28 August 2019
#AskAsh: How Often Should I Wash My Brushes?
Q. Ash, how often should I wash my makeup brushes? - @jenniferkatezeb
A. Carted around in different bags, dropped on the floor, dipped into questionable products… Our makeup brushes go through it all! To keep your tools in tip-top condition, you should be washing them at least once a fortnight, ideally weekly. This will prevent any bacteria, dirt or product building up, which can lead to blemishes or skin irritation. An exception to this rule: if you’re using your brushes on anyone else make sure you wash them after every single use!
As it can be easy to forget, I’ve made brush cleaning a part of my Sunday night routine. As well as packing my work bag and doing a sheet mask, I always make 5 minutes to give my brushes some love. Take the mess (and the hassle!) out of the task by investing in a brush cleaner - this Birchbox one is so easy to use. All you have to do is add soap, swirl your damp brush around, rinse and you’re done! Good as new.
Q. Ash, how do I dry my makeup brushes? Mine always go clumpy and unuseable? - @steph_w_22
A. Clumpy, stiff brushes may mean that you’re not washing them properly. You need to make sure that the water is running completely clear - not soapy or dirty - before you consider them clean. Once they’re properly rinsed, shake or gently squeeze out the excess water.
When it comes to drying, never stand your brushes up - this way, water can leak into the ferrule (the piece that joins the bristles to the wand) and loosen the glue holding your brush together. Similarly, try to avoid lying your brushes on a towel as this can clump parts together. The best way? Letting your brushes dry with their bristles hanging off the edge of a counter, or upside down.
Q. Ash, what’s the best way to reapply SPF over makeup? - @hannahhaken
A. If you’re doing a good job at applying SPF every single day (yes, you should be doing that!) you don’t want to let your responsible choices go to waste by not reapplying regularly. But smearing a layer of SPF on top of painstakingly applied foundation is enough to turn us all queasy. Fear not, you don’t need to sacrifice good makeup for sun safety, you can use a mist as a setting spray! My go-to, Caudalie’s Beautifying Suncare Oil (which is a fish-friendly formula - always a winner!) can be spritzed liberally onto your face (always hold it at least 15cm away) and you’re good to go. Plus, setting powders with SPF exist, too!
Need help?
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