one big makeup mistake you didn't know you were making!!

Welcome to 2018... A time where makeup is everywhere and there are so many products you don't know what to choose or god forbid how to apply them!

By this stage we as a society have emerged from fingers and pre-packaged applicator sponges to the world of makeup brushes. Whether you're the kind of lady who owns one foundation brush or like me has every single applicator known to mankind there is one thing we all have in common... WE NEED TO WASH OUR TOOLS!!!!

Washing brushes is one of those tomorrow jobs, you know the ones that you put off over and over again until you get to the point where you just don't bother.

This is my reminder to stop putting it off!

You need to wash your brushes every few weeks to avoid bacteria build up, Bacteria = Breakouts and ain't nobody got time for that!!!

But did you know there is actually a right and wrong way to wash them???

You might think heading into your local priceline and buying some brush cleaner is a great way to solve your washing woes, but I am here to tell you that as wonderful as brush cleaner is I guarantee it won't properly clean your brushes. (shocking right! If you don't believe me check out my clip below!!!)

So here it is.... my brush cleaning 101.

- Brush Cleaner -

Brush cleaner isn't to be relied on to thoroughly clean your brushes, but it is perfect for spot cleaning between applications. I would recommend shampooing your brushes instead.

Don't just use any old shampoo though! You can actually buy specific brush shampoo from most beauty supply stores.

- shampoo -

Brush shampoo is a great option however I like to use a soap free baby shampoo. It's gentle, it's affordable, but most importantly it works well. My top tip for shampooing is to only wet the bristles of your brush, especially if it has a wooden handle.. getting the handle wet can cause it to swell and crack and nobody wants to throw a brush out before its time!

- drying -

Once you have shampooed your brushes make sure you mould the bristles back to their original shape. Don't towel dry or squeeze the water out from your brush or you will cause damage to the bristles making them fall out. I find the best way to dry them is to let them hang over the free edge of a counter overnight.

So there you have it ladies.. The Do's and Don'ts of brush cleaning!

I get asked about how to clean brushes a lot, so hopefully this has helped you to create a new addition to your makeup routine that will not only give you more reliable tools but also healthier skin!

Ebony X