It's an essential step that can't be skipped. Cleaning make-up brushes not only preserves their condition, but above all your skin. How do you go about it? Here's how. 

Putting on make-up every day is a habit for many of us. It would never occur to us (normally...) to end the day without removing our make-up*! And yet, once we've applied our make-up remover balm and completed our two-step cleansing routine, we forget to pay attention to the accessories that helped us get ready for the day. Once the beauty blender has been soaked in foundation, the powder brush is bursting with pigments and the powder puff is packed with translucent powder, we don't think about giving them the proper care and cleansing they deserve! 

*How to remove make-up properly?

Why is it essential to clean your make-up brushes? 

Cleaning make-up accessories is essential for several reasons: 

1. Hygiene: make-up brushes generally accumulate cosmetic residues, oil, dirt and bacteria over time. If you don't clean them regularly, these residues can multiply and contaminate your make-up, leading to skin problems such as irritation, rashes and infections.

2. Make-up performance: When bristle brushes are dirty, residues from previous products can mix with the new products you're using, altering the color and texture of the products. This can make make-up application less precise and less even.

3. Brush life: Product residues and bacteria can build up in brush bristles, damaging the fibers and shortening the life of your brushes. By cleaning your brushes regularly, you can keep them in good condition and prolong their useful life.

4. Preventing skin problems: Dirty brushes in direct contact with the skin can transfer bacteria, oils and other impurities to it. This can clog pores and cause skin problems such as pimples, blackheads and skin infections. Regular cleaning of brushes helps maintain healthier, clearer skin.

How to clean make-up brushes properly?

Brush cleaning isn't really complicated, but it does require a specific procedure and steps to be applied at least once a week, or even once a day if you use your brushes on a regular basis. 

Prepare your tools

Gather together all the brushes you wish to clean. You'll also need lukewarm water, a mild soap or make-up brush cleaner, a clean towel and a brush drying rack, such as a brush holder or folded towel.

Wet the bristles

Start by wetting the synthetic bristles of the brushes with lukewarm water. Be careful not to completely immerse the metal part of the brush, as this could damage the glue that holds the bristles in place.

Apply soap or cleanser

 Place a small amount of mild soap (or mild shampoo) in the palm of your hand or directly on the brush bristles. You can also use a cleanser specially designed for make-up brushes. Gently lather the soap or cleanser by rubbing the brush bristles in your hands, or by gently gliding them over a textured cleaning surface.

Clean gently

Rinse brush bristles under lukewarm water while continuing to rub gently with your fingers to remove make-up residue. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and all soap or cleanser residues are removed.

Eliminate excess water

Once the brushes have been rinsed, gently squeeze the bristles with your fingers to remove excess water. Be careful not to twist or pull the bristles, as this can damage them.

Drying

Place cleaned brushes on a clean towel or drying rack to air-dry. Make sure the bristles are slightly raised to allow optimum air circulation. Avoid drying brushes vertically, as this can cause water to penetrate the metal parts and weaken the glue.

Hair reshaping

Once the brushes are dry, you can reshape them by gently running your fingers over the bristles to restore their original shape.

Regularly cleaning your brushes will help maintain their performance, avoid skin problems and extend their lifespan, so never skip this step again and take care of your brushes as much as your skin.