Because Let’s Face It, No One Wants a Face Full of Germs (Or Glitter)
Makeup brushes are essential tools for achieving a flawless makeup application. They help to blend, contour, and apply products precisely, but they can also harbor bacteria and dirt if not properly cleaned.
Keeping your makeup brushes clean is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your makeup products, preventing breakouts, and maintaining good skin hygiene–with the right tools and techniques, keeping your makeup brushes clean and hygienic is easy, ensuring a flawless application every time.
Here are some tips on how to keep your makeup brushes clean:
- Wash your brushes regularly: Use a mild cleanser or shampoo to wash your brushes at least once a week. This helps to remove any makeup residue and prevent bacteria buildup.
- Use warm water: Rinse your brushes thoroughly to ensure that all the soap or cleanser has been removed.
- Dry your brushes properly: After washing them, gently squeeze out the excess water and lay them flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid standing them upright to dry, as water can seep into the brush ferrule and loosen the glue that holds the bristles in place.
- Store your brushes properly: Store your brushes in a dry and ventilated area to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. You can also use a brush holder or roll in organizing your brushes.
- Use a brush cleaner: Between washes, you can use a brush cleaner to remove any makeup residue from your brushes quickly. This helps to keep them clean and hygienic.
- Replace old brushes: If they are shedding or have become misshapen, it’s time to replace them. Old brushes can harbor bacteria and affect your makeup’s application.
TIP: The best thing to clean makeup brushes with is a mild soap or brush cleanser specifically designed for cleaning makeup brushes. You can find these products at most beauty supply stores or online. Some popular options include brush shampoos, liquid cleaners, and solid brush soaps.
When cleaning your brushes, use lukewarm water and gently swirl the bristles in the soap or cleanser until all the makeup residue is removed. Then rinse the brush thoroughly and gently squeeze out any excess water. Avoid using hot water, as this can damage the bristles and cause them to shed. It’s also important to avoid using harsh detergents or bleach, as these can damage the brushes and irritate the skin.
Did you know?
Makeup brush cleanliness is important because dirty makeup brushes can affect the quality and performance of your makeup products. When makeup products are applied with dirty brushes, the buildup of old makeup, oil, and bacteria can mix with the fresh product, altering its texture, pigmentation, and overall quality.
This can lead to patchy or uneven application and may cause your makeup to oxidize or change color. So, keeping your makeup brushes clean ensures good skin hygiene and helps maintain the quality and performance of your makeup products.
A little history:
Using makeup brushes can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, where women used brushes made from reeds and other natural materials to apply makeup. In China, makeup brushes were made from animal hair and bamboo and were highly valued as luxury items.
During the Renaissance period in Europe, makeup brushes were made from squirrel hair and were used by wealthy women to apply cosmetics.
In the 1900s, makeup brushes became more widely available and affordable with the rise of the cosmetics industry. Synthetic brushes made from nylon or other materials were developed, providing a more cost-effective and cruelty-free alternative to natural hair brushes.
Makeup brushes also became more specialized, designed for specific applications such as foundation, blush, and eyeshadow.
Makeup brushes are an essential tool for achieving a flawless makeup application, and the market for makeup brushes has grown significantly in recent years. With advances in technology and new materials, makeup brushes are now available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials, catering to the needs and preferences of makeup artists and enthusiasts alike.
