Last Swab Review + Discount Code Easy Low Waste Swaps: Reusable Cotton Swab

During plastic-free July, I shared some great crowd funding campaigns to reduce plastic waste.
​One of those campaigns was Last Swab. 

What Is Last Swab?

Last Swab is a low waste swap for cotton swabs.
​It's essentially a reusable cotton swab that can be washed and comes with a protective case. 

10% off Last Swab

---

What Is Last Swab Made Of?

The swab ends are TPE (a mix of plastic and rubber according to wikipedia), the rod is plastic and the case is PLA which is biodegradable and made of corn according to the Last Object website.  So... there is still plastic involved here. But the idea is that this one reusable item will replace thousands of disposable cotton swabs over it's life course! 

These materials were chosen to be durable, comfortable, and hygienic so you can wash and reuse your Last Swab over and over again! 

Gift Last Swab

---

---

Last Swab Review 

Last Swab comes in two styles: Basic and Beauty. If you are a careful user of cotton swabs to clean your ears... then you are looking for the Basic edition. It looks very similar to a traditional cotton swab, only the ends are a sturdy, yet flexible material with lots of little bumps/bubbles to create texture for water or wax to stick to. 

If you use cotton swabs to perfect your make-up look then the beauty edition is for you. It has a smooth surface on either end, but with two different shapes - one rounded like a traditional cotton swab and the other with a slight point for more precise work. It also has a firm, yet flexible nature, but the finish on it is different and almost feels slightly tacky to me. Tacky as in texture, not quality. 

The carrying case has a designated spot for your Last Swab to latch in. It swivels open and lightly snaps shut. It's ergonomically designed with a notch for your thumb and index finger to easily push it open. There is also a loop at the opposite end and I suppose you could use this to hang it on a hook in your cabinet if you had one or even attach it to something with a carabiner if you needed to for some reason?

Add Last Swab To your Travel Bag

Get 10% off Last Swab

I really liked the idea of this product so I backed the crowdfunding campaign on indiegogo (now closed), but I was kind of skeptical. I don't regularly use cotton swabs in my makeup routine, but I wanted to try each version.

So far I give the makeup version maybe a 3.5/5. It's okay, but I can't see it being incredibly precise. 

​On the other hand I am pretty impressed with the Basic version. I find it easy to use and effective. I had previously tried a metal reusable Q tip and didn't like the cleaning part of it although it is also a good option to reduce your waste in this area! So I had at least switched to cotton swabs with wooden rods instead of plastic. I generally use them right when I get out of the shower to both dry my ear canal and remove any wax. But how could a non-absorbent material like on Last Swab perform the same tasks, I wondered. 

​The design is very effective at removing any wax and while it isn't as effective as an absorbent cotton swab at soaking up all moisture, I was surprised that the space between the bubbles on the ends of the Last Swab actually do manage to collect water!

 I actually give the Last Swab Basic a 5/5.

Last Swab is a fantastic alternative to disposable cotton swabs and even though it's not a perfect replacement in the department of drying, I think the slightly lower performance here is worth the sacrifice for the waste it eliminates! 

Last Swab Basic Is Very Effective At Removing Wax

You will probably still need to keep some cotton swabs on hand for guests or for any medical applications. Just try to go with biodegradable options like these bamboo handled cotton swabs. 

TDF Readers Get 10% off Last Swab
​with discount code TRIPDONTFALL! 

Shop Last Swab

More Low Waste Living Tips

---

#af

---