A Guide Towards Taking Care Of Your Makeup Brushes

Do you feel pained at the thought of cleaning your makeup brushes? Well, let’s agree that it can get the better of you. While using makeup comes naturally. But, facelifting the used brushes is the last thing we keep on our list of to-do things.

Sometimes we land up blaming our skin for the way it shows up despite all the care taken. But the truth is that makeup brushes get caked more than your skin. Layers of foundation, compact skin oils, dead skin attract bacteria. And not cleaning your makeup brushes can damage your skin rather than do any good. If you spot rashes or sudden breakouts on your skin, it is quite likely caused by those dirty brushes. Did you know that your unclean makeup brush is strong enough to give you a staph infection?

So, do you wish to continue exposing your skin to grime and acne-causing bacteria? I assume your answer to that is a ‘no’. If you love spending time decking up, sure, you can spend a few minutes cleaning your makeup gear. Well, then, here are a few simple things you can do to maintain the health of your vanity brushes.

Are you still thinking why I am emphasizing so much on cleaning the brushes right?

Of course, your brush is a breeding ground for germs that can cause you unwanted skin conditions. It is best to end them asap to maintain the cleanliness. Here’s why cleaning your makeup brush is imperative.

Harmful For Skin

Thanks to the residual makeup flakes in its bristles. A dirty brush doesn’t take long to become hard and lose its flexibility. Rubbing these brushes against your face to apply makeup can cause redness. But, using a clean brush render a luxurious feel.

Makeup Issues

Dirty brushes can make it challenging to achieve the desired makeover. Soft brushes help in blending colours to achieve that perfect look. But, you may end up applying the wrong colours as your brush could hold makeup from last use. The smooth application of makeup offers an unblemished look. It can get quite challenging to achieve that without a sparkling clean, fresh brush.

Risk Of Contamination

If you aren’t willing to contaminate your makeup, better wash it up! When an unclean brush is dipped into your favourite eyeshadow or blush. The bacterias may transfer to the makeup products as well. With a habitable base, bacteria are likely to grow faster and break it down.

Makeup brushes are an investment, and it is in their best interest that you keep them clean. Maintaining your vanity brushes won’t lead to early shedding or losing shape.

Get Your Tools Ready.

Now that you’ve decided to wash your makeup brush let’s see what you need to prep for it.

Not to mention, one of the simplest things you can do is to hold those brushes under running water for a few seconds. While this won’t guarantee deep cleaning, at least it will rinse the chemical out of your brushes. Or, you can use makeup products that can ease your task and ascertain thorough cleaning. Here are a few things you can keep handy.

A Makeup Brush Cleanser

If you consider a soap, shampoo or face wash to clean your vanity brushes, quit the idea! That’s because all these products can damage the strands of your makeup brush. Instead, you can get hold of a formulated cleaner for the purpose. Also, make sure you buy quality durable brushes and allow you to enjoy a flawless make experience. Top-rated sites design special brushes that can give you the exact look and feel you are looking for. It is important to clean every part of your makeup brush after use. Also, remember that moisture left on your brush can breed germs.

That said, it doesn’t mean that you can’t create your DIY cleanser. To clean the makeup brushes at home, you can always opt for mild shampoos. Make sure it is free of parabens, sulphates, and other ingredients of concern.

Once you’ve washed your brushes, you can reshape them by running your fingers through them. Avoid using your hairdryer as the heat can ruin the texture of your brush. Dab the wet brush on a towel placed on a flat surface and air dry it. Drying them on a flat surface will help keep their shape. Make sure not to leave them in a damp area. Keep them beside a window for quick and natural drying.

Cleaning Pads

If you don’t have enough time to spend scrubbing your brushes, look for a cleaning mat. Trust me, these work like magic! Neither do you have to wet your hands in rinsing the brushes nor wait for them to dry out? That way, you’ll save on time and effort. The cleaning pads are designed for easy rolling of the brush so they leave all the collected cake on the pad.

Brushes used for waxy gels and glosses may need an alcohol-based cleaner to break down the grease in them. Do you use lash combs, curlers and tweezers? Don’t neglect these tools, as they too need to be cleaned or wiped down.

Frequency Of Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

The frequency of cleaning makeup brushes has nothing to do with your frequency of using them. Whether you use them once a month or every day. The brushes remain saturated with makeup creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. Although tossing your prized brushes now and then may not be an option.

you can consider cleaning them at a regular frequency for best results.

I prefer cleaning my foundation and concealer brushes every week. Brushes used for dry products such as bronzers, powders and blush can be cleaned once a week. If you are using brushes to highlight the eyes, wash them after every 2-3 uses. It includes brushes used for gel liners, lipsticks, gloss, etc.

When Should You Replace Brushes?

Even the best quality brushes have a shelf-life, but regular upkeep can enhance them. You can choose synthetic brushes as they may last longer than natural ones. Regardless of the brush type you select, it is likely to decline with time. If you see the softness and fluff of your brush going, you might need to replace it.

Is it time to discard your brushes already? Not sure? Well, look for these signs before flinging them outright.

Looks Discoloured:

If your brush looks discoloured even after washing it, it’s time to let it go!

Shedding Much:

Finding one or two bristles once in a while isn’t unusual, although high-quality brushes may not shed at all. But, if you spot unusual shedding. You know that they won’t do you any good instead leave tiny hair all over your face making it difficult to remove.

Whiff It:

Sounds strange, right?

But it’s important to check if your brush gives out a funky smell that is hard to wash. If so, this could be a sign of bacterial infestation.

It isn’t a bad idea to restock every season!