Dangers of Dirty Makeup Brushes!

Just because you’re the only one using your makeup brushes doesn’t mean you don’t ever have to clean them! Cleansing your makeup brushes should be part of your regular makeup routine!

It’s recommended to wash your makeup brushes every two weeks to ensure your brushes remain hygienic. By maintaining clean brushes, you can prevent the spread of bacteria that could pose grave danger to your health.

Dangers of Dirty Makeup Brushes!

1. Clogged Pores and Acne Breakouts
   The warm, moist environment of your grimy makeup brushes is the perfect bacteria breeding playground! One stroke of that brush onto your face, and you’re transferring thousands of those little critters onto your skin! Bacteria, plus dirt & oil, and you’ve got yourself the perfect recipe for clogged pores and acne breakouts! No thank you!
2. Skin Irritation
   The accumulation of filth and buildup of old makeup residue on your brushes will cause the bristles to harden and get stiff. If you have sensitive skin, your skin can get irritated from the rough bristles. Your skin can also start to get red and inflamed.
3. Pink Eye
   Pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be spread by sharing makeup brushes with your girlfriends. Although it’s not a life-threatening infection, it’s probably one you’d like to avoid when possible.
4. Staph Infection
   A staph (staphylococcus) infection on the other hand, can be a life threatening one if it gets out of control! When left untreated, a staph infection can infect the blood and organs and become deadly! Staph bacteria are often found on dirty makeup brushes, so it’s important to cleanse your brushes thoroughly to prevent the spread of these potentially lethal organisms.
5. Muddy-Looking Makeup
   Aside from contracting nasty skin infections and diseases, dirty makeup brushes prevent you from getting the best application. Dark makeup residue can streak lighter shades of makeup and alter their color. There’s nothing worse than trying to obtain that clean, precise cut-crease with a dirty brush!

    

   Not to mention, brushes caked with old makeup can make it a nightmare to try and blend out your makeup smoothly!

6. Damaged Brushes
   It’s a simple fact: dirty brushes deteriorate more quickly!
   You spend your hard-earned dollars buying fancy brushes to add to your makeup brush collection. Now it’s time you protect that investment!

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

While this is not rocket science, there are a few steps to ensure the proper care for your makeup brushes.

Here’s a little crash course on makeup brush anatomy!
There are 3 parts to a brush: the bristles, the handle, and the ferrule (metal piece that holds everything together).

Now that you know the components of your makeup brushes, let’s carry on with the steps to cleaning them well!

Step 1
Mix 2 parts antibacterial soap with 1 part olive oil.

Step 2
Wet the brush tip in lukewarm water. Keep the brush bristles facing downwards throughout this entire process as you want to avoid water from trickling into the ferrule. Water will loosen up the glue and the bristles may start falling out.

Step 3
Dip the bristles into the soapy mixture, avoiding contact with the ferrule. Work the mixture into the brush bristles using the palm of your hand.

Step 4
Rinse the brush in lukewarm water until no soapy residue remains and the water from the bristles runs clear.

Step 5
Let the brushes air dry on a clean towel. Try to lay the make-up brushes at an angle with the bristles facing downward so as to keep moisture away from the ferrule.