Grim photos show how unwashed make-up brushes can be dirtier than a toilet seat

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

A study revealed how they can have more bacteria on them than a toilet seat, with swabs showing that the unwashed brushes were covered in grim substances

Grime photos released by the Aventus Clinic - a hair and skincare specialist based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire - showed how the daily tools can be covered in fuzzy mould, fungus and bacteria.

The team swabbed 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.

The test results for a lip gloss - showing the mould and bacteria that has grown on the brush (Jam Press)

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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 definitely time to invest in a new bottle.

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

Each set of images shows the product tested, 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.

Make up brushes should be cleaned regularly (Jam Press)

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, which conducted the study.

"However, it’s not entirely shocking.

Control test results for a toilet seat, showing mould and yeast on the left and bacteria on the right - with many brushes proving dirtier (Jam Press)

"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."

The grim results for a concealer blender, showing mould and yeast on the left and bacteria on the right (Jam Press)

“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!”

WHICH ARE THE MOST BACTERIA-RIDDLED BRUSHES?

1. Eyeshadow brush (928 combined colony forming units)

2. Blusher brush (697.5 combined colony forming units)

3. Lipgloss (625 combined colony forming units)

4. Eyelash curler (601.2 combined colony forming units)

5. Beauty blender (521 combined colony forming units)

6. Fake tan mitt (376.4 combined colony forming units)

7. Concealer blender (207 combined colony forming units)

8. Eyebrow spoolie (98 combined colony forming units)

9. Eyeliner (95 combined colony forming units)

10. Mascara brush/wand (92.5 combined colony forming units)

11. Foundation brush (85.5 combined colony forming units)