You put your makeup on everyday without giving a second thought to your makeup brushes. Sure there might be some blush or eye shadow color left on them but they can’t be that dirty, can they?
Yes, you betcha! Those brushes, makeup applicators, and sponges that you use everyday are breeding grounds for germs and can cause mayhem on your delicate skin.
There are so many nooks and crannies on brushes and sponges that they make the perfect homes for germs that like to give you skin infections, acne breakouts, redness, and other skin irritations. Bacteria likes to cling to each bristle, nestle into each pore of a sponge, and can live in the unseen area where the bristles are glued together. Think of all the germs each item has….YUCK!
Clean makeup brushes not only apply the makeup evenly and streak-free, but they prevent clogged pores and infections such as Staphylococcus and Cellulitis. Dermatologists recommend that makeup brushes be cleaned a minimum of once per week. Cleaning your brushes is super easy to do and takes a few minutes but you do need to account for dry time. For that reason, it’s best to clean your brushes overnight so they can dry while you sleep and are fresh and ready to go when you put your makeup on in the morning.
To clean your brushes effectively, follow these steps:
- Gather all of your supplies. You will need your brushes, cleanser, a cleansing mat (optional), and drying rack or towel. There are special brush cleansers on the market; however a gentle tear-free baby shampoo or face wash will work also. Make sure to avoid using laundry detergent, dish soap, or bar soap. They will leave residue behind and are much too harsh to use on the delicate bristles.
- If you have a cleansing mat, place it in the bathroom sink and squirt some of the cleanser on it.
- Holding brush bristles-down, run it under warm water to loosen any makeup on the bristles.
- Gently rub the bristles in a clockwise motion on the bumps of the cleansing mat. This will allow the cleanser to get worked into the bristles. Gently work your fingers through the bristles to remove any stubborn makeup, paying special attention to the base of the bristles.
- Rinse the brush until the water runs clear and bristles look clean.
- Place the washed brush bristles-down in a drying rack or lay them flat on a towel to air dry. Make sure to never dry brushes with the bristles pointing upward because water will collect near the base and weaken the glue.
- If you notice bristles falling out of any of the brushes, throw it out and replace it.
There are some really cool products on the market in addition to the ones we shared above so if you get a chance, check them out! How often do you clean your brushes? Do you think you’ll be cleaning them more now that you know how bad dirty ones are for your skin? Leave us a comment below and let us know!