Style

Here's Why You Should Clean Your Makeup Brushes

by Shea Simmons
Ian Gavan/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

We're not all the best when it comes to the upkeep of our makeup bags. Whether you're wandering around with an expired foundation or using an old beautyblender, makeup care can be rough. However, when you find out why you should be cleaning your makeup brushes even if you're lazy AF, you may just up your cleaning game. Using your dirty makeup brushes will just never be OK after you find out just how intensely problematic unwashed brushes can truly be.

Let's be honest, no one really wants to clean their makeup brushes. It's time consuming, and it's definitely not easy. No matter if you've invested in a super fancy cleaning system or are relying on the steadfast dish soap method, it's just something that's dreaded by most. Despite your aversion to cleaning, though, if you want to avoid breakouts and bacteria, washing your brushes is one of the best ways to do it.

While cleaning your brushes when all you want to do is watch YouTube tutorials and experiment with creating a halo eye or a cut crease seems like a real chore, your face and makeup look will ultimately thank you in the end.

So why exactly should you be cleaning your brushes?

1. Because You Don't Want Acne

Not cleaning your makeup brushes can lead to bacteria build-up inside your brushes. What happens when bacteria decides to hang out on your face? Acne.

2. Because Your Application Won't Be As Smooth

If your brushes are clogged with existing product, your application won't be as flawless. Using different types of foundations with the same brush over time can lead to a super streaky look. Meanwhile, if shadows have built up in your blending brush, your color payoff will clearly be muddy.

3. Because They Won't Last As Long

If you're having to deep clean your brushes every three months, you're really not caring for something you probably paid a pretty penny for. Keeping brushes clean and cleaning them properly will help them stay perfect longer.

4. Viral Infections

If you've been sick but still managed to put on makeup to make it to work or class, those germs are still having a party in your bristles. Don't want to get sick again? It's best to clean your brushes after use.

5. Because Your Skin Will Get Irritated

If your brushes are stiff and filled with product, your skin will naturally get irritated leading to texture and even more breakouts from the bacteria build up. Clean them to make sure they stay soft.

Clearly, we all love to hang on the couch, veg out, and watch YouTube tutorials. Let's be honest, though, not cleaning your makeup brushes can lead to some straight up gross side effect. Next, maybe just take your computer over to the sink with you and clean while you binge watch.

Image: Ian Gavan/Getty Images