Dirty makeup brushes can wreak havoc on the skin. In addition to collecting product residue, dirt and oil, make-up brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria. This can put your complexion at risk – in the form of acne and rashes – as well as your health.
Dirty makeup brushes can irritate your skin and cause an infection, such as yeast infections, E. coli, or a staph infection, the latter of which can be very serious. To protect your skin and kill any harmful bacteria left in your makeup brushes, it's a good idea to wash your brushes every 7 to 10 days.
To clean your makeup brushes, we recommend the following tips:
- Rinse the tips of your brushes under lukewarm, running water to remove any remaining makeup. Rinse only the tip, because submerging the entire brush head will eventually dissolve the glue that connects the brush head to the handle.
- Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a tablespoon of mild shampoo or clarifying shampoo. Using regular soap and water can dry out the hair.
- Swirl each brush tip in the bowl. For a good lather, you can also massage each brush tip into the palm of your hand.
- Rinse the brush tips under running water.
- Continue washing and rinsing each brush until the water runs clear from the brush.
- Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean, dry paper towel.
- Lay your brushes flat to dry on a towel with the tips on the edge of the counter. Do not dry your brushes upright in a container, as this will allow water to run along the brushes, loosening the glue that connects the brush head to the handle.
At a time when skin infections are on the rise, you should never share your makeup brushes with anyone else and wash them often. If you suspect that your makeup is causing acne or other skin irritation, make an appointment with your doctor.
