After every makeup job, I’m faced with the daunting task of cleaning my brushes. It can take me up to 45 minutes to get through all of it. I carefully go through each brush gently washing them while thanking them for the work they’ve done. A sense of accomplishment greets me once I’ve finished. There’s nothing better than seeing the dirty water begin to run clean. It’s as if all of my worries go down the drain, all of the stresses of the last job are removed, and I create room for more work to come my way.

One step that I’ve introduced in the last year is lighting up sage and smudging my makeup brushes before washing. White prairie sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) is both antimicrobial and antibacterial. White sage (Salvia apiana) is also antimicrobial. And both have been shown to repel insects. It can also have spiritual benefits such as repelling negative energy and creating positive energy while reducing stress.

Basic tools

• Sage bundle (or smudge stick)
• Seashell or bowl of ceramic, clay, or glass to hold burning sage and capture ash

• Matches
• Optional feather or fan for fanning smoke

Allergic to smoke? Use Cleary Sage essential oil in a spray bottle with your favorite brush cleaner.

After completing this process I begin to wash the brushes. I recommend using fragrance-free/low fragrance soap to prevent skin irritation. I love using the Beauty Blender soap, or baby shampoo as it is gentle to use for brushes and won’t irritate your skin. I highly recommend getting a mat from either Beauty Blender or a similar company. I received a sample last year when I purchased Beauty Blenders. This small mat makes a huge difference and is able to reach the bristles better than the palm of my hand ever could.

Here are the steps I follow:

• Wet brush with water and rinse as much product as possible, focusing on only getting the bristles wet.
• Swirl the brush head all over the bar of soap, then swirl it in the palm of your hand/glove
• Rinse and repeat this process until the water runs clear
• Squeeze excess water out of brushes, reshaping the bristles as you squeeze
• Lay flat to dry this prevents the water from traveling into the handle, which will damage the brush and loosen the bristles

Lastly, I’ll lay the brushes on a towel facing the sunlight so that they can breathe and be cleansed and energized by the sun.

For concealer and foundation, brushes wash at least once a week to prevent a buildup of product and for better makeup application. Brushes that are used with powder can be washed once a month. All other brushes should be washed once a month and can be spot cleaned in-between deep cleanings. I recommend using Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner.

Here are some reasons you should be washing your brushes:

Longer lasting brushes

The more you care for your brushes, the longer they will last. By removing product buildup the bristles can remain intact for much longer, they also stay softer with time. The more frequently you wash them, the longer your investment will last.

Acne prevention

Your makeup brushes collect everything that’s on your skin; oils, bacteria and everything else. Dirty brushes clog your pores and are a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing your chances of breakouts.

Better makeup application

Have you ever tried to apply your makeup with caked up dried makeup? Yeah me too! It made for a very streaky application. Clean brushes help blend colors better, achieving the desired look.

How often do you wash your makeup brushes and what’s your favorite brush cleaner? I want to hear all about it! 

E xoxoxox

About three years ago my back began to hurt immensely. I attributed it to wearing the wrong shoes and pulling a muscle in my back while mishandling my makeup kit. The pain lasted for over 6 months. I started to look at alternatives to alleviate the discomfort. I changed beds, got massages, stretched, but nothing seemed to work. I decided to visit a chiropractor, who confirmed I had pulled a muscle.

The Chiropractor suggested I strengthen my core, a part of me that I had been neglecting for years. I had lost my connection with my navel. Years of shame, self-doubt, and hurt had weakened it, and the symptoms were now manifesting in lower back issues. He walked me through a treatment plan and also suggested I paid attention to my posture. It didn’t take me long to realize that my posture was terrible. I found myself often looking down avoiding eye contact. My upper body was hunched over, my belly sticking out. I was trying to hide, and my body had enough. I knew this was one of the biggest reasons my back hurt.

As a child my mother always described me as strong-willed and inquisitive. With a resilient spirit. I constantly questioned everything. I was limitless and felt like I could achieve and do anything. I possessed great confidence and didn’t care what people thought. I was comfortable in my own skin. Slowly I became aware of other people opinions “Don’t act like that.” or “Don’t wear that, you’ll attract negative attention” and “Don’t say that, someone might take it the wrong way.” I started to worry, and I began withholding my feelings. I became more silent.

This continued well into my adulthood. I would always be afraid of saying the wrong thing or hurting someone’s feeling. Sometimes I wouldn’t speak up because I didn’t want to seem difficult, even if there was a problem. I was allowing resentment and discontent to have space in my life, consuming my thoughts and energy but most of all I was blocking the true me. I spent years focusing on the happiness and comfort of others, forgetting to pay attention to my own wants and needs.

When I found Kundalini Yoga, I was shocked at the number of exercises that focuses on the navel. At times it even made me uncomfortable, and in my discomfort, many things began to surface. I was forced to face all of the shame and self-abuses I put myself through. My body was forcing me to pay attention to all of the details in my life that had been ignored. The lies that I was telling myself and the weakness I had imposed on myself. My injury was the reminder I needed to wake up and remember who I am. I needed to regain to regain my power, to be myself without apologies and speak my truth no matter how difficult it is. The more I paid attention to my core and strengthened it the more confident I became in the things I said and the decisions I made. I noticed a huge improvement in my overall mood and happiness.

When you have a strong navel point you are able to withstand difficulties with ease, you aren’t phased by the chaos that surrounds you. You are able to listen to your intuition and let it guide you instead of looking for the answering outside of you. You speak kindly yet confidently. A strong navel is essential for a woman, this is where our power to command comes from. It is a key energy point and where our creativity is stored bringing ideas to life. A weak navel point will cause separation from our purpose and destiny.

I had forgotten where I came from. The long lineage of strong woman who came before me. The freedom they had to fight for. Whether you realize it or not you too come from the same lineage too. Surround yourself with those who will uplift you, who will help harness your voice and strength. Who will encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Find a tribe of men or women who inspire you and no matter what speak your truth unapologetically.

Here’s an exercise that will help reset and strengthen the navel:

Begin with 1 minute

Stretch Pose:

Lie on your back.
Raise your head and heels 6 inches off the ground.
Focus the eyes on the toes and stretch the toes so they point away from you.
Place your arms either above your thighs with the palms facing down but not touching the legs, or along side your legs with the palms facing your body but not touching.
Begin Breath of Fire (rapid inhale /exhale through the nose with your mouth closed while pumping your navel)

Tips for beginners: Place your hands underneath your buttocks, this gives support to the low back and makes it easier to keep the legs up.
Raise one leg at a time, and then switch after a minute or so. Or try bending your knees slightly.

*Do not practice Stretch Pose if you’re pregnant, or on the first 3 days of your moon cycle

“She is free in her wildness, she is a wanderess, a drop of free water. She knows nothing of borders and cares nothing for rules or customs. ‘Time’ for her isn’t something to fight against. Her life flows clean, with passion, like fresh water.”
― Roman Payne

Be daring. Conquer the world.