Washing and cleansing makeup brushes should be a regular part of every woman’s beauty routine. Makeup brushes usually pick up bits of makeup, oil, dirt and even bacteria that can get trapped in the bristles, No one can imagine using the same brush knowing how dirty and disgusting it is on a closer look.

According to makeup artist Layla Ghassan, everyone is guilty of leaving dirty makeup brushes a little too long between washes. “The easiest way to do it is knowing how important it is because skipping the cleaning part might harm you as well as the brush,” she said. “You don’t only have to clean your brushes, you also need to let it breathe and be hygienic for different reasons,” she added.

Spot cleaning is a way by which you can clean your makeup brushes using alcohol as a main ingredient of the cleanser. “This will help take out all the excess makeup from the brushes. This is meant to be done daily, especially if you use the same brushes everyday,” said Ghassan. “It’s a great way to remove eye shadow colors from the brushes. You can fill a bottle with the cleanser and spray it on the brush. Use it at the same time when you use your makeup and the alcohol will help dry it quickly,” she added.

If you don’t have a cleaning fluid, make your own spot cleaning cleanser. “Alcohol is very important when it comes to cleansing brushes because bacteria grows on your brushes every time you use them. Alcohol is also great for helping dry the brushes quicker,” said Ghassan. “Add baby shampoo because it will help make the brushes soft and it is all the soap you need, add water to the mixture and put it in a spray bottle,” she added.

“Spray your cleaner on a paper towel or washcloth and gently rub the dirty brush back and forth until it looks clean. You have to keep in mind this isn’t meant to “deep cleanse” the brushes. This is most useful for removing eye shadow from brushes when you want to switch colors,” said Ghassan.

Deep cleaning should be done at least once a month, she said. “Its like taking your brushes to a relaxing day at the spa where they get cleaned and pampered and this will help the brushes become smoother, shed less and maintain a good quality; your makeup will also look fresher,” she said.

Again, if you don’t have your liquid brush cleaning shampoo, make your own at home. “Mix baby shampoo because it’s sensitive and will be gentle to the brush hair. Add facial cleansing oil because just as it gets the makeup off your face it will remove makeup from your brushes as well. It will also help moisturize the brushes and make it softer,” said Ghassan. “Put the ingredients in a bowl, stick the hairy part of the brush under running water, then dip it in the mixture and start rubbing it on your hands swiping it until the color is totally gone, then rinse and air dry the brush,” she added.

Brushes are made of three parts — the bristles, the handle and the ferrule. You have to make sure when you wash your brushes that you do not wet the ferrule because this will melt the glue off and will allow the hair in the brush to fall. “When drying your brushes, do not place them upright for the same reason! Point the bristles downwards or lay them flat,” said Ghassan.

Cleaning brushes can help you have softer and smoother skin. “If you’re wondering why you have so many pimples lately, you need to look at your makeup brushes and foundation sponges. If you’re using them every day and not cleaning them then the bacteria will multiply on your brushes,” said Ghassan. “This will eventually affect your skin and give you rashes, pimples, zits and more,” she added.

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