By: Soraya Janae
Do you clean your makeup brushes? There is only one answer to that question…YES! You better wash your makeup brushes. But the question is why and when?
Do you ever get breakouts on your face? Sometimes it isn’t always the makeup product that is at blame. It could be that foundation brush that is collecting bacteria, spreading germs on your face making “pimple city”.
You should clean your makeup brushes regularly. To determine how regularly, is based on the products you use and the storage of your makeup brushes.
If you use liquid foundation on your brushes, then wash them twice a week. If you don’t wear makeup daily, then you might be able to go without washing your brushes for 3-4 weeks.
Eyeshadow brushes should be washed once a week, because of all the buildup of eyeshadows, concealers, etc., you don’t want all that gunk on your eyeballs.
If you do not take care of your makeup brushes you can face these issues.
Acne
Even though you may be applying makeup to a clean face, dead skin cells, oil, and dust can collect on your brushes. Acne is caused by dead skin cells, excess oil, and debris clogging pores, so it’s the perfect recipe for a series of breakouts. (Thank you WebMD)
Germs
If you’re a germaphobe about your hands, then why not your face? When you dip your dirty brush in your expensive makeup, you have just transferred all those germs right into your makeup. Basic biology has taught us that germs love moisture; so if it’s a wet makeup product, it’s a breeding ground for bacteria.
Allergies
Think about this: If you have been using the same foundation for years, you can’t just be allergic to it all of a sudden, before you blame the product check your brushes. Pet hair and other allergens can get into a dirty brush, which puts the allergens all over your face.
Pigmentation
Dirty brushes mean that your eyeshadows will be an icky mess because they are all mixed together. You could also contaminate your products by introducing colors from different products into them.
Price
As for makeup wearers, we know that this stuff ain’t cheap! Clean makeup brushes last longer!
If you don’t keep your brushes clean, they collect bacteria, dirt, and dust. End of story, so do your face a solid and give your makeup brushes a bath!
So now that I have scared all of you into wanting clean makeup brushes, your question is how? Well, I do not advise that you go buy expensive makeup brush cleaner.
I will share with you two of my favorite recipes that I use myself to clean my brushes and the best part it will cost you less than a $2.00 for each batch of solution!
Daily Brush Cleaner
You will need:
- One spray bottle
- Distilled Water
- Alcohol
- (Optional) Witch Hazel or Rose Petal (Witch hazel is a good natural astringent; Rose petal is a gentle toner with moisturizing properties.)
Steps:
- Fill half of the bottle with alcohol. Add a quarter of distilled water. Add a quarter of witch hazel or rose petal. Shake bottle.
- Spray your brushes(don’t soak) with this cleanser and wipe with terry cloth(towel) until the stain from the bristles disappears.
- Lay flat on a clean towel or surface to dry.
Deep Cleaner
You will need:
- Some type of oil:( Olive, Jojoba, Avocado, etc.)
- Distilled Water
- Dishwashing Liquid
Steps:
- Mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the oil
- Dip the brush in the solution and swirl around in the palm of your hand, or on your brush board/Silicone glove(DIY brush board).
- Rinse out with warm water until squeaky clean.
- Lay brushes out tilting the bristles in a downward position.
- Wait for 6-8 hours, overnight or until completely dry before use.
xoxo,