Makeup brushes are one of the absolute needs that would make your flawless makeup application perfect. However, neglecting cleaning them in due time would cause those unwanted breakouts and skin problems. Dirty brushes contain bacteria, oil, and any remaining makeup in them that would clog up pores, irritate your skin, and even worse your current condition like acne or eczema. Dirty brushes are actually compromising your health as well as the quality of the application of your makeup. Residues from the previously used products mingle with the newly applied ones, and this would give your skin a not-so-ideal finish, patchy and unevenly spread. Cleaning your brushes must be one of the non-negotiables in any beauty routine: healthy skin and flawless look cannot be achieved if this isn't followed. Here is the step-by-step process of cleaning makeup brushes properly so that outbreaks stay away.
Why You Should Clean Makeup Brushes
There are
a number of reasons you need to clean your makeup brushes, far beyond keeping
your bathroom spick-and-span. Here are some of the primary reasons:
- Prevent
Breakouts on Your Skin:
Grime and oils from a dirty brush are transferred on to your skin causing
breakout acne, among all kinds of other different problems to the skin.
- Makes
Makeup Application Even:
You will get great results with an even application if your brushes are clean.
- Extensions
of Brush Lifespan:
The bristles will remain healthy, if you clean your brushes, and thus their
lifespan is extended.
- Avoid
Allergic Reactions:
Debris and all the old makeup can irritate your skin especially to sensitive
types of skin.
- Product
Build-up: This
dirt from the old makeup combines with the new ones, so they act differently.
How Often Do You Clean Makeup Brushes?
It would
depend on the kind of brush:
- Foundation
and Concealer Brushes:
These you wash once a week since they retain much product.
- Eyeshadow
Brushes: Clean
every 1-2 weeks especially if you have bright or dark shades of colours.
- Powder
Brushes: You can
clean them in a period of every 2-3 weeks; this is because they are used with
dry products all the time.
- Lip
and Eyeliner Brushes:
Clean up each application to avoid bacterial growth.
Supplies You Need for Cleaning Makeup Brushes
Before the
cleaning process, it is important to have those materials with you. Some of
which are:
- Gentle
Cleanser: Baby
shampoo, brush cleanser, or a gentle face wash
- Lukewarm
Water: You should
never use hot water as it will burn the bristles
- Silicone
Brush Cleaning Mat:
This is an optional but very essential material in its effectiveness.
- Clean
Towel: Dry your
brushes after washing.
- Small
Bowl: - To mix the
detergent with water.
- Rubbing
alcohol: use as a
disinfectant on brushes in liquid-based products.
Clean your brushes following these steps:
1. Wet the Bristles
·
Dip
your brush underwater, under running lukewarm tap water, so the bristle side is
down. Do not let the water get into the handle because it will loosen the
adhesive glue holding the bristles onto the handle.
2. Add Cleanser
- Drop
of your favourite cleanser on your palm or cleaning mat.
- Damp
swishes the brush about in the cleanser creating a lather.
3. Massage Through the Bristles
·
Massage
bristles between your fingers or on a textured cleaning mat to remove all
remaining makeup.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
·
Cleanse
Under Running Lukewarm Water Wash your brush under running lukewarm water until
the running water is clear and soap free.
5. Squeeze Out Access Water
·
Gently
squeeze the bristles to squeeze out the excess water without pulling or
jerking.
6. Reshape and Let Air Dry
·
Shape
the bristles and lay the brush flat on a clean towel. Do not let them dry
upright because water will drip down into the handle.
·
Let
them dry properly before use.
Pro Tips on Keeping Clean Brushes
- Brush
Cleaner between Cleanings:
There is a quick cleaning spray or wipe designed for daily maintenance.
- Buy
a Drying Rack:
This helps in the uniform drying of the brush and keeps the water out of the
handle.
- Deep
Cleaning Monthly:
It is very important that cream or liquid product brushes be deep cleaned every
month.
- Avoid
Harsh Chemicals:
Deep cleaning has to be always done with the mild cleaners. The reason being
harsh chemicals tend to damage the bristles.
How To Stop Breakouts from Dirtied Brushes
Half of
the deal is the cleaning of the brushes. In order to totally stop breakouts,
use the additional points below.
1. Always wash your hands before applying makeup.
Bacteria
on your hand will transfer to your brush and face. Start with clean hands.
2. Take Care of Your Brushes
Keep your
brushes in a clean, dry place. Never let them get dusty or sit in a moist area
like the bathroom.
3. Change Old Brushes
The
quality of brushes reduces with the passage of years. Change them after 1-2
years, or as they wear out.
4. Do Not Share Brushes
Sharing of
the brushes can bring about the sharing of bacteria, oil, and even
conjunctivitis infection.
5. Quality Brushes
Buy
brushes with synthetic bristles because they do not absorb water and are easy
to clean as compared to one made of natural bristles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Brush Cleaning
- Using
Hot Water: This
would loosen the adhesives attached to the brush bristles
- Not
Drying Brush Properly;
this is after cleaning. Drying upright allows water penetrating into the
handles, which makes them damaged easily.
- Over
Application of Cleanser in Brush: Too
much cleanser stuck in the brushes is very tough to remove it and can badly
damage the brushes.
- Not
Often Cleaning Brushes:
Sometimes, the failure to clean brushes creates breakouts and shortens the life
period of your brush.
Do not use house cleaners and chemicals that may have an effect on the skin.
Benefits
of Brush Cleaning Regular
- Health
Skin: Probability
of breakout decreased and less redness
- Good
Makeup Performance:
Liquid application of make up and true pigmentation
- Saves
your Money: Longer
life of your brushes and save your money in long term
- Professional
look: Cleaning
brushes ensure every time
Conclusion
It is so
boring working by cleaning up the makeup brushes, but indeed it takes all this
for taking proper care of skin and makeup as well. Well, if you don't care
about it then there occur bacterial build-up that leads to pores and even
shortens the life of your brushes so you maintain your brushes very well and
keep the opportunities for breakouts and redness and irritation at bay too. You
know your makeup products are doing their jobs - for a smooth, even application
each time. Add regular brush cleaning to your beauty regimen, and your skin and
makeup results will thank you!
