Model Shows Why You Really Need to Wash Your Make-Up Brushes on the Reg

If you're anything like us, when you're getting ready in the morning, the last thing you're worrying about is the clenliness of your makeup brushes. Like, it's hard enough to slap some makeup on and look half-decent for work. Let alone, think about that stuff. We use them every day, yet taking the time to properly clean and sanitize them basically falls somewhere on the priority list near cleaning the oven and wiping down the remote. It's embarrassing to admit how infrequently it happens and yet here’s a stark reminder why it absolutely needs to.

Australian model Anthea Page shared an open letter on her Instagram about the scary reality of using dirty makeup brushes on your skin, and it should serve as a wake-up call to all of us that some seriously gross bacteria lurk in your blush brush and mascara wand.

She writes: 

"A letter to makeup artists and those getting their makeup done... I'm not going to sit here pretending I don't like modelling or isn't awesome because it really is and I do almost always have fun on jobs. Models have it good most of the time, especially in Australia however there are health/hygiene risks involved for models and anyone using testers or getting their makeup done people can overlook.

I have just been on a fashion show job for the past 4 days and unfortunately even though I had observed unhygienic practises and confronted the qualified artists (who I will not name) I still ended up taking home a nasty eye infection from fashion weekend. I do feel my safety concerns were dismissed as if it was part of my job to put up with these unhealthy conditions.

My message is not intended to critique the women who I trusted with my eye and skin health but to raise awareness of importance of hygiene practises amongst artists.

If you are getting your makeup done or using any testers, check everything has been cleaned to your standard even if someone scoffs at your concerns. This is not my first time receiving an ailment from a dirty makeup brush and unfortunately in my line of work I doubt it will be the last but please be aware of this if you ever come close to a makeup kit so you can keep yourself safe and healthy. 💖

Ps - It been diagnosed as a staff infection by the doctor and I'm now on medication 💖💖 #unretouched #nofilter #fuckingsick"

Anthea was diagnosed with a staph infection (an infection caused by bacteria commonly found on the skin that can turn deadly if they invade your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart). Even though she tried to express her concerns at the time, she felt they were dismissed.

Thankfully, Anthea was given medication by her doctor and is on the mend, but staph infections are no joke and often times easily prevented.

To prevent yourself from contracting an infection like Anthea did, check out this great video by beauty blogger Lauren Curtis, to learn some easy techniques to keep those brushes in tip top shape. 

In an ideal world, we’d wash our makeup brushes after every use (we know, we know…) but experts recommend cleaning them at least once a week. There are plenty of quick, painless ways to keep makeup brushes clean, and trust us, your skin will thank you for it.