Have you ever thought about what a dirty makeup brush or sponge can do to your skin? We use these tools every day, but most of us forget to clean them. When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? No worries if you don’t remember—you’re not alone!
Experts say it’s very important to clean your brushes and sponges regularly. If you don’t, they collect dirt and bacteria, which can lead to skin problems like pimples or rashes. But the good news is—it’s easy to clean them!
In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean makeup brushes step by step, how often you should do it, and what tools you’ll need. Let’s make sure your makeup stays clean and your skin stays healthy!
4 Essential Makeup Brushes Cleaning Agents You Should Know
- Soap: Literally, any soap or shampoo can do the job and remove makeup from brushes. However, ensure to use liquid or bar soap for synthetic brushes. It is an anti-step for eliminating strong deposits, delicate, efficient, and safe for all brushes, including those with natural bristles.
- Warm Water: It is strongly advised to avoid washing your brushes with hot water, as this will only harm the bristles and ferrule. In addition to soap and water, the following supplies make brush cleaning faster, easier, and (most likely) more enjoyable:
- Brush Cleaner: All specialists suggest using a brush cleaner to clean eye brushes and brushes that work with liquid makeup.
- Brush Cleaning Pads: You can also just pour the soap solution into every brush’s bristle by hand if you like. However, we suggest using a grooved brush cleaning pad, as it assists in cleaning between the bristles. For these thin flat pads, you like the ones with suction cups on the bottom.
This extra step helps ensure that all residue is thoroughly removed, leaving your brushes cleaner and more hygienic for your next use. Using a brush cleaning pad also helps maintain the shape and integrity of your brushes, ensuring they last longer and perform better.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes the Right Way
Cleaning your makeup brushes doesn’t mean just dipping them in soapy water like your kitchen dishes. If you want to keep your brushes clean and in good shape, follow this easy step-by-step method:
Step 1: Lather Up
Start by putting a few drops of gentle liquid soap or baby shampoo on your palm or a brush cleaning mat. Wet the bristles of your dirty makeup brush with warm water. Don’t soak the entire brush—just the bristles.
Now, gently swirl the brush in a circular motion on your palm or cleaning mat for about 15 seconds. This helps break down the makeup, oil, and dirt. Clean one brush at a time to make sure each one gets fully washed.
Step 2: Rinse and Squeeze
Rinse the brush bristles under running lukewarm water until the soap and dirt are gone. Try not to get water into the part where the bristles are glued to the handle (called the ferrule), as it can loosen the glue.
Once clean, gently squeeze out the extra water with your fingers. Be careful not to pull or tug on the bristles, or they might fall out.
Step 3: Dry the Brushes
To keep their shape, cover the brush heads with a mesh brush guard if you have one. Lay the brushes flat on a towel, with the bristles hanging off the edge of a table or sink. This allows air to circulate and helps them dry faster.
Never dry your brushes upright (bristles pointing up), because water can drip into the handle and damage the glue inside.
Drying may take several hours or even overnight. If you’re in a hurry, use a blow dryer on a cool setting, but avoid hot air—it can mess up the brush shape.
Step 4: Store Properly
Before putting your makeup brushes away, make sure they are completely dry. Store them in a clean, dry makeup bag or holder to avoid germs and bacteria. Always keep your storage area just as clean as your brushes!
Read more about: Clean a Bong
Quick and Effective Daily Makeup Brushes Cleaning Techniques
Maintaining hygiene and preventing bacteria from forming on makeup brushes is essential to maintaining good skin health. Micellar water or brush cleaner spray with moderate concentrations of alcohol can be used for effective and quick daily cleaning. Here are some tips:-
- After spraying the cleanser directly onto the bristles, wipe the brush gently with a new cloth or tissue to remove any remaining product residue.
- Keep the water away from the handle to prevent damage when rinsing the brush tips under lukewarm water.
- The bristles should be lightly massaged with baby shampoo or mild soap and then rinsed with clear water.
- Make sure the hairs are repositioned on a towel and given fresh air to refresh them.
Conclusion
The maintenance of clean makeup brushes and extending their lifespan contributes to maintaining healthy skin. Experts recommend implementing cleaning routines daily and weekly. Following these tips and tricks can keep your makeup tools in perfect condition, allowing you to apply makeup flawlessly.
FAQs about Makeup Brushes
What Is the Proper Way to Clean Makeup Brushes?
You can rinse the tips of the brushes using lukewarm water and running tap water to remove the residual makeup. Rinse just the tip since submerging the entire head of the brush will dissolve the glue connecting the head of the brush.
What Should You Not Clean Makeup Brushes With?
Never use soap on the brushes, as this is the bristle’s bristles. Massage and swirl. Also, swirl the tips of the brushes into the mixture of shampoo and water.
Can I Soak My Makeup Brushes Overnight?
When you soak the brush handles and dissolve the glue between the bristles and handle, the brush will be damaged, leading to shedding.
Do You Clean Makeup Brushes Every Day?
We suggest cleaning the brushes once every seven to ten days to help prevent bacterial growth, skin issues, and acne. The healthier habits initiate with the cleaning routines you can rely on.
Are Makeup Brush Cleaners Worth It?
When you keep your brush clean, you are taking care of the expensive beauty tools; however, it indicates that you get the best application.
