When I am on a makeup job, I get a barrage of makeup and skin care questions because as the internet changes, the misinformation is constant! When I’m starting to apply skin products and that person in the makeup chair apologizes for a new blemish, (please don’t feel the need to apologize for that, skin is skin we know you cannot control everything, and we don’t fault you), I ask what their skin care and/or makeup regimen is. Nine times out of ten, people are doing THIS ONE thing that is creating constant negative results in clogging their pores and creating breakouts. Do you know what that is?
Beauty Blenders and Makeup Brushes when applying foundation, can be the culprit. They can create breakouts, rashes and clogged pores! Just stop using them, throw them away!
If you are going to use either of those, (I really wish you would not), they MUST be thoroughly cleaned and dried between EVERY USE with liquid or cream products for the face! With each use of a liquid or a cream product, it can instantly transfer bacteria to your “tool” and as it sits and grows until your next use. It can start to create a petri dish of more bacteria and mold that just continues to live on your brush or sponge that you are putting on your face again, and again. Viola, skin issues arise!
Want to know a fool proof hack? Use your fingertips! It is a much cleaner option, (of course wash your hands before and after application), and you will save on product, as well as unneeded dirt and bacteria transfer. So much product gets wasted in brushes and sponges that you cannot control. Plus, the natural friction of your fingertips onto your skin, thins out product for a cleaner, less gunky application. And guess what, you save money and don’t have that cakey makeup face. Y’all, I’m 47 years old, I need all the help I can get! Using those beauty blenders and brushes while applying foundation will just add heavier layers that I don’t need!
I only carry throw away (one-use) cosmetic sponges in my kit. And you better believe I clean my brushes between each person, or use disposable tools to not transfer germs or bacteria between clients.
The next question that usually follows is; How should makeup brushes be cleaned? If you still are questioning that, there are quite a few options. You can either use dish soap or a gentle liquid soap to give them a bath, or for a quicker alternative, a makeup brush cleaner spray. Both require different cleaning techniques. It’s super easy with both. Just be aware of fragrances if you are allergic.
To clean makeup brushes in a bath, rinse the tips under lukewarm water to remove residual makeup, then swirl them in a bowl or the palm of your hand with soap. Rinse until the water runs clear, squeeze out excess moisture, and lay them flat to dry, pointing bristles downward. I usually roll a towel and place the handles on the higher part then the bristles are laying on flat part of towel to dry.
For a brush cleaner spray, my favorite is Parian Spirit. But you can easily access one from Sephora. To clean makeup brushes with a spray, hold your brush and spray cleaner directly onto bristles then wipe clean with a paper towel or cloth towel. It also helps to gently squeeze excess product out of brush while you wash.
Voila! Clean brushes! Now, do you have any makeup artist questions I can help with?
