Tool Time: Brush Up on the Cleaning Process

Most women don't give a second thought to cleaning their cosmetics brushes. In reality, those unassuming brushes can be chock-full of bacteria and dirt build-up. By cleaning your brushes, they will last even longer. It will also prevent your cosmetics from becoming contaminated. Using clean brushes will also reduce breakouts commonly brought on by bacteria. Using dirty brushes can also change the color of your cosmetics as a result of oxidation. The good news is that it doesn't take much to give your brushes a thorough cleaning. While serious make-up aficionados may spring for special brush cleaners, others rely on basic household items for the cleansing process. If you're one of the former, you can pay a visit to the local beauty or department store and buy a brush cleaner. Usually, you just need to spray the brush with the product, wipe it clean with a paper towel or towel and voila.