I’m totally guilt of it. You know, waiting a little longer than I should to clean my makeup brushes (though I must say I’ve gotten considerably better at it) or to get new ones all together (this, I still struggle with). It’s so much fun to play with makeup, but if we don’t take care of our brushes, it can cause our skin hell. I make a point to keep multiple brushes that way I can swap out dirty ones for clean ones. But even so, I still don’t change the brushes as often as I know I should. I honestly couldn’t tell you off the top of my head when you should change out your brushes. That’s why I knew I needed to write this post.

I took the interwebs to find some answers on makeup brush etiquette and here is what I discovered:

  1. Concealer and Foundation Brushes need to be cleaned once a week. They build up product the fastest according to Makeup Guru Bobbi Brown.
  2. Brushes that are used around the eyes should take a dip in soap and water at least twice a month.
  3. All other brushes can stand to be cleaned only once a month.

makeup brushes

That’s amazingly simple to remember! Now how do we clean the brush?

According to Bobbi, using a gentle soap and water should do the trick. I personally use face wash, I like the idea of using my acne prevention soap on my brushes. But you can also use baby shampoo or an all-purpose soap like this one from Alaffia. It’s all natural and a great all in one shampoo, body, and hand soap. Be sure to keep soap and water at the base of the brush as the water and soap can cause the bristles to come unglued.

 

Another great option are makeup brush cleansing wipes. These E.L.F. ones are perfect for the job and they are only $3 for 10! Photo: Sephora Brush Cleansing Wipes they no longer carry.

So how do you know when it’s time to replace your brushes?

When the brushes become frayed, start to shed, and are no longer holding their shape, its time to replace them.

makeup brushes

 

 

 

I must say that after going through my pathetic makeup brush collection, I wound up throwing almost all of the brushes away. I’m loving my new Kabuki brush from E.L.F though! And my eyeshadow brush from E.L.F is perfect for blending plus its only $3. I noticed a significant difference in how easily and smooth my foundation went on when using new brushes. The tools you use to do your makeup matter. Take care of them and they will take care of your face!

 

  1. Contouring Brush $6
  2. Eyeshadow Brush $3
  3. Small Contouring Brush $3
  4. Travel Brush Set $15
  5. Kabuki Brush $6
  6. Brush Cleanser

 Take it one step further and learn the proper way to clean your hair brushes here.

Sources: How Clean Are Your Makeup Brushes? – Allure Magazine

 

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