Quality makeup brushes can improve the final look of your beauty routine. Makeup brushes help to build coverage by layering and blending makeup seamlessly. Effective yet gentle cleaning of your makeup brushes will ensure you are able to use them for the maximum amount of time. For face brushes such as foundation, concealer and powder, you should wash your makeup brushes once a week. It is recommended that washing makeup brushes at least every 2 weeks, especially if there is visible makeup on the brush, is a good idea for protecting the skin against harmful bacteria, including acne-causing bacteria, that may linger in the makeup brushes. Brushes can also contain dead skin cells and oils that can clog the pores and cause dull skin. Removing old makeup from the bristles of the brushes can also preserve the brush from becoming hardened; soft bristles are less irritating for the skin and assure a smoother application. 

On average, makeup brushes should be replaced every 1 to 3 years. Though initial quality and weekly cleaning play a role in maintaining the longevity of your makeup brushes, there are other factors that may signal it is time to throw out the old and replace with a new set of fresh brushes. If the brush is shedding and losing a lot of bristles, the brush will no longer serve to blend and smooth out makeup well and may be leaving behind clumps of the brush hairs. In addition to bristle shedding, if the brush handle has any cracks or is broken, it is time to throw the brush away. Over time, some makeup brushes tend to lose their original shape and thereby not work as effectively. Daily makeup wearers know that despite the best efforts to carefully wash makeup brushes, product residue and makeup stains cling to makeup brushes and when permanently tinted can affect makeup quality as well as cause breakouts. If your makeup brushes get oily and change texture even with regular cleaning, it is probably best to replace your makeup brushes.

For more information on when to replace your makeup brushes and other skincare benefits, visit THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology website at WEBSITE. For any skin concerns, schedule your appointment today by calling 602-867-7546.