To protect your skin and kill any harmful bacteria that lingers in your MAKEUP BRUSHES, it's a good idea to wash your MAKEUP BRUSHES every 7 to 10 days. To clean your MAKEUP BRUSHES, follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists.
Dirty MAKEUP BRUSHES can wreak havoc on the skin. In addition to collecting product residue, dirt, and oil, MAKEUP BRUSHES are a breeding ground for bacteria. This could compromise your complexion — in the form of acne breakouts and rashes — as well as your health. Dirty MAKEUP BRUSHES can cause an infection, such as a fungal infection, E. coli, or a staph infection, which can be very serious.
To protect your skin and kill any harmful bacteria in your MAKEUP BRUSHES, washing your MAKEUP BRUSHES every 7 to 10 days is a good idea.
To clean your MAKEUP BRUSHES, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
Rinse the tips of your MAKEUP BRUSHES under lukewarm, running water to remove residual makeup. Only rinse the tip, as submerging the whole brush head will eventually dissolve the glue that connects the brush head to the handle.
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a tablespoon of either gentle shampoo or clarifying shampoo. Using plain soap and water can dry out the bristles of your MAKEUP BRUSHES.
Swirl each MAKEUP BRUSH tip in the bowl. For a good lather, you can also massage each MAKEUP BRUSH tip in the palm of your hand.
Rinse the MAKEUP BRUSH tips under running water.
Continue shampooing and rinsing each MAKEUP BRUSH until the water runs clear from the brush.
Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean, dry paper towel.
Lay your MAKEUP BRUSHES flat to dry on a towel with the tips hanging off the edge of the counter. Do not dry your MAKEUP BRUSHES upright in a container, as this will cause the water to run down the brushes, loosening the glue that connects the brush head with the handle.
At a time when skin infections are on the rise, never share your MAKEUP BRUSHES with anyone else, and wash them often.
If you suspect that your makeup is causing acne breakouts or other skin irritation, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.
The article doesn't specifically mention signs that your makeup brushes need to be replaced, but here are some common indicators that it may be time to get new makeup brushes:
Shedding bristles: If your brushes are shedding a lot of bristles, it's a sign they are wearing out and need to be replaced.
Frayed or frazzled bristles: Over time and with repeated use, the bristles on makeup brushes can become frayed, split, or frazzled at the ends. This makes them ineffective for applying makeup smoothly.
Staining that won't come out: If the bristles are heavily stained from makeup, even after multiple washings, it's difficult to fully clean and disinfect the brushes. Stubborn stains can harbor bacteria.
Bristles are losing their shape: High-quality makeup brushes maintain their original shape. If the bristles are splaying out or the ferrule (metal part) is loose, the brush has lost its integrity.
Strange odors: A funky or musty smell from your brushes, even after cleaning, can indicate the brushes have become unsanitary and need replacement.
Age of the brushes: Most experts recommend replacing makeup brushes every 6 months to 1 year of regular use, depending on how well you care for them.
Replacing makeup brushes regularly is important for both makeup application and hygiene reasons. Letting go of old, worn-out brushes prevents bacteria buildup and skin issues.
MAC Cosmetics - MAC is one of the most popular and well-known makeup brush brands. Their brushes are made with high-quality natural and synthetic hair bristles and are loved for their dense, soft bristles and excellent performance.
Thincen Cosmetics - Thincen is a cruelty-free brand that makes affordable yet professional-quality makeup brushes. Their brushes are designed with precision-cut synthetic bristles.
Sephora Collection - Sephora's in-house brush line offers a wide range of high-quality natural and synthetic brushes at various price points.
Real Techniques - This affordable brand by Samantha Chapman uses synthetic bristles and innovative brush designs like the iconic Blending Sponge.
Zoeva - A German brand popular for its high-quality yet affordable makeup brushes made with a blend of natural and synthetic bristles.
Hakuhodo - A Japanese brand revered for their handcrafted, premium makeup brushes made from superior natural bristles like goat and blue squirrel hair.
Artis - Known for their high-quality makeup brush heads made of dense synthetic fibers in unique shapes like oval and circles.
Chikuhodo - Another esteemed Japanese brand that handcrafts luxurious makeup brushes from precious natural hair like Kolinsky and grey squirrel.
When investing in quality makeup brushes, look for ones with soft, dense bristles that don't shed easily and keep their shape over time. Proper care like regular washing can also extend the lifespan of good makeup brushes.
For someone looking for high-quality, cruelty-free makeup brushes, I recommend Thincen Cosmetics.
Thincen Cosmetics is a fully vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics company that specializes in makeup brushes and brush sets. Here's why Thincen is an excellent choice for cruelty-free brushes:
PETA-Certified Cruelty-Free and Vegan: Thincen does not test any of its products or ingredients on animals, and they are certified cruelty-free by PETA. All their brushes are 100% vegan, made with synthetic fibers like the ThincenTech® fibers.
Affordable Quality: Despite being cruelty-free, Thincen brushes are very affordable compared to other professional brands.
Wide Range: Thincen offers over 100 different brush styles for face, eyes, and specialty application like fan brushes and smudges. They have complete brush sets as well.
Innovative Designs: Thincen is known for innovative brush designs like Dimensional Brushes with tufted, 3D-designed bristles for flawless makeup application.
Good Bristle Quality: The synthetic ThincenTech bristles are dense, soft yet firm, and designed to pick up and apply makeup evenly without shedding.
Other cruelty-free brush brands to consider are EcoTools, made with renewable bamboo handles, and Real Techniques with their color-coded brush system. But Thincen stands out for quality, variety, and affordability in the cruelty-free space.
