Cleaning makeup brushes - Necessity or Hype…..
With all the new makeup brush cleansers out on the market now, it makes you wonder if it is really a necessity or another way for these companies to make another buck. Reality, IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY (unless you have the means to purchase new brushes consistently)!
Let's look at the obvious. Makeup brushes are suffocated with product buildup. Alongside this visible buildup is an accumulation of dead skin cells, facial oils and bacteria that can wreck havoc to your skin. This pile of grotesque accumulation can clog your pores causing acne flares and scarring, cause your makeup to clump and look patchy no matter how great of makeup and brushes you may have, as well as potentially grow serious fungal and bacterial infections. Albeit, the bacterial and fungal infections are low in likelihood but still very much possible.
Effectively cleanings your brushes has multiple benefits. It extends the life of your brushes and helps them keep their shape. Clean brushes give you better quality of makeup utilization as it keeps the bristles soft giving you a smoother application. Keeping your bristles soft and clean also aids in decreasing the potential of irritating your skin and giving you better overall skin cleanliness and well-being.
Your cleaning regimen should include these do's and do nots:
Do:
Wash your brushes every 7-10 days (once weekly at the very least and twice a week if using cream or Liquid makeup on your brushes
Use lukewarm water wetting your brush at a downward angle
Dab your brush in your choice of cleanser
Swirl your brush in your hand or on a silicone brush mat
Use your fingers to gently work the soap into the bristles
Rinse at a downward angle and making sure to fully rinse all soap from the bristles
Squeeze out excess water (you may use a paper towel to aid this process
Lay your brushes across your sink letting the bristled end hang over the sink to dry
If you have a brush hanger this will be the best alternative for drying. Also, if you have a significant amount of buildup or having difficulty removing product from your brushes add a few drops of olive oil. This will not only aid in removing buildup but help keep your bristles moisturized making them less likely to break.
Don't:
Use hot or boiling water as this may break down the glue that is holding your bristles in place and reduce shedding
Never soak your brushes as this can compromise the glue's integrity as well
Harshly churn your brush as this can cause breakage
Use heated air to dry your brushes unless you have a dryer specifically made for this
Leave your brushes with excessive water after rinsing
It is very important to clean your brushes to keep a hygienic regimen. It is a short process that can be incorporated into a weekly routine such as cleaning your brushes as you use a face mask etc.
There are many products available as cleansing agents for your brushes. Below you will find the links to many I have had the pleasure to try and found very useful. These are not necessary but sure do help to make it easier and faster with great results.
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