If you’re like most make-up lovers, your brush collection is your pride and joy. You’ve spent good money on high-quality brushes, and you use them daily to perfect your foundation, blush and contour.
But here’s the million-dollar question: When was the last time you actually cleaned them?
Before you answer, brace yourself because a new study has revealed something truly horrifying: your unwashed make-up brushes could be dirtier than your toilet seat.
A study by Spectrum Collections, a UK-based cosmetic tools brand, found that no matter where make-up brushes were stored whether in a bedroom vanity, a make-up bag or a bathroom holder, the level of bacteria present was equal to or even higher than that of a toilet seat.
The scary part is that most of us don’t wash our brushes nearly as often as we should. To be honest, I can’t even remember the last time I washed my brushes. Disgusting, I know!
How dirty are your make-up brushes, really?
To conduct the study, researchers swabbed both clean and unclean make-up brushes after two weeks of use. They also tested various storage locations, including:
✅ A vanity holder in the bedroom.
✅ A make-up bag.
✅ A brush-specific bag.
✅ A drawer.
✅ A bathroom holder.
The results were shocking: all unclean brushes contained more bacteria than a toilet seat.
Among the nasty microbes found were E. coli, yeast, and mould, all of which can lead to skin infections, fungal issues, and acne breakouts.
And if you think that’s bad, wait until you hear how often people actually clean their brushes.
How often should you clean your make-up brushes?
According to Spectrum Collections, when they surveyed their customers:
- 40% admitted to washing their brushes only every two weeks.
- 20% confessed they only clean their brushes once every one to three months.
Compare that to the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s recommendation of washing brushes every 7 to 10 days, and you can see the problem.
“We’re all guilty of leaving it a bit too long,” said Spectrum Collections co-founders Hannah and Sophie Pycroft. But cleaning your brushes at least once a week is essential for keeping bacteria at bay.”
Why dirty make-up brushes are a skin nightmare
According to cosmetic scientist Carly Musleh, using unclean brushes can increase the risk of skin infections such as:
Acne breakouts: Bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells transfer from the brush to your face, clogging pores.
Impetigo: A bacterial skin infection that causes sores and blisters.
Staph infections: Staphylococcal bacteria can cause painful boils, redness, and swelling.
And here’s the kicker: even if you store your brushes in a clean area, bacteria still build up simply from repeated use on your skin.
How to properly clean and store your make-up brushes
Now that we’ve established how gross dirty brushes can be, let’s talk solutions.
Step 1: Wash your brushes the right way
Use a gentle cleanser: A brush-specific cleanser or a mild shampoo works best.
Lukewarm water is key: Hot water can damage bristles and loosen the glue.
Massage the bristles: Work the cleanser in to remove all product build-up.
Rinse thoroughly: Ensure no soap residue remains.
Pat dry with a clean towel: Avoid rubbing or twisting bristles.
Let them air dry properly: Lay them flat or hang them upside down to prevent water from seeping into the handle.
Step 2: Store your brushes correctly
Even after cleaning, proper storage is crucial to keeping bacteria at bay.
Avoid storing brushes in the bathroom, steam and humidity encourage bacterial growth.
Use a closed container, this prevents dust, airborne bacteria, and make-up residue from settling on the bristles.
Keep brushes upright, this helps them maintain their shape and dry faster.
Heat and humidity can accelerate bacterial growth, so keeping make-up brushes clean is even more essential.
A 2023 report by Dermatology South Africa found that over 50% of South African women experience acne or skin infections related to poor hygiene practices with cosmetic tools.
With local beauty trends booming including a rise in professional make-up artistry and influencer-led beauty tutorials, it’s more important than ever for South Africans to adopt proper make-up brush hygiene.
Your make-up routine shouldn’t come with a side of bacteria, breakouts, and infections.
Considering how much time and money we invest in skincare and make-up, it makes sense to protect that investment by using clean, bacteria-free tools.
So, the next time you reach for that fluffy foundation brush, ask yourself: Would you rub a toilet seat on your face?
No? Then it’s time to grab that cleanser and start scrubbing.