Clean Your Makeup Brushes. Seriously. Here's How.
Streaky foundation and surprise breakouts can start in the brush cup. A ten-minute weekly habit fixes both.
Every time a brush touches your face, it picks up product, oil and dead skin — then deposits a little of all three back next time. Dirty brushes also blend badly, so the "my foundation looks patchy" problem is often a hygiene problem in disguise.
How often?
Foundation and concealer brushes and sponges: once a week. Powder and eyeshadow brushes: every two weeks. Anything used near the eyes when you've had any irritation: after each use until it clears up.
The method
- Wet the bristles only. Point the brush downward under lukewarm water. Keeping water out of the ferrule — the metal part — stops the glue from loosening.
- Lather gently. A drop of mild, fragrance-free cleanser or gentle shampoo in your palm works. Swirl the brush in circles.
- Rinse until clear. Keep going until the water runs completely clean.
- Reshape. Squeeze out excess water with a towel and pinch the bristles back into shape.
- Dry flat or downward. Never upright in a cup — water will seep down into the handle.
Clean tools are the cheapest upgrade in your entire makeup bag.
Don't forget sponges
Makeup sponges hold onto water and product, so wash them after every few uses and squeeze them out thoroughly. Replace them every couple of months, or sooner if they start to tear or smell.
This story is for general information and isn't a substitute for advice from a dermatologist, trichologist or doctor. Patch-test new products, and stop using anything that stings, burns or itches.
