When was the last time you cleaned your brushes? If you don’t remember, then this is a big issue! Cleaning your brushes at least once a week to once a month is not only sanitary, but it will also keep you from breaking out. No one really likes doing this because it just takes a lot of time, but once you are done you feel a great sense of accomplishment. Don’t start the new season with dirty brushes! A clean start is only steps away.

There are two ways to clean your brushes: deep clean and spot clean. Let’s say you are applying eyeshadow, and realize that metallic white shade you got in your palette is just way too bright for you, don’t use the same brush for the next color. We have all done this to save time and it ends up looking like a mess. Instead, use a spray like the SEPHORA COLLECTION The Natural: Citrus Brush Cleaner to spot clean and just wipe off any excess on a cloth or tissue. This usually dries pretty fast and it doesn’t have a strong chemical spray smell like some other cleansers.

Have a baby in the family? Steal some of their shampoo! Baby shampoos are great because they are gentle enough to keep your brushes in good shape. A deep clean is important for all your brushes, but specifically for the ones that go all over your skin like foundation or blush brushes. I like to start off with those because they are the messiest, and then work my way down to the thinner ones. Use only a small amount in your palm or in a bowl, and run the water on the brush in a circular motion. Squeeze any excess water and lay flat to dry, making sure no water gets in the handle. Clean brushes are happy brushes and should last you at least a decade. 

 Aline Agopian