(Part 2) Best cotton balls & swabs according to redditors

kinda related... but did you all know that reusable cotton or bamboo makeup pads exist? (i didn’t until some months ago)

i’ve switched over to using them to remove my make up with my micellar water and they do a great job and i just throw them into the wash with my laundry. they were affordable and available on amazon (also seen DIY versions too!). just sharing in case you were interested in reducing your waste! :)

edit: this is the amazon link to bamboo ones i have purchased (comes with one cute bag and one mesh bag) but there are many other listings and someone also suggested etsy. i personally have no other experiences with other reusable pads but these work and wash fine! (they require slightly more liquid product but this is a trade off i am fine with)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FJLMMBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_70kXCbE0YW0SQ

edit 2: also these unfortunately don’t work to replace pads to remove nail polish just FYI!!!

Bamboo Cotton Reusable Pads

There you go!

I've had hidradenitis suppurativa for decades but I managed to get it under control. I use a combination of products with salicylic acid, and when necessary antibiotics.

I wash once a day with Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash and at least twice a day with an astringent like this one applying it with rolled cotton that you can get from Amazon cheap. It's amazing the oils and other crud the white cotton and astringent will pick up. I also wear only white boxers.

When I feel a small boil coming on I load up on cephalexin antibiotic. It stops the worst part which is the swelling and inflamation. The key here is to get it early, before it gets inflamed.

I'm also under the care of a great dermatologist who will see me on-demand (unlike most of them) and will drain them and inject them with corticoid steroids. That stuff is like magic.

Best of luck, YMMV but using this regimen is the best I've been in years.

I use these: Wegreeco Bamboo Makeup Remover Pads 12 Pack with Laundry Bag - Chemical free, Reusable Soft Facial and Skin Care Wash Cloth Pads - Wipes Face Clean (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079B836R2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ys5cBbWC19PR8

I like that they come with a bag to throw them in the wash. I keep them in a jar and i have the bag hanging by my mirror so I can put the used ones in there right away.

I like the long cotton swabs to get the inside of a barrel clean, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X9WDGV2/ref=sxr_pa_click_within_right_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER they work well and you control them a bit better than a pipe cleaner.

For the sac, measure the nipple on the back of the section, in 64ths of an inch, and buy the sac that matches that size, I like Indy Pen Dance for sacs, they also have the shellac you would need. So if your section nipple is 17/64ths, order a number 17 sac.

This one: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07FJLMMBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_JY7yDbE4G2108

You may want to consider switching to a hobby grade cotton swab. The fibers are more tightly wound which adds precision to your clean-up. I use Tamiya brand, they have three different head shapes and sizes though I most often use the Triangle Medium (pointed tip) which allows me to get in nice and close for super fine lines. Here’s an amazon link to my specific choice:
Tamiya America, Inc Craft Cotton Swab, Triangle Medium 50 pc, TAM87107 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026IBC3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_a5a3DbGPK3051

Another thing I forgot: q-tips/cotton swabs, if you don't already have them. For cleaning up panel lines.

These work very well for tight places, which are common on RGs.

I have these in my cart on amazon right now. but can’t vouch for them yet. They have a ton of options on there. Not sure about CF remover though, I use the blueberry bounce cleanser from glow recipie and almay eye makeup remover.

buy cotton rolls from Amazon soak it in bleach put it on the caulk. Good as new in just a few hours. Works like a charm. I left it on for 6-8 hours over night.

http://www.amazon.com/Fantasea-Cotton-Coil-Ft-FSC501/dp/B001CY88AW/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1457116245&sr=8-2&keywords=cotton+roll

These may help they have certainly helped me more than i can tell you. Really solid build man like your work
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NFUFQYC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_d1yBDbJWX8T96

The second link isn't actually Rayon, if you look at the full size picture it is marked as 100% pure cotton. The only Rayon cellucotton on Amazon is the 3lb box here: http://www.amazon.com/Graham-Professional-Cellucotton-Reinforced-Beauty/dp/B001FRNU36/ref=sr_1_3?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1415978638&sr=1-3&keywords=rayon+cellucotton and the 500ft roll here http://www.amazon.com/Reinforced-Rayon-CelluCotton-500ft-44070/dp/B00AX8834O/ref=sr_1_4?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1415978638&sr=1-4&keywords=rayon+cellucotton

I sometimes use cotton coil and occasionally put spray deodorant on it and tuck it under my boobs. It absorbs the sweat and can be taken out if it gets soaked. You can keep a couple strips of it in those tiny snack sized ziplocs in your purse or pocket for especially hot days.

small - http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0026IBC3I/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new&qid=1371298889&sr=8-6

medium - http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0026IBC3S/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new&qid=1371298889&sr=8-7

bulk (not japanese brand) - http://www.sears.com/stanley-872-pc-dbl-swab-cotton-tip-50/p-SPM7528968110?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4&PDP_REDIRECT=false&s_tnt=41486:3:0

Sorry for the late response...Initially I found I didnt get many crusties with my rook. But when I did they were on top and I would just let them be for the most part. In fact they looked a bit dark initially and hard to see and I thought it was a weird darker bruise and not crusties which is why they were left alone for a while... I found that doing a saline soak after a shower can really help loosen the crusties over time. I dont use a cotton ball but I soak a makeup removing pad from shiseido (they dont have loose fiber issues from what I can tell) and I find that I can sometimes just wipe off any loose crusties or they appear on my pad after a soak (usually with my conch).

I have tried using a wet q tip for my rook a few times and found they were hard to get in the nooks (underneath) due to size. But another redditor posted these types of qtips (link below) which I recently ordered. Tried twice with no issues so far (but cant really give a review on it yet) but I find myself just leaving my rook alone or doing soaks in general if bothered.. Usually with a piercing... if its been a couple months (unless irritated) I usually go the leave it alone route, rinse in showers vs the daily soaks I start off with... partially due to laziness and seeing no need if the piercing doesnt hurt/or is bothering me at the time.

https://www.amazon.com/Fran-Wilson-Nail-Applicators-Count/dp/B00015GWQU

> At 16.16 a box (after 10% discount for buying the gun) not sure if this is a good deal.

New brass 9mm goes at .20-.25/round. Some online sellers are shipping to SF, you need to check Cabelas, Natchez, Lucky Gunner, Ammunition Supply Warehouse, Target Sports. I think they all send to "hippie" places. You may find some others on ammoseek. Or you can find a friend outside of SF/Oakland proper.

> they recommend cleaning after every range trip

It wouldn't hurt. Oil itself is not enough. You can buy a Hoppes kit and it will have everything you need (except the bore snake, if you want to use it). This is also useful.

> Any recommendation for trainers in the SF bay area?

I know Reed's has some courses but I never took them myself.

I recently started using the Unicharm Uruuru sponge cottons. They have a spongy texture and I love gimmicky things so I caved. But they're actually really good! I like them because they're quite large, and they're really easy to make diy or toner masks out of. I was worried that the sponge texture would absorb too much product, but I feel like everything I put on the cotton actually ends up on my skin. I bought some more traditional five layer cottons at the same time but honestly, I reach for the Uruuru more often than not. They come in boxes of 40 but you can split them in half and get 80 uses out of each cotton.


I got mine from Amazon but I've seen them on ebay and iMomoko.

> I'm looking for a good cleaning kit and set of tools for this gun.

For a starter kit, i'd recommend something like this setup:

• Otis Cleaning Kit
  
• 6" Q-Tips - Great for the hard to reach spots a regular short Q-Tip can't reach.
  
• TekMat - Only cleaning mat brand i'll go with, durable, and solid for the price.
  
• CLP - Whatever you prefer, everyone has something they like/prefer. For now, i've been using RandCLP to clean my guns for the last year, and some ALG Go-Juice as my lube.
  
• Brushes - I don't use these as often as some do, most use them for stuff like scrubbing their BCG's. I only clean my AR's after a high round count, so i use mine maybe once a month when i clean my regular phosphate BCG's.
  
• Shop Towels - I use the shit out of these. After shooting suppressed i gave up on being real anal-retentive about cleaning, so i just wipe down parts (BCG, uppers, CH, etc) with a shop towel and re-lube where needed. I only do a detailed cleaning maybe 1-2 a year.
  
• AR Tool - Despite Tapco stuff usually being Chinese junk, their AR tool is pretty tip-top, i've had it for about 3.5 years now and used it a lot, it's held up wonderfully.
  
  I use a kit i put together myself for cleaning my handguns, rifles, shotgun, etc, for cleaning. My guns get cleaned differently, which gun it is dictates how it'll get clean and how often.

I have these re-useable face pads that I bought from Amazon (I know, I know) that I absolutely love! They're soft and seem to do a great job. I've also heard that you can use nursing pads for the same purpose.

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I just bought these the other week off of amazon, and I like them! I use them to apply the second step of my oil cleansing, and they’ve worked great! The only thing I would worry about in your case is that they might feel a little rough on the delicate eye skin, but if you have a good makeup remover that doesn’t involve too much rubbing, they should work well for you! :)
16 PACK Reusable Makeup Remover Bamboo Cotton Pads - Organic Cotton Rounds - Laundry Bag Included - Zero Waste and Chemical Free Face Wipes - 2 Layers of Organic Bamboo Velour Cloth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DR9H6TM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bWhxCbFNVBAD5

Japanese cotton is great. I can never go back. It's super cheap on Amazon too.

I've heard great things about rayon too but I haven't tried it yet. It's also really cheap on Amazon .

Edit: fixed link for rayon

I use micellar water also and bought a package of reusable cotton pads from Amazon to cut down on the waste. They come with a little mesh bag and I just throw them in with the rest of my laundry to wash and dry in the bag. https://www.amazon.com/Remover-Reusable-Cleansing-ProCIV-Washable/dp/B07DCJ1SVQ

I'm normally not an organic-pusher, but these are amazing.

Rounds 80 Count (3 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GMPGETI?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

They never pill or fall apart as I'm using them like cheap cotton rounds do when wet. I can use one for my whole face. They are incedibly soft as well. So worth it.

After cleansing I would use a gentle toner with a soft wipe to make sure everything was removed. You can use cotton pads but if your skin uber sensitive they might not feel good and they absorb a lot of product... I use these at home/work, they feel good and don't waste product: http://www.amazon.com/Intrinsics-Petite-Cotton-Wipes-200-ct/dp/B003O4IZ9C/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1462765477&sr=1-1&keywords=intrinsics

Matching toner to the Keihl's cleanser: http://www.kiehls.com/ultra-facial-toner/713.html?cgid=face-toners&dwvar_713_size=8.4%20fl.%20oz.%20Bottle#start=3&cgid=face-toners

I keep these in my van: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001B0AFMQ/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_8x2qtb1W84AC8

They are great after a plugged boiler.

you don't have to if you're applying it to unpainted pieces., but a good acrylic gloss coat (i.e. using Future/Pledge or similar) can help it go on even easier. The gloss coat will also help protect the plastic from the enamel and thinner.

If the piece that you're lining is particularly thin or in a high-stress area you might want to go ahead and give it a quick gloss coat, otherwise I don't think it's really necessary.

If you're applying it to painted pieces, you'll want to coat them with an acrylic gloss first, or you'll likely have issues getting an even application.

The amount used for panel lining is so small that I don't usually bother with a gloss coat unless I've painted the piece first.

For clean up I love the Tamiya hobby cotton swabs in small and medium

They hold up a lot better than your typical q-tip style cotton swab and are easy to dampen without getting them too wet. I generally just dip the tip in the thinner and let it soak up a little (happens really quick) and then rub a little off on a paper towel.

The bottles for the Tamiya accent also last forever. I've done 2 PG kits, 7-8 MG's and a 1/100 Barbatos with the black and I still have more than half of the bottle left.

[The Cotton I use]()https://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Labo-Organic-Puff-120Pc/dp/B00N7E9X3G/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468244729&sr=8-6&keywords=puff+cotton)

The other cotton I use

As far as battery life, it varies by batteries and, to me at least, by mod. I had a smok bt65 which was fine at low power but seemed to chew through batteries at high power, I believe the device was just inefficient or the screen and such too up too much or something.

My old Sig 75w seemed to last much longer with a single battery. Also, to maximize your battery life I recommend LG HG2 batteries since they are 3000mah

The list looks alright, but just a few suggestions.

• Tools: Most of the time, there's something that is fairly lacking in the all-in-one kits. be it the scissors or even possibly the coil jig. I've had zero luck using coil jigs(My coils wrap on top of themselves) so I prefer to wrap by hand on a small screwdriver. Most precision sets are clearly marked in millimeter sizes and are typically in the most common coil sizes 2.0, 2.4 and 3.0 mm. It's sometimes a little cheaper or the same price to source your own tools, they just don't come with a bag to hold them. If money isn't really a concern then a kit like this is a decent start, but you may wind up needing to replace some items as your building skills progress.
  
  
• Cotton: Again, decent place to start but you can get MUCH more for a little more money on Amazon. I like Labo Puffs
  
  
• Resistance meter: Again, decent to start. Better are out there, but this will get you in the ballpark. Use www.steam-engine.org to get a good estimate, then use the resistance meter to read your build. Then if no shorts are found, place it on your mod. Look to see how close or how far off your meter is. Mine runs 0.16 ohms higher than my mods, so I know where my limit is.
  
  
• Wire: UD wire is pretty good, but just for curiosity's sake, why 27 gauge? I mostly use 26 in both my DL and my MTL builds and it works well, be it kanthal or 316L SS. Just remember to clean your wire before building to get any left over machine oil off. A simple wipe with iso alcohol is fine.
  
  That's about all I've got-You put together a pretty decent "First Build" kit. Enjoy!

Precision cotton swabs + rubbing alcohol will do just fine to gently remove small amounts of paint from a small area.

Do you use Q-tips to clean up the lining? I have these nice precision ones I got from Amazon to do clean up on mine.

These are a good disposable option or, ones like it. With these, you could even cut them in half per-use (into 2-ply from 4 ply). Not as thick and absorbent as cotton rounds.

I use these organic cotton rounds which I find at a local walmart. Although I might start ordering them from Amazon since it's apparently cheaper !

I don't experience any shedding and the cotton is very soft.

I just bought these bamboo ones on Amazon but have yet to use them (finishing the cotton ones first):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079B836R2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C4TE4OC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A5EXHBT2PPGY6&psc=1 would this work?

Hey! I was totally in this situation 6 months ago. Figuring out technique is a sort of "figure it out as you go" situation and tons of videos on youtube can help you figure it out. What I can help you with is your purchases. Figuring out what you'll need is extremely overwhelming, so here's a dirty rundown of what I've gathered so far:

1. Starting off can be pricey, so I highly recommend starting off buying cheaper make-up until you figure out your vibe. You really don't need the expensive stuff to look good, and make-up in stores like Sephora and Ulta are EXTREMELY expensive relative to how much you will be using vs. their price. That being said, amazon is your girl. Mehron has extremely cheap foundations on Amazon and they last forever (at least they did for me) - attached is my main shade, but you can look through the color options they have to guess your base/contour/highlight. I've only gone through one entire stick of my base foundation (which I use the most) since i've bought my base make up. I HIGHLY recommend in investing in beauty blenders and not brushes when it comes to foundation because i've found that beauty blenders make looks come out a lot more polished. (Not to say that good looks can't come out of brushes, I've just found blenders to be a lot easier to work with.
   
2. Once you have painted your foundation in a way you're happy with, use light layers of setting powder to set it down. Remember that although the more powder you use will have it last longer, the more cakey you'll come out. Also keep in mind that the powder will soften colors, so don't expect the foundation to be as intense as it was before you put the powder on.
   
3. Colored eyeshadow can be really tough when you don't know what colors work for you. This is the palette I highly recommend getting based on it's color variety and price. Mind you, some of the colors came in cracked, but if you press them down without mixing them into the other pots, they are deff still usable. Remember that you'll need a lot of brushes if you want to experiment with different shades. Elf brushes found at any general store (Target for example) typically go for a dollar each, so stock up on those so you have room for experimentation. I'd recommend around 10 or so just to be able to play around.
   
4. EYELINER. I personally love a sharp thick liner, so I primarily get some cheap liquid liner and cover it with black eyeshadow to make it POP. (This can also be applied to any part of painting - If you want it to really POP (I cannot stress this enough) start with a liquid or cream material and cover it with it's powdered equivalent. Any cheap elf liquid liner will do. If you're not really focused on a sharp liner, go for pencil because it's generally easier to apply.
   
5. Eyebrows - Not sure what your eyebrows are like, but trust me when I say that they're one of the biggest inconveniences when it come to painting your face. If your brows are thick, I highly suggest investing in a multipack of glue sticks. Gluing techniques vary among queens, but I tend to apply a heavy layer of glue, smooth out as much as I possibly can as fast as I can before the glue gets tacky and dry with a hairdryer. After the glue is almost dry, I apply a light layer of setting powder (DO NOT GO OVERBOARD, because your brows WILL come out crunchy). After this initial layer, continue layers of glue and LIGHT powder until they're fully blocked. Be sure that they're completely dry before you continue on to the next layer or else the tackiness will cause them to break (and you'll have to start all over). Honestly I'd say shave them off if you have the ability to do so and don't mind what you look like browless as boy.
   
6. CLEAN UP. Cleaning up is one of the things I dread most about drag. You'll need some stuff to clean both your face and materials. When it comes to removing make up, wet wipes feel nice, but are (again) pricey. If you're on a budget, cotton rounds and micellar water should do the trick just fine. When it comes to your materials (blenders and brushes) I don't care what anyone says. Dish soap and hot water will ALWAYS remove makeup quickly. Don't use any specialized brush cleansers until you feel comfortable enough to invest in quality brushes.
   
   ​
   
   Again, you don't need EVERYTHING listed above, but for my personal complete look, I require everything I mentioned. Starting off, I blew about around 300 dollars, so save money when you can. When queens joke about how they spent a lot of money to look "this" cheap, they really aren't lying. ALSO, don't be discouraged if you don't have the coin. There are tons of other resources available out there and if possible, you can always slowly acquire items over time.
   
   ​
   
   Good luck! ✨

I use these 200 Count 6" Cotton Swabs with Wooden Handles Cotton Tipped Applicator (2 Pack), but at $7 for 200 with only one end, I think your gf's Muji buds might be your best bet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DR9H6TM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I bought these ones - they come with a little mesh bag too. They're a great size and I've been really happy with them!

Learn your shit man cotton comes in boxed coils as well.

Here is the box that is Rayon on Amazon, you can probably scope out better deals, but I used that link to show the box!

And here it is on Sallys

I had a coworker vaping buddy give me 100 feet after he got a 500 foot box from Sally's, just gave it to me, he said there is no way he can humanly consume 500 feet worth. It's an accurate assessment (I used to buy this in 1 foot increments from my B&M because I am super lazy, and 5 feet would last me a month)

These

Best.purchase.ever.

Amazon has the Tamiya ones :
https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Cotton-Triangle-Medium-TAM87107/dp/B0026IBC3S/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1499541597&sr=8-5&keywords=tamiya+craft+cotton+swabs
The Tamiya ones are expensive compared to any of the other precision qtips
https://www.amazon.com/Fran-Wilson-Nail-Applicators-Count/dp/B00015GWQU/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1499541753&sr=8-2&keywords=precision+cotton+swabs

They are all still cotton. I still can't find a sponge ended one. I might be imagining that is what I saw.

The Silicon Shaper Brushes are kind of cool. Not sure what I could use them for. But it is always good to know something exist.

Everyone does it differently but we all probably use the same product called Nesquik Instant Coffee. Generally brew up a batch at room temperature with distilled water. Boiling it turns allot of the acids into base and well water has allot of minerals in it.

Basic ferric chloride etch to get an even base coat going. I'll generally neutralize with Windex. Then clean the oxides off with a cotton makeup pad with a dab of Green Flitz. Making sure its all even. If not repeat.

Then as simple as dropping it in the coffee and checking every 5-10 minutes since it etches slow. Repeated etching intervals of 5 minutes with a quick Windex neutralization and light makeup surface wiping to continually remove the surface oxides will get you there. (No Flitz if your going for dark until your set on the color since it will drop it a shade)

The finer the grind the darker an etch will take.

But as I said before ultimately it all comes down to the steel to achieve a full black etch. There's just not enough Manganese in 1080 and 1095. Without using something like a blueing agent it'll always be closer to a deep grey. Steels like D2, 5160, 1084, and 80CRV2 all have a higher Manganese content which allows for a deeper darker etch. There are others I just can't remember them off the top of my head.

I order these,

Unicharm Silcot Uruuru Sponge Facial Cotton 40 Sheets by Unicharm https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0043U45IG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_brD7Bb1X23KNA

You really only need to use half the amount of toner/serum or less. And they work great to do your own cotton serum facemask. They're like a thin spongey feel.

This works wonders. I use cotton coil, easier to get it to stick. http://www.amazon.com/Fantasea-Cotton-Coil-ft-Pack/dp/B000NIY9JM.

Got a link for that dental cotton? Here's what I've found on amazon, are any of the following similar to what you're talking about?

little cylinders

a roll

a bigger roll

thick roll


E:
Links to the cotton PM_ME_TITS_N_420 is talking about:

http://4mdmedical.shopgate.com/item/323235313134

https://www.mooremedical.com/index.cfm?/Absorbent-Cotton-Rolls/&PG=CTL&CS=HOM&FN=ProductDetail&PID=7630&spx=1

I use this cotton

I'm pretty sure my channels aren't covered. The atty keeps dumping juice into the bottom of the dank, outside the juice well. Every time I unscrew it comes pouring out even though I get dry hits. So obviously the juice channel to coil avenue isn't at good efficiency right now.

Thanks for the tips.

Imho buy this stuff. It is INSANELY cheap, and is basically already scottish rolled. Since it is medical-cotton, its just pure cotton.

For me, I can drip onto this thing for days, and it doesn't leak. I can vape off of it for a while without redripping.

One review says it has weak flavour, but I can't attest to that. It tastes fine, if not better, than the cotton pads I've used in the past (that were marketed as cotton for vaping).

Since its only 5$, I'd say it would be worth the (minimal) risk and try it out for yourself.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CY88AW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1