When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? According to a survey by Cosmetify, 37% of respondents only clean their brushes once every six months, while 26% admitted to never cleaning them. And yet, despite knowing that brushes can cause acne, few of us can say for sure that we clean them as often as we should. It's understandable, as it's a tedious process that we often neglect. What's more, it takes hours for brushes to dry, making the process time-consuming and tedious.
While cleaning them isn't the most exciting process, it's absolutely necessary. The sebum on the skin, combined with makeup and dead skin cells, creates a great breeding ground for bacteria. And as you can imagine, that's not good for our skin.
Dirty makeup brushes can cause redness, clogged pores, and skin irritation. The same goes for sponges, which often harbor even more germs than the brushes themselves.
How often should we clean our brushes?
Depending on the type of brush you use, the frequency of cleaning may vary. Brushes for liquid textures, such as foundation, should be cleaned at least two to three times a week, while powder brushes should only be cleaned once a week. It's also important to store them in a cool, dry place, away from damp areas like the bathroom.
The best method for cleaning makeup brushes
Start by washing your hands, using an antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Wet the bristles of the brush, dip it in a bowl of soap, and rub it well with your fingers to remove as much product as possible.
There are also devices on the market that speed up the cleaning of brushes. A plastic surface with “small teeth” can significantly reduce cleaning time and can be quite effective.
Source: Marie Claire
