Have you ever had a breakout that just won’t go away? You try everything – cleansers, spot treatments, facials, you name it, but it just keeps on coming back. We’ve got news for you: your makeup brushes might be the culprit! Although the internet dictates that washing your brushes every 3 months is enough, expert dermatologists say that you should be washing them once a week. Minimum. 

 

Why so often, you ask? There are actually a few reasons: first, most makeup application tools are porous, or absorbent to liquid, using dirty brushes will actually make application and blending more difficult. More importantly, however, is the fact that using dirty makeup brushes harms your skin. The more you use your brushes, the more bacteria, dirt, and oils they pick up. If you don’t wash them fairly frequently, that bacteria goes right into your skin. The result? A breakout. Clean makeup brushes lead to an all-around better application, and better skin!

 

Lucky for you, cleaning your makeup brushes is something that can be done quickly and easily from your bathroom sink. All you really need are warm water and a gentle soap. There are cleansers that can be used specifically for your brushes. The Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner comes highly recommended by professionals. The Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleanser is a great rinse-free option (it’s quick-drying, and 99.99% antimicrobial disinfectant), and this Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel is an easy drugstore find. If none of the above suit you, you can use a gentle dish or hand soap!

 

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

  1. Wet your brush.
  2. Place a drop of your cleanser of choice in your hand.
  3. Begin to swirl the brush around in your palm, using the friction to scrub away the dirt.
  4. Rinse out the bristles, and gently squeeze any excess product out.
  5. Repeat as needed until the water runs clean.
  6. Squeeze out the moisture with a towel, then use your fingers to re-shape the bristles. Let your brush dry with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter so that it dries in the correct shape.

 

An important reminder: the bristles are glued to the base of the brush, so too much moisture on that part can dislodge the glue overtime, causing your bristles to fall out. Try to only let the bristles get wet and likewise, don’t pull on them while you’re washing them. 

 

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. If your makeup brushes are shedding profusely, losing their shape, or are so caked with makeup that nothing seems to work anymore, it’s probably time to throw those babies away. With that being said, taking good care of your makeup tools prolongs their life significantly, so try to keep up with the cleaning process! Whatever you do, avoid using dirty brushes on your face. Your brushes, and your skin, will thank you!