When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? Be honest now… If you’re like most women, chances are you rarely do, if at all. As a makeup artist I cannot tell you how many women I’ve encountered who let me in on this dirty little secret, and frankly, few things could be worse for your skin… Imagine all the bacteria crawling and multiplying! If you use your makeup brushes on a regular basis, they need to be washed weekly. In fact, neglecting to do so can result in unsightly breakouts, or even infections. If the brushes appear filthy then you’ve waited too long. Caring for them isn’t complicated, and there is a wide array of products out there to help you do so.
My personal preference is to use a dish detergent such as Dawn, especially for brushes used to apply cream products such as concealer and lipstick. The Dawn helps to break down the oils like no other. Work the soap through the bristles using warm water. (Water that’s too hot can damage the glue that’s used to hold bristles and thus lead to excess shedding). Repeat this process until the foam is completely white, and lay them flat to dry on a clean absorbent surface. Even better, place them on a windowsill in the sun. Brushes can be sanitized effectively using 99% alcohol or brush cleaner. Also it is advisable to treat your makeup brushes as you would your own hair; condition after every few washings to increase softness and life span.
Spray brush cleaner is a great product we’re seeing more often in this cleanliness-concerned age. Most contain enough alcohol to sanitize and an emollient agent to counteract bristle drying. Simply spray the bristles, and work them back and forth on a paper towel until product residue no longer appears. Keep in mind that brush cleaner is to be used in between washings and not as a replacement.
I obtained my very first set of brushes six years ago, and despite a few chips on the wooden handles which I’ve had to re-paint (I use nail lacquer for this) the bristles are as good as new. If you take care of them well, your makeup brushes can last for 10 years, maybe more. Makeup Forever, Sephora Professional, Sonia Kashuk, Eco Tools, Lancome and MAC all make great brushes that are worth the maintenance.
~ By Katherine Reel