Dirty Make-Up Brushes Can Cause Nasty Infections – Here’s How To Clean Them
The one thing we tend to forget to do on a regular basis is wash our make-up brushes.
You may not think it’s a big deal but we’re here to let you know that unclean brushes can pose real dangers but you can avoid all of this by spot cleaning or even using household items such as washing up liquid.
Make-up brushes tend to harbour bacteria, oil and dirt if not cleaned on a regular basis this can lead to devastating effects as experienced by Jo Gilchrist last year who was paralysed after she contracted MRSA from sharing a make-up brush with a friend.
So how often should you clean your make-up brushes?
Once a week is the answer, if you want to keep breakouts at bay and to avoid spreading bacteria from your brushes to your face.
This may sound excessive, but it is necessary. Placing a dirty eye shadow brush near your eye can lead to nasty infections and discomfort.
How do I clean my make-up brushes?
There are two ways to clean make-up brushes: spot cleaning and deep cleaning.
Spot cleaning is the easiest way to ensure your brushes are cleaned adequately after each use and are free of bacteria.
It is also a great way of cleaning smaller brushes such as those for eye shadows, in less than two minutes, with minimal fuss and drying time.
Why not try spot cleaning with Trish McEvoy Makeup Brush Cleaner (£13.00), Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Anti-Bacterial Brush Cleaner (£5.00) or MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleanser (£12.00)
Spot cleaning is handy but should not take the place of deep cleaning which should be performed once a week to avoid breakouts and blemishes.
Deep cleaning does take some time especially if you have an extensive brush collection, but again, it IS necessary and can be done using items around your house.
There are various different ways to deep clean including soaps, shampoos and anti-bacterial gels.
To deep clean your make-up brushes using what you can find at home.
1. Take washing up liquid and olive oil.
2. Take a medium sized saucer and fill with equal parts washing up liquid to olive oil.
3. Take your brush and dip it in the solution.
4. Swirl the brush around in the palm of your hand until a lather is created.
5. Repeat the step on all brushes.
6. Rinse brushes well until water runs clear and stains have disappeared.
7. Air dry brushes, preferably upside down.
If you prefer not to use your hands as a washing tool you can buy silicone products that assist in removing embedded make-up in your brushes.
The Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Mat (£25.20) has specially designed textures to remove make-up from your brushes. This niffy invention also fits perfectly into most sinks and is suitable for deep cleaning both eye and face brushes.
How often do you clean your make-up brushes? Let us know @YahooStyleUK
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