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We all have our little shortcuts—skipping the gym, snoozing the alarm, pretending “best before” dates don’t apply to condiments. But there’s one hygiene habit that’s flying under the radar, and it’s downright grim. If you wear makeup, chances are you’re guilty too.
A dirty little secret lurking in your makeup bag
According to a recent survey of 2,000 women aged 15 to 60, two out of five women never clean their makeup brushes. Not occasionally. Not once in a blue moon. Never.
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It might not sound like a big deal—until you realise those soft, fluffy bristles are basically bacteria playgrounds. Every time you swirl your brush across your skin, you’re not just blending foundation; you’re spreading oil, dead skin cells, and old makeup—along with whatever germs have taken up residence.
From breakouts to full-blown eye infections, dirty brushes can wreak havoc on your skin. And if you’re wondering why your pores are staging a revolt or your concealer looks patchy by lunchtime, this might be the reason.
Skipping makeup removal? You’re not alone
As if the brush situation weren’t bad enough, the same survey revealed that one in three women doesn’t remove their makeup before bed. That means a third of us are snoozing with mascara, foundation, and highlighter melting into our pillows—and our pores.
Combine the two habits, and it’s a recipe for clogged skin, dull complexion, and, eventually, a pretty steep skincare bill. It’s like working hard on your skincare routine only to undo it with one (very preventable) oversight.
How often should you really clean your brushes?
Let’s be honest—no one wants to wash their brushes daily. And unless you’re a professional makeup artist, you don’t need to. The general rule? Once a week for regular users. That’s enough to keep bacteria at bay and your skin happy. If you only use dry products like powders and shadows, you can stretch it to every two weeks.
However, if you’re using brushes on other people (we’re looking at you, shared bathroom setups), it’s non-negotiable: clean after every use.
What’s the best way to clean your brushes?
There’s no need for fancy kits—though brush-cleaning pads with ridges and grooves do make the job easier. For a simple, effective method, use baby shampoo or pure soap, like Marseille soap. Gently work it into the bristles and rinse thoroughly under warm water, making sure not to soak the base (that’s how brushes start shedding).
You can even invest in professional brush cleansers or silicone cleaning mats if you’re feeling fancy. Whatever you choose, the key is consistency—not just doing it once when guilt kicks in.
So next time you reach for your favourite highlighter or that “perfect for blending” brush, pause for a moment. Give it a quick sniff. If it smells like last year’s concealer, it’s probably time to show it some soap and water.
Your skin—and your sanity—will thank you.
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David Miller is an entertainment expert with a passion for film, music, and series. With eight years in cultural criticism, he takes you behind the scenes of productions and studios. His energetic style guides you to the next big releases and trending sensations.
Man, I once found my friend using a crusty brush, I was like, Girl, do you want an eye infection? Clean them brushes, people! Dont wanna end up with a face full of zits. #gross
I used to think everyone cleaned their makeup brushes…until I found out 2 out of 5 women avoid it! Its like using a dirty dish for every meal! Time to step up that hygiene game, folks!
I remember when my bestie used to sleep with her makeup on like it was no biggie. Ugh, the horror! I had to give her the whole spiel on why it’s a skincare sin. Clean those brushes, ladies!
I remember my mom always telling me to wash my brushes, but Id just roll my eyes. Now I get it. Makeup gunk on brushes is a germ party! Who knew hygiene could be so glam, right?
Ugh, I remember my sister never cleaning her makeup brushes. Gross! Like, do you want bacteria all over your face? Just take 5 mins, people! Your skin will thank you!
Ugh, can we talk about makeup brushes? Seriously, how many times have you cleaned yours? Come on, spill the tea! Lets keep those brushes clean, ladies. Our skin deserves better than those sneaky germs!
I used to think I was the only one guilty of not cleaning my brushes enough, but turns out its a whole epidemic. Time to step up our game, ladies! Lets keep those brushes clean and our skin happy.
I remember my mom always nagging me about cleaning my makeup brushes. I used to roll my eyes, but now I get it. Lets face it, we gotta get rid of those germs, ladies! Trust me, your skin will thank you later.