Learning how to clean makeup brushes isn't hard at all. It can be a bit involved, but trust me, it's worth it. After all, cleaning makeup brushes keeps them in good shape, so you don't have to constantly replace them. If you've made a serious investment by purchasing really good brushes, then you'll definitely want to take the time and due diligence to keep them clean. More importantly, when you keep them clean, you reduce the risk of spreading harmful germs and bacteria all over your face. All you need are some great tips for cleaning makeup brushes, and I've got them for you!
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1. Timing
The first step in figuring out how to clean makeup brushes properly is knowing when to do it. Most brushes need to be cleaned at different times, some more frequent than others. For example, foundation brushes, blush brushes, and the brushes you use for bronzer and power should all be cleaned at least once a week. You should clean the brushes you use for your eye shadow about every two to three days. Your eyeliner brushes need to be cleaned every time you use them, because they're most likely to carry – and transfer – bacteria.
2. Spot Cleaning
There are lots of little tricks when it comes to cleaning brushes. You should still follow the aforementioned protocol, but this tip can still keep your brushes clean on a daily basis, and it covers you when you simply don't have enough time to do a full cleaning routine. All you need to do is buy some baby wipes, and wipe down your brushes every time you use them.
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You can also use alcohol-based spray cleaners for quick disinfection. Simply spritz some onto a paper towel or directly onto the brush bristles, then gently wipe until you see no more residue. Another effective method is to dip your brush into a small amount of micellar water and gently swirl it on a clean cloth. This can help remove both product buildup and bacteria, keeping your tools fresh. Remember, these spot-cleaning methods are just temporary solutions and should never replace a thorough cleaning routine. They will, however, extend the time between deep cleans and maintain brush hygiene.
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3. Be Gentle
Above all, be gentle. Cleaning makeup brushes requires patience and a soft touch. That means using warm water, not scalding hot. Get them damp, not soaking wet. When you clean and rub them, never rub too hard – you might pull out the bristles, and that means you'll have to replace your brushes.
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Above all, be gentle. Cleaning makeup brushes requires patience and a soft touch. That means using warm water, not scalding hot. Get them damp, not soaking wet. When you clean and rub them, never rub too hard – you might pull out the bristles, and that means you'll have to replace your brushes. Consider using your fingers or a soft cleaning glove to gently massage the bristles. This ensures that you're lifting away makeup residue without damaging the delicate fibers. Allow the brushes to air dry naturally by laying them flat on a clean towel, ensuring they retain their shape.
4. Use the Right Products
Knowing how to clean makeup brushes involves using the right products to clean them. Some experts urge the use of shampoo, others say you should use face wash. I go with shampoo, because that can clean much better than a facial scrub. However, use a gentle shampoo – a baby shampoo works best. And remember, don't lather up too hard!
5. Add in Oil
I've gotten a lot of tips for cleaning makeup brushes from my BFF Adam. He's a makeup artist, and he does this all day, every day. He swears by adding in some tea tree oil along with your shampoo. It helps kill bacteria, keeps your brushes soft, and keeps them in tact. You've got to love that!
6. Rinse, Rinse, Rinse
When you're rinsing, you really need to rinse – a lot. Again, make sure the water's warm, not hot, but let it run until all the makeup residue is gone. Just keep sliding your brushes under the tap until the water runs clear.
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When you're rinsing, you really need to rinse – a lot. Again, make sure the water's warm, not hot, but let it run until all the makeup residue is gone. Just keep sliding your brushes under the tap until the water runs clear. Pay attention to the base of the bristles, where makeup buildup often hides. It's essential to ensure there's no soap left either, so gently press the bristles while rinsing to remove any trapped product. Take your time to thoroughly rinse each brush to prevent any lingering residue, which can cause skin irritation and affect the performance of your brushes.
7. Air Dry
In addition to wanting to know how to clean makeup brushes, a lot of people also need tips on how to dry them after they're clean. I knew one girl who used her blow dryer to get them dry. Bad idea! Just leave them overnight and let them air dry. It's different, and it won't scorch the bristles.
If you want to learn how to clean makeup brushes properly, all you have to do is follow these tips. You won't have to replace your current brushes for a long, long time, and you also won't have to worry spreading any bacteria. Do you know of any other ways to clean makeup brushes you'd like to share?
Comments
Anonymous: Hey there! Just to add a little nugget of wisdom I've learned when cleaning brushes: make sure they are always "bristle down" when cleaning, even under water. This keeps water from seeping into the ferrule (metal part of brush where bristles meet handle) because that will mold the bristles, and the handle if it's wooden, and NOOOBODY wants that on their face! EW!! If you have invested in nice, expensive brushes you REALLY want to take care of them to get the bang out of your buck; however, if you are using less-expensive brushes you can still make them last a good while by taking care of them properly and with gentle hands. Awesome article, Lyndsie! So informative:) So many people don't know the importance of cleaning their utensils or how to do it. You go girl!
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