Shocking photos show just how dirty make-up brushes and tools really are – covered in fuzzy mould, fungus and bacteria

*Test results from a make-up brush showing the bacteria on it. (Credit: Jam Press)*

If you’ve never cleaned your make-up tools, it might be time to look away.

A horrifying set of images has revealed just how dirty brushes really get if not regularly maintained, covered in mould, fungus and bacteria.

The photos are the result of a new study conducted by Aventus Clinic, with the team swabbing make-up brushes to see what lurks under the microscopic surface.

Out of the 12 brushes tested, 11 were found to be dirtier than your average toilet seat, with eyeshadow and blusher tools the worst offenders.

Third on the list of most bacterial make-up was lipgloss – if you’ve been using the same one for a few months (or, shock horror, years), then it’s time to invest in a new bottle.

*Test results from a lip-gloss showing the bacteria on it. (Credit: Jam Press)*

Overall, 4364 colonies of yeast and bacteria were found across all items tested.

Each set of images shows the product tested, and a vial with the level of mould and yeast, and a second vial with the bacteria.

The eyeshadow brush test vial is almost entirely covered in fuzzy blue and green mould, while the foundation brush vial has large droplets of blood-red bacteria across it.

Having dirty make-up brushes isn’t just, well, disgusting – it could also be harmful, causing infections and skin break-outs.

WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS

“It’s awful to see the amount of bacteria that could potentially sit on a makeup brush,” Dr Suhail Alam, medical director at Aventus Clinic told Jam Press.

“However, it’s not entirely shocking.

“Even after a person uses a makeup brush for the first time, it will already be forming colonies of bacteria.

“With daily use, the brushes will automatically start collecting dirt, pollutants, oil and dead skin cells, which is why make-up brushes act as a breeding ground for bacteria which can lead to breakouts and skin irritations.

“If a contaminated brush comes into contact with the eye, this could cause infections or allergic reactions but these can be avoided with a weekly cleaning routine.”

“We recommend cleaning your makeup brushes at least once a week to avoid such an enormous build-up of bacteria.

“To clean the brushes properly, we suggest lathering the brush in an appropriate skin cleanser, massaging any bristles in the palm of your hand thoroughly, rinsing with lukewarm water and then squeezing the brush to remove any excess moisture.

“The more you clean your brushes, the less dirt seeps out of the bristles, but this is a good thing, so don’t stop cleaning your brushes regularly if you find this to be the case!”

FACT BOX: WHICH ARE THE MOST BACTERIA-RIDDLED BRUSHES?