Washing your makeup brushes might be a total drag, but it is so incredibly necessary. Here are six awful things that can happen if you don’t clean your makeup brushes.
Poor Makeup Application
One of the biggest reasons to use makeup brushes in the first place is so your makeup goes on more smoothly than if you simply use your fingers. Your makeup application will suffer if your brushes are covered in weeks of powders and creams.
When makeup is applied with dirty brushes, you’re not getting an optimal application. Unclean brushes can distort the shade of the product you’re using. If you want a precise application, then keep your makeup brushes clean.
A Ton of Bacteria
Even if you’re always applying to a clean face, bacteria can still build up. While fluffy powder brushes take a bit more time to build up an influx of bacteria. Thick synthetic brushes used to apply foundation and cream products can be unsuited for use after just one application. That’s because bacteria thrive in moist environments.
When it comes to foundation brushes or a sponge, just make it a part of your nighttime skincare and cleaning routine.
Irritation
Germs and grime can cause irritation, roughness, and redness. Besides clogging your pores and causing breakouts, makeup residue on dirty brushes also slows down your skin’s cell turnover process.
Just because you’re not acne-prone doesn’t mean that your skin is bacteria-proof. If you want a flawless complexion, cleaning your brushes regularly needs to be an essential part of your routine.
Acne and Breakouts
Pimples love an excess of bacteria. It’s what clogs your pores and causes breakouts in the first place. When your brushes are dirty, you’re putting all that bacteria right onto your skin and swirling it around. Dirty brushes cause breakouts.
Skin Infections
Not washing your brushes can have serious consequences. There is a skin infection known as impetigo spread through makeup brushes. It’s a crusty, sometimes weeping red area that can spread rapidly. Through daily use, makeup brushes can accumulate dead skin cells, dirt, oil, pollution, and bacteria.
Viruses
Another common skin infection that could be spread by brushes is the Herpes Simplex Virus, otherwise known as cold sores. These appear as painful blisters, often around the lips. Your dirty brushes could make you sick. Bacteria don’t just clog your pores and give you unsightly blemishes. Reducing bacteria reduces your chance of getting sick.
Eye Infections
One of the main causes of conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is using unclean makeup brushes. Conjunctivitis can spread by sharing cosmetics, including makeup brushes. It’s a common and non-deadly infection. Pink eye is nevertheless something you probably want to avoid whenever possible.
Remember, bacteria love moisture. So, it’s essential that you clean your Beauty Blender and liquid brushes each night. For powder brushes, once or twice a week.
Spot cleaning removes pigment and makeup, but it does not thoroughly cleanse enough to remove all the bacteria. Only a deep cleaning can prevent bacteria and infestations.
