Beauty Box 5

Let’s be honest: no one likes cleaning their brushes.

However, it’s very important to wash them more than once in a blue moon to prevent a buildup of bacteria, oil, and foundation, so it’s time to buck up!

The first step to keeping your beauty resolution? Pick a day.

You should clean your brushes at least once a week, so go ahead and set a day (and time!) to wash all the brushes you’ve used that week. Sunday evening is mine time slot, but any variation works, as long as you leave enough time for the brushes to dry before you use them again.

To keep your tools bacteria-free, you will need:

• a gentle clarifying shampoo or cleanser
• one shallow bowl
• two clean cloths
• a sink

1. With lukewarm water running, rinse the tips of your brushes. Avoid getting water where the bristles meet the base, which can erode the glue over time.

2. Fill your bowl with lukewarm water and add a little shampoo or cleanser (I’m partial to Purity from Philosophy).

3. Swirl the tip on your brush in the bowl, or dip the brush in the bowl before swirling it in your palm or a harder clean.

4. Rinse your brush under water for a bit. If the water doesn’t run clear, or you can still see buildup on your brush, repeat the process.

5. Gently squeeze our excess water, then wipe your brush with the cloth.

6. Reshape your brush, rub down the handle with alcohol, and lay it flat on another cloth to dry.

BB5 Tip: Between washings, use brush cleaner for a quick clean.

Don’t have time to wash your brushes on the regular? Hey, me, neither. However, I do recommend that you invest in a little bottle of brush cleaner to spritz your tools after each use, or on the go.

May your brushes be ever soft and kind to your skin,

Alexa