Cosmetics are a woman’s art tools, and her face is the canvas. You wouldn’t paint a picture on fresh canvas with a dirty brush, so why would you put makeup on with a dirty brush? Think about it. When was the last time you cleaned your brushes? Your brushes are essentially a petrie dish for dust, oil and bacteria causing all kinds of skin irritation and even breakouts. Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to clean your brushes. Here are some tips for cleaning your brushes easily and make them last longer.
There are many solutions for brush cleaning but all you really need is a gentle shampoo such as Johnson and Johnson for kids. You can also use organic apple cider vinegar as a separate step after washing. Both keep your brushes smelling fresh and clean.
As you wash your brush, make sure you keep the bristles pointed downward so that the water runs along the direction of the brush. When water gets into the base of your brush, it loosens the glue over time and can cause the bristles to fall out prematurely. Gently rub in a downward motion to wash the brush, squeezing every so often to make sure the soap gets fully into the brush.
For more oily or thicker makeup like foundation or concealer, you may want to do a second round of washing until the brushes run clean. Just be sure to keep the water running downward on the brush. Try not to pull at the fibers or rub upward because you may inadvertently pull out some of the bristles.
Depending on how quickly you need your brushes will depend on which drying method is best for you. Start by squeezing the excess water out of the brushes until you can’t get any more water out of them. Pat the brushes dry with a towel and then lay them flat. It can take up to two days for them to dry depending on temperature and humidity. Try not to leave them in the bathroom to dry because it will take longer.
You can also dry them on a radiator or warm spot in your home. Do not leave them in the sun because the wood or paint on your brush can fade or chip. If you are in a real pickle and need them right away, use a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting. It will only take a few minutes to dry them but make sure the air isn’t too hot because it can dry out and crack the brush.
It is best to clean your brushes at least once per month but if you apply makeup daily, you may want to consider washing them once a week. You can also disinfect them daily, especially if you start to breakout for any reason. Try using Cherly Lee MD’s TrueLipids Hydrate, Correct and Perfect Lotion which will help decrease the amount of oil your face produces until the breakout resolves itself.
Having those perfect makeup days are such confidence boosters and you can have more of them with cleaner brushes and clearer skin.