Most of us are guilty of neglecting to clean our makeup brushes. For example, we use more than one color without cleaning the brush between colors. In addition, we let powder and cream formulas build up on the bristles. You should, however, take a few minutes every week to clean out the gunk. Maintaining clean makeup brushes will prevent bacteria growth, acne, and other skin problems (think cooties! 😮).
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Makeup brushes are essential for achieving great makeup. So, if it has been a while since you washed your makeup brushes, now is time to do a deep clean.
What Is on Your Makeup Brushes?
Think about the brushes on your vanity if you were to look through a microscope. What would you see? You may not like what you see if it has been over a month since they were deep cleaned. Or, if it has been several months, perhaps never, you might even feel downright queasy!
Dirty makeup brushes are full of product residue. Thus, oil from your skin, debris, and dirt can build up on your makeup brushes, resulting in poor makeup application. Even worse, this buildup of yuckiness could potentially compromise your complexion. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, this can cause acne breakouts, rashes, and infections.
What to Use to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
The best and most thorough way to clean your tools is with water and soap. There are many cleaners designed for cleaning brushes. However, if you prefer not to buy a cleaner made specifically for makeup brushes, you can use your favorite face wash. Here are some options you can choose from:
Spray cleaners – clean your brushes between uses with a liquid brush cleaner, such as Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser. I use this spray cleaner when I need a quick, less intense cleaning. Spray cleaners are also very convenient for traveling. In addition, you can use the same makeup brush for foundation and blush without soaking it in water.
Dawn dish soap – works well for deep cleaning makeup sponges and beauty blenders, emulsifying oil-based foundations and concealers quickly.
Baby shampoos – are widely used to clean makeup brushes, and they do a great job. They are also great for cleaning natural fiber brushes.
Solid bar cleaners – liquid cleaners can leave residue on your makeup brushes. Because of this, The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver is excellent at removing waterproof mascara that even the best brush cleaners cannot.
Textured cleaning mats – have a unique textured surface designed to make the brushes look brand new even after continuous use. You can easily remove dirt and oil from makeup brushes with a mat. Mats come in a variety of textures to match different makeup brush shapes.
Electric makeup brush cleaners – using an electric brush cleaner is not only convenient, but it also dries makeup brushes quickly. In addition, an electric brush cleaner is easy to use and can be done right before trying on a makeup look. Try the Luxe Electric Brush Cleaner today and clean your makeup brushes in a flash.
How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Now that you have all the information and tools to get the job done, here is how you can clean your brushes:
Tip: Before washing your brushes, make sure you disinfect and sanitize your countertops and sink with antibacterial spray. You can use a spray like Microban Multipurpose Cleaner to clean, excellent for nonporous surfaces. Just spray, walk away, and your areas will be resistant to bacteria for up to 24 hours. And do not forget to wash your hands, too.
1. Wash your brushes
Wash your brushes by hand in lukewarm water using an antibacterial soap or silicone-free shampoo. Dip each brush individually under running water. Then, dip them into a bowl of gentle shampoo or soap. Gently rub them with your fingers until you get a good lather. Hold your brushes under running water, ensuring no lather remains on them. Continue to hold them for at least two more seconds until they are sparkling clean.
2. Swirl your brush in a cleaner
I use the Express Makeup Brush Cleaning Mat from Sigma when I am short on time. It saves me hours of brush washing. By swirling the makeup brushes over the plastic teeth, you clean them in about half the time. Lux Makeup Brush Cleaner is another clever tool. Swirl your brush in the bowl, and watch it spin dry in seconds—a brush cleaner’s dream.
3. Rinse and repeat
I repeat the process if there is still residue on the brush. Then, I squeeze the water out of the makeup brush and lay it flat on a towel next to the sink to dry. It prevents water from draining into the handle, rotting the wood, or removing the glue. Also, I like to spray them with lavender. Besides the pleasant aroma, it also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that keep germs at bay.
4. Lay them neatly to dry
After thoroughly cleaning all of my brushes, I lay them neatly in a row under the ceiling fan. I always make sure to space my brushes apart so that they can dry properly. That way, they do not smell – yay!
How do you clean your makeup brushes? How often do you clean them? Tell us in the comments!
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