Here is why – and how – you should be cleaning your make-up brushes

Make-up brushes and beauty blenders both can harbour tons of bacteria that can cause your skin to break out in pimples, as well as become oilier or drier than normal. This is why it is important to clean your make-up brushes at least once a week.

Health risks of dirty make-up brushes

There are risks attached to having dirty make-up brushes. Not only do they clog up and are less effective as beauty tools, they also may harbour bacteria which could be harmful for your skin.

• Failing to clean your brushes may result in facial skin breakouts of pimples and spots.
• Dirty makeup brushes can lead to staph infection, more so if you are sharing your brushes with others.
• Dirty brushes can indirectly lead to premature aging through the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your skin, caused by oxidative stress.
• When you fail to clean your make-up brushes you also may risk getting pink-eye, an eye infection.

How to clean your makeup brushes

The first step in cleaning your make-up brushes is determining whether the bristles are made of synthetic or natural fibres to prevent damage when cleaning.

Synthetic brushes are easier to clean as they are slick and not as soft as natural brushes which usually are made from animal hair.

• For a light cleanse: Use an everyday cleanser to clean your make-up brushes by applying it to your brush and rubbing it gently against a clean cloth until clean, and leave it out to dry.
• For a deep cleanse: Fill a bowl with warm water, add a few drops of baby shampoo and mix until it is soapy. Swirl the bristles of your brush in the water for a few minutes before tapping the excess water out of the brush and wiping it on a clean cloth until clean. Lay your brushes out to dry with the fibres lying over the edge of your table or counter top to keep the moisture from damaging the base of the brush. This also helps to maintain the original shape of the brush.
• To clean your beauty blender: Saturate it with water and add some shampoo. Wash your blender gently under running water until it is clear then squeeze excess water out of the blender and allow it to air dry.

When you clean your make-up brushes regularly you protect your skin from irritation, clogged pores and acne.

Clean brushes also promote healthier, long-lasting brushes and better make-up application.