The Makeup Wearer’s Guide to Using Earbuds Without Smudging or Breakouts

For those who wear makeup, using earbuds can be a double-edged sword, leading to smudged foundation and frustrating breakouts. A celebrity dermatologist offers a guide for makeup wearers on how to enjoy their audio without ruining their look or their skin.
The problem is a mixture of makeup, oil, and pressure. A skin expert explains that when you wear earbuds over foundation or concealer, the pressure and heat can cause the makeup to mix with your skin’s natural oils and sweat. This creates a thick, pore-clogging paste that can easily lead to breakouts.
This mixture also leads to “cakey” buildup. The dermatologist notes that this makeup-oil slurry gets caked onto the earbud itself. If you don’t clean it, the next time you put the earbud in, you’re re-applying a layer of old, bacteria-laden makeup to your skin, which is both unhygienic and can ruin your fresh application.
A strategic approach is needed. The expert recommends applying a light layer of setting powder around the ears to help absorb oil and create a barrier between your makeup and the device. When you put your earbuds in, do so carefully to minimize smudging.
Hygiene is paramount. The dermatologist’s top rule for makeup wearers is to clean their earbuds with an alcohol wipe after every single use. This removes the makeup and oil residue before it has a chance to build up and harbor bacteria. At the end of the day, a double-cleansing method is recommended for the skin around the ears to ensure all traces of makeup and grime are removed.