(Picture: Getty)

People don’t give much thought to everyday beauty items.

Many of us focus our energy on the big stuff, and simply let the hair accumulate on our hairbrushes, forget to replace toothbrushes even though half the bristles are missing and continue to use makeup that has long ago passed its best by date.

Eventually, we realise it’s time to fix the brush, take care of our teeth and replace our favourite foundation.

But then there are those beauty areas that rarely – if ever – get any attention, such as making sure your makeup brushes are up to scratch.

According to a recent survey by Cosmetify, one in four British women (26%) have never cleaned their makeup brushes, with a further 14% admitting they only do so once a year.

In fact, out of 2,000 participants, only 4% claimed to wash their brushes on a weekly basis (which is the recommended time frame).

It seems a lack of knowledge is the culprit for why women don’t take care of their makeup tools, as 39% said they simply didn’t realise that the brushes require cleaning – or because the brushes don’t look dirty (28%).

So, we’re going to explain exactly why your makeup brushes deserve a regular wash.

Don’t get bacteria build-up

You can’t see it with the naked eye, but you’re slowly building up bacteria on the brushes.

Think about it – your face is constantly exposed to dirt and grime in the air, so when you’re innocently topping up your makeup throughout the day, you’re transferring this dirt onto your brushes. You’re essentially reapplying microbes that exist on your skin, and it’ll only be more severe during hot summer days when the atmosphere is moist and you add sweat into the mix.

Unless you keep the brushes in an airtight vacuum container – and really, who dpes – they’re also constantly exposed to dust and other bacteria in the surroundings.

Prevent breakouts

Do you generally have quite good skin, but still can’t seem to get rid of bumps and pimples that appear on certain areas of your skin every week?

If you don’t wash your brushes, the bacteria, natural oil and dirt can block your pores or exacerbate existing skin problems. Keep using the filthy tools and you could potentially end up with a rash.

Skin problems are individual and washing your brushes isn’t a guarantee that these issues will disappear, but the odds are much better.

Avoid serious health problems

Out of the women surveyed by Cosmetify, 68% also admitted to having shared their makeup brushes with other people, and 82% did so with their friends.

Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to makeup brushes – at least unless you wash them between turns, and that could turn into a time-consuming habit.

Imagine your skin as a delicate ecosystem; by letting someone else use your brushes, you’re introducing their ‘foreign’ microbes into your environment.

If harmful bacteria makes it onto your skin, you could end up with staphylococcus, streptococcus and E. Coli. A few years ago, a story emerged of a young mum in Australia who developed a staph infection after using her friend’s makeup brush and was left paralysed in her arms and legs.

In other words, tell your pals you love them but to bring their own makeup – or have an extra, clean brush lying around for them to use.

(Picture: Getty)

It’s a lovely home for creepy crawlers

If the idea of dirt and diseases isn’t enough to encourage you into giving your makeup brushes a wash, perhaps this will.

Filthy environments are a safe haven for mites.

Sure, you can’t see them without a microscope but just imagine them crawling around on your skin next time you apply your blusher.

Yum.

Don’t ruin the quality of your brushes

Good makeup brushes are expensive.

Make them last longer by taking good care of the brushes and washing them regularly.

You’ll save money and your skin will thank you for it.

Fancy pink eye?

It’s not just skin that is affected – your fragile eyes are also at risk.

In addition to keeping those brushes in tip top shape, get a new mascara every three months and clean the skin every night before you go to bed.

Eyelash curlers also need to be cleaned and changed out regularly so you don’t pull out lashes.

Pronounced wrinkles

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wrinkles, but if you’d like to avoid getting them – wash your brushes.

The build-up on the brushes can cause oxidative stress (imbalance) of the skin, which in turn can lead to loss of collagen and elastin, giving you premature wrinkles.

Have we convinced you yet?

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Clean your brushes weekly to avoid all of the above.

If you’re at a loss as to how to clean makeup brushes, we’ve put together some helpful tips. Or just ask a staff member at the makeup counter next time you pick up a fresh set of tools.

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