Many of us likely don’t clean our makeup brushes as often as we should.

Expert advice generally recommends washing your brushes at least once a week. But, in all honesty, are the majority of people doing this?

However, new research might make us all think twice about being so lax in letting our foundation brushes become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Teaming up with expert microbiologists, opticians Lenstore undertook a study that saw them analyse everyday surfaces, to determine the areas we should be paying most attention to when it comes to hygiene.

From our pillowcases and phones, to toilets and makeup brushes, the research team swabbed a range of items.

Under our nails came out worst – with over 50,400 different types of bacteria found. The toilet seat was in second place, with a count of 2,856 (so yes, our nails are almost 18 times more dirty than a toilet seat – no more biting), while glasses were in third place, with 1,277 types of bacteria.

However, in fourth place came the foundation brush – which was found to have over 1,176 strains of bacteria lurking in the bristles. Not much less than half that of a toilet seat… Yet something that we rub on our skin, on a daily basis.

Out of all the makeup items tested, foundation brushes came out as being the most dirty of all – surprisingly, mascara was only found to have six types of bacteria, while eyeshadow brushes had 106, and curlers had 56.

Not only did the foundation brush have around 1,000 more bacteria than all other beauty items analysed, it was the fourth dirtiest ‘everyday item’ in the analysis. 

It was more dirty than face masks, and kitchen work tops – and 31 times worse than mobile phone screens, .

Disgustingly, it was also found to be 61 times more bacteria ridden than a swab from the actual London Underground – one of the most germ infested places on the planet. (Or so you would have thought – turns out it’s your face).

Cleaning your makeup brushes

Cleaning your brushes regularly is incredibly important – and this counts even if you haven’t been using them.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your makeup brushes every seven to 10 days – even if you used them just once.

This is because, whether you’re using your makeup brushes once a month or once a day, brushes that have beeb saturated with makeup products create an environment that allows bacteria to grow.

If it’s left sitting for a prolonged period of time in between uses, that’s all undisturbed time for bacteria grow and flourish – so less use doesn’t necessarily equal less dirty.

If that wasn’t enough to convince you, there are many reasons – both hygiene and health wise – to keep your brushes clean.

Not only can dirty brushes cause irritation and blocked pores, encouraging break-outs on your skin, they can also result in a staph infection, which is caused by a bacteria called staphylococcus.

Why it’s so important to wash our brushes

‘Bacteria has gained a negative reputation but it is important to remember that not all strains are harmful, with some in fact being beneficial for us.

‘However, with our everyday essentials it is important we are maintaining good hygiene to prevent any irritation to our faces and eyes especially. 

‘Many of us do not realise how often we touch our faces and eyes after handling other items and surfaces. However, with makeup brushes, pillowcases and our face masks being covered in bacteria, our eyes are at even greater risk as we often are exposed to direct contact with these items.

‘To avoid a stye, conjunctivitis or any other eye conditions, we need to take extra care of washing our hands and fingernails, as well as the items that come into close contact with these areas.’

Sujata Paul, Professional Services Clinical Lead and Contact Lens Optician FBDO/CL.

Symptoms of this infection include painful red lumps, sores or blisters, red eyelids and eyes or hot swollen skin.

While they can go away on their own, they sometimes need antibiotics and can lead to more serious infections such as blood poisoning if left untreated.

Since we’re often using the brushes to cover our whole faces, it’s important to clean them throughly with lukewarm water and an antibacterial cleanser – using a cleansing wipe to clear off residue won’t quite cut it.

Washing them properly will prevent bacteria from spreading across the face and potentially into the eyes, nose and mouth.

And, it’s important to note that cleansers are also much better at removing bacteria from your face in comparison to a face wipe – leaving 569 bacteria, compared to 644 with the wipe.

So, there’s no time like the present to start a proper makeup brush cleaning routine. And, based on this research, give your nails a good scrub while you’re at it.

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