We are always hearing talk about the importance of good skin care and hygiene but not many take brush cleanliness into consideration when discussing skin health. Bacterial growth in makeup brushes and cosmetics is very real and can be damaging, not to your expensive brushes but to the delicate skin on your face.
Any beauty guru or makeup enthusiast knows that brush cleanliness is one of the most important aspects of makeup application. Build up, germ transfer and cross contamination are all a recipe for a skin disaster.
Some let this task go by without giving it a second thought not realizing the effect it can have on their tools and overall skin health.
Acne Prevention
Over time, liquid and powder products have the tendency to cling to clean brush bristles. Not only do brushes produce buildup from products but can also grab onto bacteria and germs that are present on your face. It’s like a never-ending vicious circle of picking up germs, dirt and oil and spreading them from face to product and back again. This not only leads to product buildup but creates bacterial growth in your makeup products as well. This recipe for a skin disaster can lead to clogged pores, skin irritation and create a fresh crop of acne on your skin.
Maintain Smooth Brush Texture
When we don’t wash our brushes, which can cost a pricey penny, we neglect the texture and integrity of the brush and its purpose. The bristle texture has everything to do with how a product is applied to the face and the end result. The buildup of bacteria on makeup brushes can cause bristles to become dry and rough, leading to skin irritation and increased skin sensitivity. Not to mention this can be incredibly uncomfortable and harmful to the texture and appearance of our skin. In the long run, we end up damaging the protective outer layers and lose our natural radiance, resulting in dull, irritated skin
Avoid Lurking Germs & Possible Diseases
Just like the vicious circle of bacterial growth in makeup brushes can interfere with the application, it can also be a real cause for concern when more serious health issues. Herpes and pink eye are among some of the most common bacterial infections, especially when used in delicate areas like the mouth and eyes. Although treatable, no one wants to have to deal with the burden of ointments, sunglasses or scarves to disguise the telltale signs of bacterial growth in makeup.
Longer Brush Life
Just like anything else in this world, the more you take care of your brushes, the longer they will last you. The longer you wait to clean your brushes, the more difficult it becomes to cleanse and remove the gummy-like texture from those delicate bristles.
Mixing Colors, Products & Textures
Not only is makeup cleanliness important to maintain proper skin and brush health, but it also helps with the color payoff. No one wants their makeup to appear muddy, blotchy or steaked which is why it’s important to make sure that your color payoff is topnotch. Additionally, it’s always advised to avoid cross-texture dipping, as in going from a powder to a liquid and vice-versa. This leads to quicker buildup and uneven application.
Can Contaminate Makeup Product
Not many people pay attention to where their brushes or makeup products sit, especially when they’re out in the open. Brushes can become contaminated by whatever germs are in the air or surrounding area and the same can be said for your products that are left open. This all circles back to the vicious cycle we mentioned earlier, bacteria in makeup transfers to your brushes which is then transferred to your face.
