Kay, so that’s not the original saying, but when it comes to cosmetic brushes and sponges my version holds true. Now, cosmetic brushes aren’t cheap. Even cheap ones aren’t all that cheap. I have a set of Mary Kay brushes that I have had forever. They have lasted for years… because I make a serious effort to take care of them. Cleaning your brushes isn’t hard and really doesn’t take long. Sometimes it’s merely remembering to clean them.
Here’s the how:
1) Brush the bristles of the brush against the palm of your hand to get the extra loose powder out. Never pull on the bristles. If they start to come out, it’s time to invest in new brushes.
2) Using cool water and an anti-bacterial soap, gently rub the bristles of the brush between your thumb and index finger.
3) Rinse the brush thoroughly with cool water. Blot dry on a clean towel. Set upright to dry. Let dry completely before you use them again.
Ideally, brushes should be washed after every use. Who has that much free time though, right? I shoot for every two weeks, or at least once a month. Using clean brushes can help cut down on the amount of acne you experience. Cosmetics are breeding grounds for bacteria and germs.
Cosmetic sponges should be replaced at least every two weeks. Wash these with anti-bacterial soap, preferably after every use or at least every couple days. Let dry completely before using again. These are huge bacteria collectors. Use water as hot as you can stand it to wash these out. I have a hard time finding the sponges I like, so I try to wash them out every day. It doesn’t always happen. But, I do try.
I notice a dramatic decease in my break outs when I consistently keep my brushes and sponges clean. It only takes a few extra minutes to clean them and it’s so much quicker to put my make up on when I don’t have to worry about covering blemishes. It’s worth the little bit of extra time to wash my brushes up.