Makeup brushes are essential in any beauty routine, helping you achieve flawless and professional-looking makeup applications. However, over time, makeup residue, oils, and bacteria can build up on your brushes, leading to skin breakouts and subpar makeup results. Regular cleaning is crucial to maintaining the hygiene and performance of your brushes.
Adjust your cleaning frequency based on brush usage to keep healthy and beautiful skin. With regular care, your makeup brushes will continue to help you achieve flawless makeup applications for years. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the proper way to clean your makeup brushes, recommend products for cleaning, and suggest how often you should clean them.
Also Read: The Art Of Eye Makeup: 6 Must Have Essentials To Own That Smoking Hot Look
Why Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes Matters?
Hygiene:
Makeup brushes can become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to skin issues like acne, breakouts, and infections. Regular cleaning helps keep your skin healthy and clear.
Makeup Application:
Dirty brushes can affect your makeup products' colour payoff and blending, leading to uneven and less desirable results.
Longevity:
Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your brushes, saving you money in the long run.
The Proper Way to Clean Makeup Brushes
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Warm water
- Mild cleanser (options discussed below)
- A shallow bowl or container
- Towel or paper towels
- Brush cleaning mat or glove (optional)
- Brush holder or drying rack (optional)
Follow these steps for effective brush cleaning:
Prepare the Cleansing Solution:
Fill a shallow bowl with warm water. You can use lukewarm tap water or distilled water. Avoid using hot boiling water as it can damage the bristles.
Select Your Cleanser:
There are several options for cleansers, including:
Liquid Dish Soap: A mild dish soap can remove oil-based makeup and bacteria.
Baby Shampoo: Gentle and suitable for delicate brush bristles.
Vinegar and Lemon: A natural option that can break down makeup residue and disinfect.
Dip and Swirl:
- Wet the brush bristles under running water.
- Dip the brush into the cleansing solution.
- Swirl the brush gently in the solution, using a brush cleaning mat or glove, if available, to work the cleanser through the bristles.
Also Read: Eyes, Eyes, Baby! Top 3 Dramatic Eye Makeup Looks You Should Try This Party Season
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the brush under running water, keeping the bristles pointing downward to prevent water from getting into the metal part that holds the strands. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and no soap residue is left.
Shape and Dry:
Gently squeeze out excess water from the bristles using a clean cloth or paper towel. Reshape the brush head to its original form. To dry your brushes, lay them flat on a clean towel or use a brush holder or drying rack to ensure proper air circulation. Avoid standing brushes upright while drying, as this can cause water to enter the ferrule and damage the bristles.
Repeat as Necessary: If your brushes are heavily soiled, clean them until they are spotless.
Also Read: Beauty Essentials: 5 Must-Have Makeup Tools To Look Gorgeous All Day Long!
How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
The frequency of brush cleaning depends on how often you use your brushes and the types of products you use. Here are some general guidelines:
Foundation and Concealer Brushes: Clean these brushes at least once a week, as they come into direct contact with liquid and cream products.
Eye Brushes: Brushes used for eyeshadow, eyeliner, and eyebrows should be cleaned weekly to prevent eye infections.
Blush and Powder Brushes: Brushes used for powdered products can be cleaned every two weeks.
Lip Brushes: Clean lip brushes after each use, especially using different lip colours.
Sponges: If you use makeup sponges, clean them after each use and replace them every few weeks.
