(Beauty)

How You Know It’s Time To Throw Out Your Makeup Brushes

Carl Timpone/BFA.com

Every beauty junkie knows the importance of maintaining your products and tools, but knowing when to throw them in the trash is just as essential. Makeup brushes are key to our daily makeup routines, and while they may have a longer life span than some beauty products, they don’t last forever. Here, signs that it’s time to replace them, and why (plus how to care for them properly).

Carl Timpone/BFA.com

5 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Brushes

If your brushes are leaving bristles behind on your skin, the glue holding them is losing strength. Time for a replacement.

Washing your brushes is crucial, and if you don't do so on a daily or weekly basis, it may become impossible to remove makeup from the bristles. The last thing you want to do is contaminate your face and your products.

If your airbrushed finish has given way to spots and streaks, your brush has run its course.

If your brush looks wilted or bent out of shape, its time is up. To extend the life, always store your brushes upright after washing.

If you're experiencing skin irritation and breakouts, old or dirty brushes could be the culprit, transferring bacteria onto your face. Remember to clean them regularly.