Makeup

The 10 Commandments of Makeup Brushes

Your essential guide to making the most out of your makeup brushes

by Allie Flinn | COMMENT

PHOTO 2/11

No. 2: Clean Your Brushes for Hygienic Purposes We'll admit that cleaning brushes is not the most fun aspect of makeup (kind of like how it's always fun to cook, but cleanup is the worst). But, it's incredibly necessary.

A study at Loyola Marymount University found that there was significant bacterial activity on unwashed makeup brushes after just one week -- but not any more so than you would come in contact with on a daily basis. But after two weeks, the bacteria doubled, and by the end of the month, well, let's just say the results weren't pretty. Not only can this bacteria cause acne, it can even result in more serious problems, like eye infections. To make matters worse, the brushes also transfer germs into whichever products you dip them in.

Keep in mind that brushes that come into contact with cream or liquid products are even bigger breeding grounds for bacteria, as they thrive in moist conditions.

Moral of the story: Deep cleanse your makeup brushes at least every one to two weeks.

SEE NEXT PAGE: No. 3: Clean Your Brushes for the Good of Your Skin

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