How to Clean Makeup Brushes

 

Cleaning makeup brushes regularly is essential to maintain their quality and ensure the health of your skin. Accumulated makeup, oils, and bacteria on brushes can lead to breakouts and skin irritation. To save your brushes clean and your skin healthy, follow these steps:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before starting, gather the necessary items:

Gentle Shampoo or Brush Cleanser: Use a mild shampoo or a dedicated brush cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps or detergents that can damage the bristles.

Warm Water: You'll need lukewarm water to clean the brushes effectively.

A Clean Towel: For drying the makeup brushes after washing.

Brush Cleaning Mat or Glove (Optional): These textured surfaces help deep-clean brushes by removing makeup residue more efficiently.

Sink or Bowl: To hold the water for cleaning.

Step 2: Wet the Bristles

Start by running the brush bristles under lukewarm water, ensuring the water only touches the bristles and not the handle or ferrule (the metal part holding the bristles). Avoid hot water as it can harm the brush hairs and the glue that holds them together.

Step 3: Apply Cleanser

Take a small amount of gentle shampoo or brush cleanser into the palm of your hand or directly onto a brush cleaning mat or glove. Gently swirl the brush bristles in the cleanser, working up a lather.

Step 4: Clean the Brushes

Using your fingers or a brush cleaning mat/glove, work the cleanser into the bristles, focusing on areas where makeup residue is most likely to accumulate. Swirl the brushes in different directions to ensure thorough cleaning.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water, continuing to gently massage them with your fingers until the water runs clear, indicating that all the cleanser and makeup residue have been removed. Make sure to keep the bristles pointing downwards to prevent water from getting into the ferrule.

Step 6: Remove Excess Water

Gently squeeze the bristles with your fingers to remove excess water. Avoid pulling on the bristles, as this can damage them.

Step 7: Reshape and Dry

Reshape the brush bristles with your fingers to their original form. Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel or hang them upside down (with bristles facing downward) to air dry. This prevents water from seeping into the ferrule, which can loosen the glue and damage the brushes.

Additional Tips:

Frequency: Clean your brushes at least once a week, especially those used for liquid or cream products, to prevent bacterial growth.

Spot Cleaning: For a quick clean between uses, use a brush cleaning spray or makeup remover wipes specifically designed for brushes.

Avoid Soaking: Never soak brushes as it can damage the bristles and loosen the glue.

Handle Carefully: Be gentle while cleaning to avoid damaging the bristles.

Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes not only maintains their quality but also ensures that your skin stays healthy and free from potential breakouts caused by bacteria and product buildup. Incorporate this routine into your beauty regimen for better skin and prolonged brush life.