Archived Post

How do you know when it's time to replace a makeup brush or tool?

For me, when a makeup brush seems to shed noticeably, which makes it seem like it is falling apart, or no longer feels as soft as it used to would be when I’d consider replacing it. For other tools, when they no longer do the job they’re supposed to; maybe an eyelash curler that doesn’t give the same curl or a makeup sponge that doesn’t have the same give any more.

— Christine

14 Comments

Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!

Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).

We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!

Comments on this post are closed.
Erica Avatar

Unless, it completely falls apart or something, I don’t replace makeup brushes usually. But for blenders, I usually replace every 3 to 6 months

Nancy T Avatar

Because my brows require regular maintenance, once my tweezers lose their ability to grab a stray easily or my safety scissors no longer shear without snagging, it’s time to replace them. Same goes for a brush that is shedding or is getting scraggly, time for it to go in the trash!
As for my eyelash curler, I’m most thankful that most come with replacement cushions nowadays! However, if the device begins to feel wonky or like it’s losing tension, it’ll be time to look for a new one.

Aj Avatar

Mainly when it starts to shed more than a hair or two, or when it starts to fray. Along with when it starts to lose it’s shape that’s mainly when I replace the brush if I don’t have another one like it/similar to it.

Donna E. Avatar

My Beauty Blender after my cat gets it, lol. So far, in my 3+ years wearing makeup again I’ve had no problems with my brushes. Had to replace a heated eyelash curler and a mini face shaver because they either stopped working or fell apart.

Donna E. Avatar

My Beauty Blender after my cat gets it, lol. So far, in my 3+ years wearing makeup again I’ve had no problems with my brushes. Had to replace a heated eyelash curler and a mini face shaver because they either stopped working or fell apart.

Debbie Avatar

If a tool just stops working right it is time for a new one. Sponges every three months, or when they just don’t clean right whichever comes first. With brushes when they shed, or when they fall apart.

Silvia Avatar

I dint throw away easily especially makeup even my mascaras and never had a red eye due to it. Luckily! Lol! When a brush starts to go baldly i hate when they loose hair but just one once in a while is ok. If more then out. My eyelash curler I hardly ever use when it gets old if punches me one more time I’m throwing that sucker out asap! Never buy one again don’t really need. Too much Halle and torture and loss of precious eyelashes. Beauty blenders if they torn or brake they are out.

Agona Avatar

When a previously soft brush starts feeling rough/raggedy (bristle damage from wear and tear–most common) or bristles are falling out (glue loosened), that’s when I replace. It’s weird because the brush wears slowly over time so you don’t necessary use it one day and think “Man, that feels rougher than it used to” but when you go to use a new brush and feel how soft it is, then you know for sure.

Eye lash curler is a little more difficult for me. Yes, I can tell when the pad needs replacement (my poor eye lashes get ripped out!) but not curling as well when clamping because of loss of tension strength is a little harder to judge, IMO. Mine’s due for a replacement soon though, I think.

Lea Avatar

I have only replaced brushes on rare occasion fortunately and the one I recall doing was for two reasons – it didn’t maintain it’s tightly packed shape once washed (became to fluffy) and I found something better. Still have the other brush, so replace isn’t truly accurate. Like Nancy, my regular replacement is typically tweezers when they stop gripping properly – most likely because my husband dropped them after losing the little topper. I know they can be realigned and sharpened, but I find I never seem to do that.

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!