How to clean your makeup brushes

How often do you think you should clean your makeup brushes? Ok, now...how often DO you clean your makeup brushes?  This is something that a lot of people overlook and don't really think about. But clean makeup brushes are CRUCIAL to skin care!

For powder and dry brushes, you should clean them at the very LEAST 2 times a month, or every other week. Ideally you want to clean them every week.

For your wet brushes like concealer and foundation brushes, you should clean them at the very LEAST once a week if not daily.

If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin you should clean them more often. Why?

Makeup brushes can harbor:

Dead skin cells

Dirt and Dust (especially if you store yours on the counter....Guilty!)

Bacteria

Excess Oils

Product buildup

Also, the best makeup application for flawless skin comes with a clean, soft brush. Can't have that if they're dirty! Regular cleaning also extends the life of your brushes.

How I clean my brushes:

First off, my FAVORITE brush set is definitely the Mary Kay brush collection.

I have had and used the same brush set for going on 5 years now and they are as nice as the day I purchased them.  I also have added in a few extra brushes because I use at least 4 eye brushes and and several extra face brushes. In my daily collection, I also use the other individual Mary Kay brushes (concealer and mineral) I use 2 revlon fluffy dome shaped blending brushes (Walmart), a Smashbox eye smudger brush (Hautelook gift with purchase), and an Essence of Beauty contouring brush (CVS). With regular care and cleaning, your brushes should last for years.

I clean mine with mild baby shampoo.  I usually use the little travel sized bottles, but with a bebe on the way, I can now purchase the big bottle! Double duty! I fill my sink up with warm water and a little baby shampoo and place my brushes in it. Do not let them sit.  I then take the brush end and push it against the palm of my hand over the skin, rinsing in the water often. You will see all of the colorful goodness sliding away. :) After I am satisfied and think know they are clean, I rinse them with cool water and lay them on a small hand towel while I clean the rest.

After cleaning brushes, squeeze excess water out of the bristles with a towel. Never, ever, and I repeat Never place your brushes upright to dry. Water can seep down into your brush and ruin the glue and bristles of your brush. I also do not like drying mine flat for the same reason and for shaping reasons.

I love thebrushguard! I purchased mine at Walmart several years ago but I could not find a link. Check your local Walmart in the brush section to see if they have them.

The brush guard is awesome, you want to slide your brush guard onto the handle end so the bristles will be placed in the correct direction.

Once you have your guards on, you can place them in a jar like this. This allows any excess water to drip down but keeps your bristles clean.

Once dry you are ready to go! If I clean my brushes early evening, they are dry by the next morning and I return them to their little home. :)

My daily skin care routine

Skin care is so important! Annnnd I will be hitting the big 3-0 in 10 days!! What?!?! Did she just admit that? Yes.  I.  Did.  Hitting the 30 mark has not been the easiest for me.  I know, I know! She's still a baby, ha! She thinks 30 is old! Well, I may or may not have sang Strawberry Wine into my hairbrush growing up. Didn't we all?!

Coming up on 30 has really awakened my eyes to my health and my skin.  Not to mention, um, the fact that I am having a baby. That will put your health in perspective!

I am not an expert, but I do see the importance of a proper skin care routine! I never thought much about it until *gasp* a student at the elementary school I work at told me a few years ago that I was getting waves on my forehead! What?! Yes, that was the turning point. I do NOT want waves on my forehead. 

Enter, the skin care routine!  I started using the Mary Kay Timewise® a few years ago and have seen a huge difference in my overall appearance, tone, and texture!

I use the combo/oily, because my T-zone is oily, while my cheeks are not. It is the perfect balance of cleansing and moisturizing that my skin needs!

 

"The timewise set provides incredible age-fighting results to help you maintain younger-looking skin. The set offers 11 age-defying benefits in one skin care regimen: cleanse, exfoliate, freshen, energize, hydrate, smooth, firm, soften, protect, rebuild and reduce fine lines and wrinkles."

I want all of those things. Don't you?!

1. 3 in 1 cleanser - It cleanses, exfoliates and refreshes all in one step. 

2. age fighting moisturizer - formulated with antioxidants and a patented complex to help skin's renewal process

3.1. Day solution - packed with SPF 25, to prevent aging from sun. Hello! This is soooo important!

3.2. Night solution - packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and collagen enhancing peptides.

I use this set daily. If you would like more information or to purchase and try your own set, visit my Mary Kay website!

Also, until Saturday, September 15th, be entered to win a trial set for free!!! Click here. :)