Makeup brushes: learn how to clean them at home

Faced with a busy routine, people often makeup brushes are not properly sanitized. In addition to affecting the finish and harmony of production, excess cosmetics on items can also negatively affect the skin.

To CNN, Katia Araujo national artist at MAC Cosmetics Brazil, says that when it comes to self-makeup, the strictness of cleaning is a little more flexible, since the brushes, most of the time, only touch one face.

However, it is important to understand that these items can be a “large colony” of fungi and bacteria, even if they are used by just one person. “Our skin carries impurities and this repeated and unhygienic dynamic of ‘touching the skin’ and ‘touching the product’ can harm the health of the skin,” he explains. Therefore, washing them periodically is essential.

How often do I need to clean it?

According to the professional, it is ideal that personal use brushes are washed weekly especially those used as foundation, concealer or with creamy and liquid products.

“Humidity significantly increases the proliferation of bacteria, and brushes like foundation brushes, which touch the skin, come into greater contact with sweat and oil. Eyeshadow brushes can be washed every 10 days, but be aware that this is an estimate. If you use a brush and gel to line your eyes, for example, you should ideally use this more frequently,” she emphasizes.

Meanwhile, the blush brush – powder – can have a slightly longer interval, each 10 or 15 days . “However, my recommendation remains the same: wash your brushes weekly,” he adds.

Soap and water? How to clean it correctly?

In the beauty industry, there are several cleaners and soaps made especially to sanitize makeup brushes with disinfectant and antibacterial action.

“Washing them with neutral soap and then spraying or dipping the bristles in 70% isopropyl alcohol, leaving it to act for a few minutes to disinfect and then rinsing, is quite efficient,” he points out.

In fact, there is no great need to leave them soaking. “Ideally, only the bristles should be wet and not the ferrule, thus preventing water from infiltrating and softening the glue that holds them together,” he warns.

What about drying the brushes?

First, you need to remove all excess water with a clean absorbent paper towel. Then, place them horizontally and keep them in a ventilated environment for long enough for everything to dry.

Too much product on your brushes can ruin your makeup.

In addition to momentarily affecting the result of the production, mixing colors and hindering the application, Katia comments that excess dirt can change the shape or density of the bristles.

“A dirty brush can affect the health of your skin due to the accumulation of dead skin cells, bacteria, oil and makeup residue, leading to irritation, redness and flaking, and even inflammation such as acne and folliculitis. It is important to mention that there is also an increased risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis,” he concludes.

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