The beauty sponge for foundation, that special fan highlighter brush and the one eyeshadow brush you simply can’t do without! All makeup lovers, be it a beginner or a pro, have a love for the curated collection of makeup applicators. And they do work just the right way for you, blending, buffing, setting your work of art with precision. But have you thought about how dirty your makeup brushes get after each use, when was the last time you did a thorough cleanse and what tips should you actually be following?
TC46 interviewed Sabrina Suhail, the founder of the bespoke, cruelty-free and natural makeup brand Tinge. Here, she shares an in-depth look at the importance of cleaning your makeup applicators, the best way of doing that and tips on how to maintain them for longer life.
Makeup & Applicators: The Right Use
The art of getting make-up right, is not just the make-up itself but also what helps you put it on. The ancillaries (your brushes, sponges and applicators) are just as important as a foundation or a lipstick! Get a tardy one, and your excellent artwork can be a mess. The stunning canvas that could be your face, ends up looking like a cubist painting (sorry Picasso)! We, at Tinge, are firm believers of paying as much attention to your brushes and applicators, as the cosmetics themselves. And aside, we use ONLY non-animal hair brushes. We have a special supplier who makes the most awesome synthetic fibre brushes for smooth application, and no harm is done to any furry friend.
It is our responsibility to tell the customers about make-up application as a whole. Our work doesn’t end at just exciting them with our handmade, customisable, natural make-up. So whenever someone’s leaving the studio, I don’t fail to remind them to use and clean the correct applicator.
The most essential routine to applying make-up is knowing how to remove it as well. Your skin pores should not be clogged with cosmetics when you are winding down for the night. The same goes for your applicators. They need to be clean, so that there is no remnant of colour or stickiness of a product, so they can last long and help you put make-up with ease. We suggest you have a clean-up routine of your brushes and sponges as well.
Set Up A Clean-Up Schedule
Dermatologists recommend that one should clean each makeup brush in every 7 – 10 days to avoid product build-up, especially the ones that are used for applying foundation and concealer, or any product that you use daily. If there is a brush that you use only once in a while, then give it a month or two before cleaning.
The Need For A Thorough Cleanse
In order to keep your skin clean, it is essential that you use clean applicators. In case there is a product build-up, it can also mess up your application of the correct colour or impair the smoothness of the application.
Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning Your Makeup Applicators
Follow these simple steps to clean brushes:
Step 1: Dip the brushes and sponges in lukewarm water for a while.
Step 2: Choose a natural cleanser or a make-up remover and a brush (a toothbrush will do) as your tools to clean the applicators.
Step 3: Once the product on the applicators is a bit lose, apply the cleanser (just a drop) and give a gentle rub down with a brush to remove old makeup. You can also use the palm of your hand to give a mixing effect.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly but gently.
Step 5: Squeeze the water dry and pat down with a soft towel.
Step 6: Re-shape with your hand so the brush doesn’t lose shape.
Step 7: Keep out to dry so you can use it again.
Time To Replace & Replenish
Regular makeup sponges and brushes that are eco-friendly, though claim to be ‘use and throw’, can be used several times. See to it that you are not creating excessive waste. Microbial-resistant sponges, on the other hand, are meant to be reused and can be safely used for three to four months. As for makeup brushes, make sure to clean your brushes at least once a week and they can be used easily for a good 3 months. Any applicator can be filled with skin cells and bacteria, so don’t keep them longer than that.
It’s time to do away with your makeup brush when the bristles start to fray, shed, or lose their original shape. The right tools are just as important in getting the look you want from your makeup. If your brushes have frayed or become squashed over time, then they simply won’t do the job.