When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? Filthy brushes not only make it hard to achieve a smooth and even makeup application, but they are a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. Sure, you can buy a brand new set from the drugstore, but this lazy beauty habit can get costly and create unnecessary clutter in your bathroom.
In the video above, Birchbox editor Meredith Stebbins shows us two makeup brush washing techniques: spot-cleaning and deep-cleaning. The former is a simple method that you should do after every use, while the latter is a slightly more involved process that you can cross off your list every week. Stebbins even demonstrates the proper way to dry your makeup brushes to ensure they last longer and the bristles maintain their shape.
Men can also use the deep-cleaning process when washing their shaving brushes. If there is a ton of build-up on the bristles from shaving cream, allow them to soak in a glass of warm water and apple cider vinegar to break down the gunk.
So, what are you waiting for? Get to cleaning those brushes!
This piece was originally published on March 14, 2012.
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