Thread: Getting rid of built-in applicator wands

I really dislike many of the built-in brushes and sponge wands for cosmetics. They are a good way to grow bacteria, one never gets all the stuff out of the bottle and the applicators are usually awkward anyways. After some investigation, I found a way to tackle the problem: There is usually a little plastic valve-like pipe inserted into the bottle. With a pair of pliers (the home improvement kind), one can pull out that stopper and then snip off the applicator wand, which allows for using proper brushes that can be cleaned after use.

That's a really good idea!

My friends who are professional make up artists use these: http://www.norcostco.com/mascarawandblackhandle.aspx

They generally don't remove the valve from the tube of mascara because it tends to dry out more quickly as part of it's job is to prevent air from getting in, nor do most cut off the original wand. they simply don't use as an applicator.

i also prefer brushes for eye shadow, but mainly because of control, although Steffi's reasons - hygiene - are just as valid.


{{{HUGS}}}

Yeah, with mascara, there is a desirable function to the stopper thing in the neck of the bottle, and thus, jusing a disposable wand works well. The biggest offender for me used to be Urban Decay's eyelid primer bottles, and Mac Liquidlast, where the built-in applicators were not very functional (not to mention not particularly santiary for around the eyes) - but with minor surgery, that's taken care of.

Ah, since I don't use either of those, nor have I checked them out, I didn't know! but I agree that those would be annoying! Having done theatrical make up, I like having a little leverage with my painting hand!

{{{HUGS}}}

This is a very good idea for normal consumers also!
(and the applicators that are built in are often just too clumsy)

Less waste of product,less bacteria is good

I'm a makeup junkie and also a germaphobe, which sometimes makes for a bad combination. I've often considered how dirty mascara wands and those little brushes (like the ones in the top of my favorite highlighter, Benefit High Beam) inside your products can get. I try my best to avoid using those built-in things but sometimes you just have to.

Chopping them off entirely (when possible) is a great idea. Thanks!

I find my mascara wands in beauty supply stores,but Ebay is also a great source for this kind of stuff.When searching for "disposable"in the "Health&Beauty"section I found lots...

Used to do makeup and nails before I got carpal tunnel,but I still keep up the good habit of not contaminating makeup because it will stay fresh so much longer.

@Steffib:I think wands like these should work with UDPP:)
http://cgi.ebay.com/50-DISPOSABLE-LI...item35aecb8860