Over the years a vanity box collects everything: spilt powder, crumbs of eyeshadow, lipstick and gloss smears, mascara in the corners. Make-up touches your face, so dirt and bacteria in the case end up on brushes, sponges and skin.
Older cases also tend to have a stiff catch and squeaky hinges. Here is how to tidy the inside and outside in half an hour and give the box a neat look again.
What you will need
- old toothbrush
- make-up remover or micellar water
- cotton pads and cotton buds
- soft microfibre cloth
- warm water with a drop of liquid soap
- WD-40 Multi-Use for outer surfaces and marks
- WD-40 Smart Straw for hinges and catch
Important: WD-40 is not a disinfectant and is not meant for skin. Do not apply it inside compartments where unpackaged make-up sits, or to brushes and sponges. Test painted, lacquered, leather or fabric-covered boxes on a hidden area first.
Step 1
Empty the box and check your make-up
Take everything out, including small boxes and pouches. Check expiry dates and the period-after-opening symbol (an open jar with a number of months). Throw away out-of-date mascara, foundation and creams: expired make-up irritates skin and eyes.
Step 2
Remove loose dirt and make-up residue
Turn the box upside down and shake out the crumbs. Use the toothbrush on corners, seams and dividers to loosen powder and eyeshadow. Then wipe away greasy lipstick, gloss and foundation marks with a cotton pad soaked in make-up remover, which dissolves cosmetics better than water.
Step 3
Wash the inner compartments
Wipe the inside surfaces with a microfibre cloth dampened in warm soapy water, then with a clean damp cloth. Removable plastic trays can be washed under the tap. Do not soak fabric linings; just spot-clean them.
Step 4
Refresh the case and lift stubborn marks
Wipe outer plastic, metal and lacquered surfaces with old marks, sticker residue or tape glue using a microfibre cloth and a little WD-40 Multi-Use. Spray it onto the cloth rather than the box, work over the marks, then buff with a dry part of the cloth. The surface comes up clean with an even sheen.
Step 5
Lubricate hinges, catch and clasps
If the hinges squeak or the lock or clasps stick or show surface rust, apply one short burst of WD-40 Smart Straw through the thin straw directly into the mechanism. Open and close the box a few times and wipe off any excess straight away so it does not get inside.
Step 6
Put everything back
Let the box dry with the lid open. Group your make-up, keep brushes separate and store cotton buds and sponges in closed compartments. Set aside anything you do not need so the case closes easily.
Tip: Line the powder and eyeshadow compartments with replaceable tissues or silicone inserts: spills collect on them, and a weekly shake or swap keeps the box tidy.
What next
Give the box a thorough clean once a month and wash your brushes weekly. Metal hinges and catches rust faster in a humid bathroom, so treat them with WD-40 Smart Straw every few months. Around the home, WD-40 Multi-Use also helps with squeaky cupboard doors and sticking drawers.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».