I Ditched My Disposable Q-tips for This More Sustainable Option—Here Are My Honest Thoughts
As a beauty writer, I spend the majority of my time testing out new makeup products. With that said, I’m always on the lookout for ways to make my beauty routine more sustainable and efficient. That includes minimizing waste by opting for reusable makeup removal cloths and biodegradeable skinsheets, for example. Recently, I found a swap for another major culprit, cotton swabs (aka Q-tips), when I came across the LastSwab Beauty Trio Pro ($24) from LastObject.
If you’re unfamiliar, the brand is known for its reusable products from swabs to tissues. Not only are they eco-friendly, but their carrying cases are made from recycled plastic diverted from the ocean. The LastSwab Beauty Trio Pro is a set of three reusable silicone swabs made specifically for removing makeup, smudging, touch-ups, separating lashes, and feathering brows. The site says each kit can replace 2,750 single-use swabs, so I knew I had to try it out.
Upon opening the box, they were exactly what I was expecting—three tiny silicone swabs. They felt soft to the touch and appeared to be durable, so I had no doubts about swapping them into my routine to make it more eco-friendly. After doing some research, I saw most people used these reusable swabs to sharpen eyeliner, apply eyeshadow, and put on lip gloss, so that’s exactly what I did—and let’s just say the results weren’t what I was expecting.
First thoughts on the LastSwab Beauty Trio Pro
I wanted to use each tip so I could make a fair evaluation about how they worked, felt, etc. First, I tried the feathered one, known as the LastSwab Original Pro, which I used to apply a brow pomade. It held the product nicely and combed my brows into place in less than a minute.
Next, I used the pointier swab, the LastSwab Beauty Pro, to apply lip gloss. It went on similar to any doe-foot applicator (aka lip wand) and spread an even coat of product over my lips.
Last but not least, was the LastObject Sharpen Pro. As someone who loves winged eyeliner, it’s easy to get some unwanted smudges which is where I put it to the test. Unfortunately, this tip didn’t work as I’d hoped. I still had some streaks and smudges in my eyeliner which gave it some dimension, but I was hoping it would create a sharp, clean line. I’m not a professional MUA, so maybe that’s why I couldn’t do it, but it was a bummer.
How to clean reusable silicone swabs
After it was all said and done, I washed the tips off with water and soap and put them away for next time. They can be cleaned in the washing machine, but I didn’t feel it was necessary. The set comes in a case where they can be neatly stowed away so you don’t have to worry about losing them, too.
Final thoughts on the LastSwab Beauty Trio Pro
Overall, I’d recommend the LastSwab Trio Pro to makeup newbies who are sustainably minded and either just starting to explore cosmetics or want something small enough for those midday touch ups that can be shoved in a purse. As with any beauty product and tool, not every tool is going to work for everyone. You’ll want to explore and find the products that best suit your needs and preferences. Would I buy another set if I lost mine? No. Would I keep them in my bag for last-minute makeup emergencies? Absolutely.
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