Makeup brushes play a crucial role in achieving professional makeup looks. It doesn't matter if you're a makeup pro or a beginner; having a good set of makeup brushes can make your makeup look flawless with ease. However, just like any other makeup tool, makeup brushes also need to be replaced after some time. But how long can you expect them to last? Well, on average, makeup brushes can last anywhere from 3 to 5 years. The actual lifespan of a brush depends on different factors, such as how well you clean them and the quality of the brush itself. In this article, we'll focus on the things that can affect how long your makeup brushes will last and how to spot signs that indicate it's time to replace them. We'll also talk about the right way to clean your brushes, which can help extend their life and keep them in great shape for longer.
Factors that affect the lifespan of Makeup Brushes
You can make your favorite makeup brushes last longer by keeping a check on the factors below. Several factors affect the longevity of makeup brushes, such as;
Quality of Material
The prime factor determining how long your makeup will last is the quality of the material used during the manufacturing process. High-quality makeup brushes such as Gracedo’s E709 Face Makeup Brush can last for more than 5 years. Additionally, brushes made from natural fibers, such as animal hair, tend to be more delicate and may require extra care compared to synthetic alternatives.
Frequency of Use
How often you use a makeup brush can affect its lifespan. The more frequently you use your brushes, the faster they wear out. Heavy daily usage can lead to faster bristle fraying and loss of brush shape. To avoid frequent usage of the same brush, consider investing in a pair of brushes with similar uses. This will help you alternate between tools and get the best results.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper and regular cleaning and maintenance play a crucial role in extending a brush's life. Poor cleaning can lead to the accumulation of product buildup, oils, and bacteria, which can deteriorate the bristles and compromise their performance. Moreover, it is also important to use proper cleaning techniques to avoid potential damage to the brush bristles. Excessive rubbing, tugging, and using harsh chemicals can result in irreversible damage to the brush quality and bristles.
When to Replace Makeup Brushes- 5 Signs
Replacing makeup brushes may seem like a simple task, but it can actually be quite tricky. On one hand, you don't want to throw away brushes that are still usable, but on the other hand, using brushes that are past their prime can be harmful. It's essential to find the right balance between keeping brushes that are still in good condition and knowing when it's time to retire them. Here are the 5 common signs for replacing makeup brushes.
Frayed Bristles
Quality makeup brushes have proper shape and structure. This is because the shape of a brush is designed according to its function. As a result, when the bristles start to fray, become uneven, or lose their original shape, it's a clear sign that the brush is nearing the end of its life.
Shedding
Shedding refers to the falling or losing of brush hair. Minimal shedding is normal, especially with new brushes, but excessive hair fall is a sign of deterioration. If you notice a significant increase in bristle shedding during use or cleaning, it's time to consider a replacement.
Splaying Bristles
In a proper makeup brush, the bristles should form a tight and precise shape. If the brush bristles start to splay, losing their firmness and structure, the brush's performance will be compromised. It is a clear sign of brush replacement as it won’t function effectively with the lost shape.
Product Absorption
One of the main qualities of quality makeup brushes is the minimum or no absorption of makeup products. Old or damaged brushes may absorb more product than necessary, leading to wastage and an uneven makeup application. When your brush starts to absorb more than normal makeup products, consider getting a new one.
Irritation or Allergic Reactions
If you experience skin irritation or allergic reactions when using a particular brush, it might be contaminated or too old. Replacing it is crucial to avoid further skin issues. Old brushes tend to lose their hypo-allergic capabilities, leading to bacterial accumulation which in turn leads to skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Effective Cleaning Techniques
Proper cleaning is the key to preserving your makeup brushes and ensuring their longevity. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean your brushes effectively:
Gather Cleaning Supplies: You will need a gentle brush cleanser, lukewarm water, a shallow bowl, and a clean towel.
Wet the Bristles: Rinse the brush under lukewarm water, avoiding wetting the handle. Gently swish the brush in the water to remove residual makeup.
Cleanse the Brushes: Apply a small amount of brush cleanser to your palm or directly onto the bristles. Gently massage the bristles using circular motions.
Rinse and Repeat: Rinse the brush thoroughly under running water, ensuring all soap residues are gone. Repeat the cleansing process if necessary, especially for heavily soiled brushes.
Squeeze Out Excess Water: Gently squeeze the bristles with your fingers from the base to the tip to remove excess water.
Reshape the Brushes: While the bristles are damp, reshape them with your fingers to their original form to maintain the brush's shape.
Dry the Brushes: Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel to air dry. Avoid drying them upright, as water can seep into the handle and loosen the bristles.
Conclusion
Improving the lifespan of makeup brushes involves considering various factors and using the right cleaning methods. As for how long they last, there's no definite answer. It can vary from 3 to 5 years, depending on factors like the brush's material quality, how often it's used, and how well it's cleaned and maintained. However, there are clear signs to watch out for that indicate it's time to replace your makeup brush. If you notice frayed bristles, shedding, product absorption issues, or bristles splaying out, it's a good indication that the brush needs to be replaced. By paying attention to these factors and properly caring for your makeup brushes, you can extend their lifespan and get the most out of them before needing to invest in new ones.
