SPF-avoidant, remember that not all are made equally. There are elegant formulas that sit well under makeup, that don’t have a ghoulish white tint or cause your skincare to pill. Just make sure to find one that you can commit to wearing every day.
What’s the worst that could happen if I… don’t wash my makeup brushes?
There’s no other way to feel about sanitizing makeup brushes than uggggh. While not time-intensive (once you pony up and actually get on with it), they do require time to dry thoroughly and are out of action until that point. Setting aside 15 minutes on a Sunday morning (or whenever works) is critical, though. “Sponges, in particular, but brushes too, are highly absorbent and retain both makeup and moisture, making the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to thrive,” Dr. Engelina explains. Pretty grim. “Without regular cleaning, these tools transfer impurities back onto the skin, increasing the likelihood of irritation, breakouts, and infections.”
For brushes, Dr. Phillips says to use a gentle cleanser or shampoo with lukewarm water and massage the bristles until the water runs clear, trying not to submerge the handle as it can damage the brush. For sponges, he recommends antibacterial soap, rinsing thoroughly, and allowing them to air-dry completely before the next use. If you’re on the go (but not in place of a weekly deep cleaning) a sprayable makeup brush sanitizer can help keep things clean in the interim.
What’s the worst that could happen if I… use makeup wipes more than cleanser?
Spend enough time on TikTok and you’ll come to despise makeup wipes. According to many experts, they’re bad for the environment and aren’t a patch on using an actual cleanser to wash your face. While the first is undeniably true, how accurate is the second? “Instead of fully removing makeup, dirt, and oil, they tend to smear debris around, leaving behind residue that can clog pores and compromise the skin barrier,” Dr. Idriss explains. OK, but what’s the worst that can happen, really, from dragging a wipe over your face before collapsing into bed?
“Because some wipes contain alcohol and fragrance, over time they can cause irritation, dryness, and sensitivity. And, because they’re not effectively cleaning, anyway, they can eventually lead to clogged pores, acne, and breakouts,” says Dr. Phillips. The gold star solution? A double cleanse using an oil-based cleanser followed by a gel-based one. Or, simply use the same cleanser twice. If you’re a micellar water loyalist, be sure to follow with a cleanser to thoroughly remove everything sitting on the skin.
What’s the worst that could happen if I… use dry shampoo more than actual shampoo?
“Dry shampoos are good in an emergency and as a back-up option but they do not clean your hair,” says Phillip Kingsley trichologist, Lisa Caddy. “Because of this, if you use them too much you could get build-up which can lead to irritation on the scalp. This could mean that you scratch at your scalp more or over-touch your hair which can end up in hair breakage.” This irritation—which is a manifestation of inflammation—can, eventually, end up in hair loss. However, and this is important, this is if you’re hugely overusing dry shampoo. Caddy’s best advice is to use it twice a week at a maximum, either two days in a row or single days separated by a hair wash. Roger that.
