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My usual routine

I try to be environmentally conscious by using reusable bags and carrying my own water bottle, but I had never considered the waste I'm creating from cotton swabs.

I did the math. Since I use about three cotton swabs per day -- for things like cleaning my ears, doing my makeup and taking off nail polish -- this means I use over 1,000 cotton swabs in a year.

Based on their claims of 1,000 uses, the Last Swab could replace all of the cotton swabs I throw out in an entire year.

\"PHOTO:
ABC News
PHOTO: The Last Swab on top of cotton swabs.
>

First reactions

When I first opened the Last Swab it felt super strange.

The swab is the same size as a typical cotton swab, but feels like plastic.

The ends are textured instead of smooth for what I assume is easier cleaning.

Because the swab is plastic it isn't absorbent, I was skeptical if it would be as effective as a cotton swab.

My takeaway

\"PHOTO:
ABC News
PHOTO: Close up of the Last Swab.
>

When it comes to cleaning your ears, the Last Swab did the trick.

It was able to clean my ears just like a disposable cotton swab would.

However, for things like taking off nail polish, I found it didn't work as well.

Another thing to note is that you have to make sure you are washing the Last Swab between uses.

I found this a little annoying and slightly more time consuming.

While I don't think it will completely eliminate my use of cotton swabs, it will help me cut back. I'm definitely going to change my habits and I plan to continue to use it.

The week-long experience of using a reusable cotton swab made me more conscious of the waste I am throwing out every week. Now I'm on the hunt for the next reusable beauty product that will help me become more environmentally friendly.

Editor's note: This was originally published on Nov. 4, 2019.

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