If you're suddenly experiencing acne breakouts on your face for apparently no reason, think about how long you've had your Beautyblender for and how often you've washed it. Sure, your retinol might not be doing the job anymore or your new moisturizer might be the culprit, but a Beautyblender that's past its prime will only add insult to injury and might very well cause pimples to form.
As per Real Simple, research on the subject has shown that makeup blenders have "the highest levels of potentially harmful bacteria" out of all other beauty tools and products tested. Loading concealer on your face might include acne-causing germs, but your Beautyblender is the likelier reason for your breakouts. As per the study, a wet or damp sponge is the "ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria," so regularly replacing your Beautyblender is paramount in keeping your skin clear. As makeup expert Edward Cruz explained to InStyle, old sponges are overloaded with "gunk" that leads to pimples, so throwing them away and buying new ones is crucial.
If you don't want to throw away a new Beautyblender but are already experiencing breakouts, Cruz recommends keeping it in the plastic packaging at all times, since it has ventilation that allows it to dry properly. Similarly, makeup artist Mai Quynh told Teen Vogue that leaving your sponge to dry completely before storing is important to "avoid bacterial growth and mold, which can cause breakouts."
