It is a daily reflex for many women. However, using a makeup brush can present, if you are not careful, some risks for the skin. Because, if they are not maintained very regularly, they can nest bacteria, molds, microbes which then colonize your skin.
To convince you of this, researchers from the Aventus clinic in Great Britain conducted a little surprising test: take 12 brushes regularly present in a make-up bag (foundation brush, mascara brush, make-up brush eyelids, etc.), take samples of make-up present on the hairs and analyze them.
“It’s awful to see the amount of bacteria that can potentially settle on a makeup brush,” said Dr. Suhail Alam, lead author of this work.
In fact, out of the 12 brushes tested, scientists found no less than 4,364 colonies of yeast and bacteria! And according to them, of those 12 products, 11 “were dirtier than the toilet seat.” But contrary to what one might imagine, it was not the foundation brush that was the most “colonized”, but the utensils intended for the eyes or the lips.
Why so much dirt?
Is this observation so surprising? With daily use, the brushes automatically pick up everything lying around: dirt, pollutants, dead skin cells… That’s why they act as a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to breakouts and skin irritations. If a contaminated brush comes into contact with the eye, for example, it can cause infections or allergic reactions, but these can be avoided with a weekly cleaning routine.
To properly clean your utensils, lather using a facial cleanser then rinse with lukewarm water. Squeeze the brush to remove excess moisture. And let dry flat on a clean towel. The more you clean them, the less dirt will infiltrate. CQFD.