How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes are essential tools in our beauty arsenal. However, with regular use, they accumulate makeup residue, oil, and dead skin cells. Cleaning your brushes not only ensures a better makeup application but also prevents bacterial growth that can lead to skin breakouts.

Why Cleaning Brushes Matters

Dirty brushes can:

Harbor bacteria leading to acne and skin irritations.
Compromise makeup application.
Reduce the lifespan of your brushes.

Materials You’ll Need

Gentle shampoo or a brush cleanser.
Lukewarm water.
A clean towel.
A brush cleaning mat or your hand.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Wet the Brush

Hold the brush under lukewarm water, ensuring only the bristles get wet. Avoid submerging the handle or the area where the bristles connect to avoid loosening the glue.

2. Apply the Cleanser

Place a small amount of shampoo or brush cleanser in the palm of your hand or on a brush cleaning mat. Gently swirl the brush in the cleanser, working up a lather.

3. Rinse

Hold the brush under running water until it runs clear, making sure to keep the handle and ferrule dry.

4. Squeeze Out Excess Water

Gently press the bristles between your fingers, moving from the base to the tip, to squeeze out any remaining water.

5. Reshape and Dry

Reshape the brush head back to its original form. Lay it flat on a clean towel, ensuring the bristles hang off the edge for air circulation. This way, the brush retains its shape and dries faster.

Tips for Cleaning Brushes

Clean sponges or beauty blenders by submerging them in water, applying cleanser, and squeezing gently until the water runs clear.
Avoid using harsh detergents as they can damage the bristles.
Clean your brushes regularly, preferably once a week for brushes used with liquid products and once a month for those used with powders.
To quickly disinfect brushes between uses, consider using a brush spray cleaner.

Conclusion

Maintaining clean makeup brushes is crucial for flawless makeup application and healthy skin. By incorporating brush cleaning into your routine, you extend the life of your brushes and ensure a hygienic makeup experience. So, the next time you think of applying makeup, ask yourself: when was the last time I cleaned my brushes?