According to the skin expert, while taking care of your dirty brushes isn’t necessarily a complicated task, it is one that’s crucial to keeping your skin looking and feeling its best.
“Keeping makeup brushes and makeup sponges clean is essential for healthy skin,” says Osmo, founder of Sydney-based skin care clinic Glow Medispa. “Build up from makeup, oils, and bacteria can transfer onto your face, leading to breakouts or irritation.”
The dermal therapist says the best way to clean dirty brushes is with a gentle cleanser or a specialised brush cleaner, “Dampen the bristles with lukewarm water, add a small amount of cleanser, and gently swirl the brush in your palm or a silicone brush mat until it lathers,” she explains.
“Rinse thoroughly and reshape the bristles, laying the brush flat to dry on a clean towel to prevent water from seeping into the handle, which can loosen the glue.”
“For makeup sponges, a similar gentle cleanser works best. Wet the sponge, apply cleanser, and squeeze to work out the makeup residue,” Osmo continues. “Rinse until the water runs clear, then gently squeeze out excess water and let it air-dry completely to prevent bacteria growth.”
Unlike some lifestyle staples – such as the kitchen trash can or laundry hamper – it can be difficult to tell when your brushes are overdue for a good clean based on appearance alone.
“One of the biggest mistakes people make with makeup brushes and sponges is not cleaning them often enough. Our brushes accumulate oils, bacteria, and old makeup, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts,” Osmo says.
“Ideally, brushes should be cleaned weekly, and makeup sponges after every few uses, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.”
Just as you wash your pillowcase every week to avoid a build-up of bacteria, it is generally recommended to also wash your makeup brush and tools weekly. Washing them often – and with care – will also help maintain the integrity of your brushes’ bristle quality. Sounds like a win-win to us.