Hope you’re doing as well as can be during this pandemic. This feels like a weird time to write about reusable objects — especially since in some cases they’ve been temporarily banned. Here in San Francisco, reusable coffee mugs and shopping bags are not allowed in shops anymore out of caution for the coronavirus. I’ve been planning to write this post for a while, though. And frankly, it’s a small comfort to me to be able to share on the blog, so here is a review of some reusable cosmetic rounds that I hope you’ll find helpful.

These handmade facial rounds are 100% cotton flannel.

Back during Black Friday/Cyber Monday, I bought facial rounds from Marley’s Monsters, a small business specializing in reusable goods based in Eugene, Oregon. I’d been thinking about doing so for the better part of the year. But I had it in my head that I could make my own and had stashed away an old T-shirt for this purpose. One problem, though: I don’t really know how to sew (and I didn’t have the right equipment anyway.) Not surprisingly, this crafting project never got off the ground.

** some affiliate links below **

After the Marley’s Monsters rounds arrived, I kicked myself for waiting so long to buy them. I think they’re great! These handmade facial rounds are 100% cotton flannel. Each round is 2-ply and with serged edges to prevent fraying. At 3″ across, they’re larger than disposable cotton rounds. (I’m comparing them to what I had been using before: premium cotton rounds from Target.)

I use these for applying toner and for removing my eye makeup. My eye makeup routine consists of primer, eyeshadow, and eyeliner. The rounds work well for both.

I keep a mesh bag in my bathroom to collect the rounds as I use them. When it comes time to launder my bath linens, I simply toss the bag into the wash. The makeup doesn’t transfer to any of my other items. I am confident of this as I have washed the rounds with white towels.

Now, some makeup stains do remain on the rounds. I suspected that might be the case, which is why I opted for rounds in black, white, and gray prints instead of plain white ones. I figured the prints would mask marks a little better. As to drying them, I’ve tried both putting them through the dryer and letting them air dry. Both ways are fine, though I tend to air dry when I can.

(BTW, just so you know, the links to the Marley’s Monsters site are not affiliate links. I don’t make any commission from recommending them.)

Marley’s Monsters Facial Rounds: A brand new one versus a used and washed one.

Marley’s Monsters facial rounds cost $16 for 20 on their website (plus shipping) or $18 for 20 on their Etsy store (free shipping on orders of $35 & up). Taking the lower number, they’re 80 cents each before tax. The disposable Target cotton rounds cost 3 cents each. But of course, the reusable ones will last a lot longer. And in the long run, I’ll be using less cotton. I’ve been using them for four months now and so far, so good! They also come in fun colors and cute prints, like this set of rainbow colors or this vintage lemon print.

I think this is an easy swap to do for the environment. If you’re thinking about it, don’t waste time like I did. Just go for it!

The facial rounds after 4 months of use.

Related posts:

The Many Reasons I Love Baggu Reusable Bags I Made the Switch to Reusable Produce Bags Mask Up! Ethical & Sustainable Reusable Face Masks Why a Spork is the One Reusable Utensil I Carry