How Clean are your Makeup Brushes??

Today I am bringing you a topic that we very easily overlook and forget! While we constantly buy new makeup products and expensive brushes, we never actually take the time out to properly clean our brushes and applicators. Makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, dead skin cells (gross!) and oils. The more you use dirty, makeup saturated brushes - the higher your risk for breakouts, acne, and oily skin. How often should you clean them? AT LEAST once a week if you put makeup on a daily basis. Every two weeks or so if you don't put it regularly. 

How to properly clean your brushes

(Source: www.channel4.com)

1- Spread out a clean towel on your makeup counter

OPTION 1:  Run each brush pointing downwards under lukewarm water, then swirl over an unscented pure white soap like DIAL or DOVE. Rinse the brush in warm water and then gently squeeze out any excess water. Reshape the brush and lay it flat it on the clean towel overnight. REPEAT for all brushes. Make sure not to get the water above the metal shaft or the bristles will fall out. 

OPTION 2: Squeeze some baby shampoo into the palm of your hand and swirl each brush in your palm. I personally like Johnson's Baby Shampoo. When rinsing, make sure to remove all of the shampoo then squeeze out the water and lay flat to dry. To stop the bristles of your big powder brushes from feeling rough, put a small amount of conditioner on your brushes and rinse them then lay them out to dry. This will keep them soft. 

SEPHORA DAILY BRUSH CLEANER (Link)

OPTION 3: A less consuming method is to use a daily brush cleaner that you don't need to rinse out. Spray 3 to 4 sprays on each brush and then squeeze them with a paper towel until all the makeup colour comes out. The brush will be mostly dry and clean so lay it flat on a towel for an hour or so to completely dry. I don't recommend using this method all the time because the brushes end up smelling like dry cleaning detergent and I don't feel they are completely clean. I would alternate between Option 3 and Options 1 or 2. 

To clean the handles of your brushes, put rubbing alcohol onto a cotton and rub each brush handle. This will disinfect them from all bacteria and germs that was on your hands.

Cleaning your brushes will keep your skin blemish-free and significantly prolong the lifespan of your brushes. 

It's time well spent- trust me! :)

 How often do you clean your brushes?