The Nasty Things Lurking On Your Makeup Brushes

We all love the way fresh makeup looks, but if your brushes aren’t cleaned regularly, you might be applying more than just foundation or eyeshadow to your face. The nasty things lurking on your makeup brushes aren’t just unsightly, they can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Here’s a closer look at the microscopic nasties that could be hiding in your bristles…

1. Staphylococcus aureus

This common bacterium lives harmlessly on the skin most of the time, but when it builds up on a dirty makeup brush, it can cause redness, swelling, and painful spots. In some cases, it may lead to more serious infections if it enters cuts or broken skin.

2. Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Usually found in the gut, E. coli can end up on makeup brushes through hand-to-face contact. While not all strains are harmful, some can cause skin irritation and even more severe infections.

3. Pseudomonas aeruginosa

This bacterium thrives in damp environments like a makeup brush left in a humid bathroom. It’s linked to rashes, skin inflammation, and in extreme cases, eye infections if it contaminates brushes used near the eyes.

4. Propionibacterium acnes

As the name suggests, this bacterium plays a big role in acne. It feeds on the oil and dead skin cells trapped in your brush bristles, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

5. Fungal Spores

While technically not bacteria, fungi such as Candida can also make a home in your brushes. They can cause irritation, redness, and worsen conditions like eczema.

Why This Matters for Your Skin

When you use a dirty makeup brush, you’re not just applying makeup, you’re pressing a mix of bacteria, oil, and debris into your pores. Over time, this can cause:

• Breakouts and blackheads

• Skin irritation and redness

• Infections, especially around the eyes

• Premature ageing from inflammation

  
  

The Solution?

The safest way to protect your skin is to clean your brushes at least once a week. A natural, antibacterial brush cleaner like Natural Essentoils Makeup Brush Soap removes dirt and bacteria without damaging bristles, keeping your skin clear and your brushes lasting longer.

Healthy brushes = healthy skin. Make it part of your beauty routine, and your face will thank you.