So many people use the same foundation brush for months or years and NEVER wash it. A few of my friends have been complaining about how annoyingly spotty their skin is. When I asked about the last time they washed their make-up brushes, they looked at me blankly.
Sorry to add to the list of things that you have to wash (clothes, bottles, babies – the list is endless) but cleaning your makeup brushes is one of those mundane tasks that we must all carry out. Each time that you use your brushes, bits of makeup, oil, dirt, and even bacteria can get trapped in the bristles which fester in the brush after use. The next time you go to use it, the same thing happens, except the bacteria that has festered from the time before is now ALSO on your skin. So while it might seem basic, skipping this step can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Luckily, cleaning your makeup brushes is quick and easy. One way is to use a daily brush cleaner, spritzing it on your brushes after each use ( I like Clinique Make-Up Brush Cleansing Spray) but because our mornings are manic enough, once a fortnight (or a week if you’re being good but realistically, who has time?!) give them a deep clean. There are specially formulated brush shampoos on the market (like Bobbi Brown Conditioning Brush Cleaner) but a gentle baby shampoo will do the trick just fine – and as we all have some of that lining our bathroom – there’s no excuses!
SIX STEPS TO A CLEAN SWEEP:
Begin by dampening the brush slightly with lukewarm water. Try to focus on the actual bristles while avoiding the part of the brush where handle meets the head, as this can loosen the glue over time.Add a squirt of your brush cleanser of choice to the tip of the brush.Gently swirl the brush head around the palm of your hand to work up a lather and work make-up out from the bristles.Rinse the brush tip under running water once again. Repeat steps two and three until the water runs clear from the brush,Squeeze excess water from the brush then use a towel to wipe your brush clean, reshaping the bristles as you go.Lay your brushes flat on a small towel to dry. Your brushes will need a few hours to dry after a deep cleaning, so I’d recommend washing them in the evening and leaving them to dry overnight.
BEFORE AND AFTER!
PS: It’s also worth noting that makeup brushes can be expensive so learning how to properly clean them is one of the best ways to protect your investment.
