How to clean your makeup brushes

Are you guilty of constantly using your makeup brushes without washing them? Then this article is meant for you to read through. When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? Exactly! “Dirty bristles attract dust, dirt, and sebum, which can transfer from your brush onto your skin leading to breakouts,” says Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, an associate clinical professor at the department of dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center, in Washington, D.C. “Plus, bacteria including staph and E. coli, along with viruses like the cold sore virus, can live on bristles for a long time.” Dirty bristles can also make it difficult to blend makeup, leaving you with an uneven, patchy application, while abrasive, dried-up makeup left on the bristles can cause scratching and skin irritation. Enough said? It’s time to brush up on the best ways to keep your bristles clean.

Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly is important. Not only will get rid it of acne-causing bacteria, but it will also prevent your makeup colours from getting mixed up. Below are ways in which you should clean your makeup brushes without damaging them. But Before You Wash, Know What Your Bristles Are Made Of: There are two types of bristles: natural haired, which are used mostly on dry products like powders and pigments; and synthetic, best used on wet products like foundations, concealers, and lipsticks. “Moist products need to be applied with a synthetic brush as oils and waxes will cause the cuticle on a natural bristle to swell and expand, making application difficult,” says New York City-based makeup artist Alison Raffaele Tatem.

Run your haired bristles of the brushes under lukewarm water. Avoid getting water underneath the metal clasp of the handle as this will ruin the glue that holds the bristles together. Keep running the water through the brushes until you have rinsed away most 

of the old makeup.

Make sure the brushes are angled downward into the stream of water. If water gets under the metal clasp of the handle, it may damage the brushes. Don't use hot water, as the heat may damage the bristles. Rather use lukewarm water.

The next step is to fill a small bowl or cup with some water. Again you must not use hot water, use lukewarm that will not damage the bristles. Add some baby shampoo to the water. Add 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo into the cup and stir gently to mix well. Dip the brush into the mixture and swirl. Only the bottom half of your brushes' bristles should be swirled in the mixture to avoid water travelling up the handle.

Remove the brush from the mixture. Loosen up the makeup and dirt by gently massaging the soapy water into the bristles with your fingers. Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water. Continue to massage the bristles while running them under the water until it runs completely clear. Avoid getting the handle wet.

Pat the bristles dry. Use a towel to gently remove some of the moisture. Fold it around the wet bristles and gently squeeze it with your fingers.

Reshape the bristles. If the bristles became crooked, you will need to reshape them. Use your fingers to straighten, spread, and pull the bristles back into their original shape. Let the brushes dry. Do not lay them on a towel—this can cause mildew. Instead, set the brush down on a counter, with the bristle part hanging over the edge

Fluff the bristles. When the brushes are completely dry, fluff the bristles a bit. Your brushes are now ready to use.

Keep Brushes Covered When Not in Use: “Store your brushes in a closed container to prevent pollutants like dust and dirt from landing on the bristles  which will eventually end up on your skin.

By Pupwaya Timothy Dibal