Here’s Why You Should Replace Your Makeup Brush (Right Now)

When was the last time you replaced your makeup brush? If we’re being honest, probably never!  Aside from the bristles that are now permanently encrusted with layers of old makeup, there are plenty of reasons why it’s probably time to toss your makeup brush ASAP!

Read on to find out what top celebrity makeup artists and dermatologists have to say about brush and sponge maintenance and why even your favorite beauty tools have an expiration date.

Your skin is an ecosystem

As the body’s largest organ, the skin is composed of 1.8m 2 of diverse habitats formed by folds, nooks, and crannies, providing the perfect home for all sorts of microorganisms. But don’t go manically scrubbing your face just yet; many of these organisms are harmless and some even benefit the body’s immune system.

Nevertheless, overexposure to some strains of yeast, viruses, and bacteria (e.g. air pollution or touching the face with dirty fingers) can cause breaktouts and even serious skin infections. And whilst beauty applicators are a great way to avoid using our fingers to apply makeup, even these have an expiration date.

Do makeup brushes expire?

Yes! Just like the food in your fridge, the contents of your makeup bag also have an expiration date. And we’re not merely talking about your favorite eye shadow or that lipstick you’ve had since high school! Over time, makeup brushes and sponges can trap dirt and harbor germs, creating a breeding ground for unpleasant microbes.

Regular cleaning and maintenance can help to extend the life of your applicator but no makeup brush will last forever. Knowing when to replace your beauty tools will protect your skin health... and help keep your makeup looking amazing.

Can dirty makeup brushes cause acne?

Every time you use your applicator, it will pick up dirt, oil, dead skin, and old makeup. If you don’t regularly maintain your brushes and sponges, these will spread the old and nasty deposits right back onto your face.

Overexposure to dust and bacteria can clog your pores, cause an imbalance of microbes, and trigger an immune response, ultimately leading to inflammation and acne breakouts. Or worse, a skin infection. In fact, if you use dirty or old makeup brushes and have any open sores, popped pimples, or scratches on your skin, you risk giving yourself a staph infection.

How often should I replace my makeup applicators?

Careful maintenance will extend the life of your beauty tools but, like most things, they don’t last forever. We suggest replacing your sponge applicator every 3 months. The brush can go to month 5 or so, but that's with meticulous care.

7 telltale signs it’s time to toss your makeup brush/sponge

If you notice any of the following signs, then you’ll know your beauty applicators have reached the end of their expiration date:

1. Tears

Any tears in your sponge indicate you must throw them away immediately because there is the potential for increased bacteria exposure.

2. Overly stained

Over time, makeup will build up in your brushes and sponges and they will become harder to clean. Once they are overly stained, it’s time to replace them!

3. Bristles lose their natural fluffy softness

Does your sponge or brush feel harsher on your skin? Stiffer bristles is a major sign that you need to throw your brush away. This is especially true for brushes with natural hair bristles.

4. Reduced performance

According to Katie Jane Hughes celebrity and editorial makeup artist, “If you’re trying to blend your makeup and a brush that normally works well is blending your makeup in a spotty or patchy way, that’s not a good sign.”

5. Shedding

Are your makeup brushes shedding? Once the glue holding the bristles starts to loosen, it’s time to toss!

6. Weird smell

If your sponge or brush starts to smell a bit funky, get rid of it right away! This is a telltale sign that your applicator is harboring microbes like yeast and/or bacteria.

7. Brushes don’t return to their original shape

Finally, we recommend tossing your brushes if they still lose their shape after drying them correctly. They simply won’t be up to the task!