We’ve all heard the cliché that the French aren’t exactly known for their stellar hygiene. While it may be a stereotype, there’s some truth to it—at least when it comes to one area: beauty routines. Despite their reputation for impeccable style, it turns out French women aren’t quite as diligent with their makeup hygiene as you might think. In fact, a recent survey conducted by My Little Box and MAC, involving 2,000 women, uncovered some pretty shocking stats. Brace yourself: it seems that 40% of women are guilty of a makeup habit that can wreak havoc on their skin.
French Women: Falling Short on Makeup Hygiene
When it comes to makeup, there are a few basic rules we all know—like keeping track of expiration dates on cosmetics or following a solid skincare routine. But even with this knowledge, some women still aren’t keeping up with proper makeup hygiene. According to the survey, two out of five women admit they don’t regularly clean their makeup brushes. This might sound like a minor oversight, but it’s actually a huge mistake for the health of your skin.
Here’s why: makeup brushes are breeding grounds for bacteria. If they’re not cleaned regularly, these brushes can transfer harmful bacteria and other impurities directly onto your face, leading to breakouts, eye infections, and even skin irritation. It’s a little shocking to think that something as simple as cleaning your brushes can make such a big difference in the overall health of your skin. This revelation alone is enough to prompt a deep clean of your own makeup bag—no matter the season.
But it doesn’t stop there. The survey also found that one in three women don’t bother to remove their makeup at night. Combine this with the lack of brush cleaning, and it’s no wonder that many women end up battling acne or skin irritation. The importance of proper skincare—and the hygiene habits that support it—become even more glaring when you consider these statistics.
How Often Should You Clean Your Brushes?
Now that we know the issue, the next question is: how often should you really be cleaning your brushes? The answer depends on your makeup habits. If you’re not a makeup artist and your brushes are only used on your own face, cleaning them once a week should be sufficient. If you’re only using dry products like powder or eyeshadow, you can stretch that cleaning schedule to every two weeks. The reason? Wet products like foundations or cream blushes harbor bacteria more easily, which is why they require more frequent cleaning.
For those of you who do makeup on other people, cleaning your brushes after each use is a must. Bacteria doesn’t care whose skin it’s on—it’ll happily transfer from one person to the next if you don’t take proper precautions.
How to Clean Your Brushes Properly
When it comes to cleaning your brushes, there’s no shortage of methods, but some work better than others. Makeup enthusiasts will tell you that the best way to clean your brushes is with a simple Marseille soap, paired with a textured cleaning surface. There are also specialized brush cleaning mats, like those from Sigma, that have grooves designed to trap makeup particles and deep-clean the bristles effectively.
For the more budget-conscious among us, baby shampoo is a popular alternative to expensive brush-specific cleansers. Not only is it gentle on the bristles, but it’s also more affordable and readily available. The key is to clean your brushes thoroughly, ensuring they are free of any product residue and bacteria. After cleaning, let them air dry to maintain their shape and integrity.
The Bottom Line: Clean Brushes, Healthy Skin
The findings of this survey might be a wake-up call for many of us who aren’t always as diligent with makeup hygiene as we should be. The reality is that dirty brushes and a lazy makeup removal routine can lead to skin problems that are completely avoidable. If you take just a few extra minutes to clean your brushes and remove your makeup properly at night, you’ll likely notice a huge improvement in your skin’s appearance. It’s a small change, but one that can have big benefits for your complexion.
So, if you’ve been neglecting your brushes or skipping your nighttime skincare routine, consider this your reminder to make those habits a priority. Your skin will thank you for it—and you might even see fewer breakouts and irritations in the process!
