Do you wash your new makeup brushes before you use them for the first time?
If you answered no, you’re not alone. A lot of people don’t wash their brand new brushes before first using them. After all, they’re new and still in their plastic packs, so they’re bound to be clean and germ-free, right?
Isn’t washing them before you use them unnecessary?
No. Here’s why:
Should You Wash Makeup Brushes Before You First Use Them?
Here’s the deal:, you have no way of knowing where your brushes have been.
They may have been lying around in the factory for months, collecting dust, dirt, and who knows maybe germs too, before they were packaged and shipped to the store.
Your brushes are gonna come into contact with your skin, so you need to make sure they are clean and sterilized before you use them, otherwise you run the risk of them making you break out or, worse, give you an infection.
But there is also another reason why you should wash your new brushes before using them. Some brushes may bleed or shed a few hairs the first few times you use them so, if you wash them, these stray hair will end up down the drain instead than on your face.
Agood wash will also make the strong and unpleasant glue scent new brushes tend to have disappear.
The Bottom Line
Next time you buy a new makeup brush, wash it with water and baby shampoo (it’s so delicate and won’t ruin the bristles). You, and your brushes, will feel better, if you do!
Some brushes may have a thin protective coat of chemical that might irritate the skin. I remember the old Coastal Scent brushes were like that. I always wash my brushes before using them. It’s always better be safe than sorry.
Dao, I completely agree. Better safe than sorry indeed. It’s such a small thing to do and can prevent a lot of trouble.
That’s great advice. I’ve never even thought about washing them before I use them, but I guess in a sense they’re kind of like clothing, right? Hmm. I think I’m gonna go wash my brushes now. . .
Shandi, yes, it’s the same principle. You don’t know where you clothes and brushes have been so it’s best to wash them before using them just in case. 🙂
Can this also apply for new make up sponges?
Ceejei, yes, I would wash those too before using them, just to be on the safe side.
Yep, I always wash them before using them, especially since they tend to have a chemical-ish scent at first!
Eight, I can’t stand that scent, it’s awful isn’t it? Luckily a good wash gets rid of that and anything else that could be on your brushes..
Yes, I definitely always wash them before using them. Mostly because I see them kind of like clothes, and I always wash clothes before wearing them for the first time!
Makeup Morsels, I see them that way too. Better be safe than sorry, right?
yup! i wash my brushes before I use them too. I don’t want germs or anything to be put onto my face and contaminate my makeup products too!
Plue, I agree. It’s much better to be on safe them side and wash them. You never know what may be on them…