by Hanny A

Created on: December 19, 2011   Last Updated: December 25, 2011

How often you should clean your makeup brushes really depends on how much you use them. Here is a guide explaining how to clean your makeup brushes and how often depending on the brush and how much you use them.

Eye Shadow Brushes

Eye shadow brushes need to be cleaned less than regular brushes because of the lack of oil production around one's eyes. There is less chance for bacteria to be developed or for you to develop spots on your eyes therefore you can get away with cleaning it once every two weeks.

However if you only have a couple of brushes and are using them to create a variety of makeup looks, you should wash it more often so you can get the true colour of the shadow transferred onto your skin and not a mix of previous shadows you have used with that particular brush.

Foundation Brush
If you use your foundation brush every day, you should wash it every day or every other day. Liquid and cream based products tend to grow bacteria much more quickly than powder products and this can show on your skin, in the form of an allergy, congested skin or acne. If you find that you do get these symptoms it may be because of your brush and not your foundation.

You can use liquid products to spot clean your brushes ever day, or use a product to wash your brushes every other day. Make sure to rinse out the product and be sure that no traces of makeup are still left on the brush.

Powder Brushes for the face
These are brushes such as powder brushes, fan brushes, blusher brushes etc. These should be washed once a week if you are using your brushes quite often. If you do not use those brushes very often, for example once a week, then you can wash it twice a month or once a month if you use it very rarely.

Storing Brushes
A tip for washing your brushes less is to use a brush guard. This protects it from the environment meaning less bacteria an dust on your brushes. If you do not have a brush guard store your brushes in a pouch that you clean regularly to prevent any build up of products on the side of the pouch.

The above tips will help your brushes last longer, keep them hygienic all while helping you to maintain clearer skin.

Learn more about this author, Hanny A.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.