Let’s face it; makeup brushes are the unsung heroes of the beauty world. They’re the trusty sidekicks that help you blend, contour, and highlight your way to makeup perfection. But as much as they enhance your daily beauty routine, they also bear the brunt of it, accumulating layers of makeup, oils, and dust with each use. So, it’s time to show a little love to these essential tools and learn the art of brush cleaning!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for cleaning your makeup brushes and introduce you to ten recommended products to make the task easier. Not only will your brushes thank you for it, but your skin will also appreciate the effort as you bid adieu to breakouts and makeup mishaps caused by dirty bristles.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves (figuratively, of course) and embark on a brush-cleaning adventure that will leave you with fresh, clean brushes and a sense of accomplishment. Brush care 101 starts now!
How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
Ideally, you should clean your makeup brushes regularly to prevent the buildup of makeup, oils, and bacteria. Here’s a general guideline:
- Foundation and concealer brushes: Clean after every use.
- Eyeshadow and eyeliner brushes: Clean every 1-2 weeks.
- Blush and powder brushes: Clean every 1-2 weeks.
- Lip brushes: Clean after every use.
- Sponges and beauty blenders: Clean after every use.
Steps to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need:
- Mild soap or brush cleaner
- Warm water
- A shallow bowl or container
- A clean towel or paper towels
Step 2: Wet the Bristles
Hold the brush bristles under warm, running water, making sure to avoid getting water into the ferrule (the metal part where the bristles are attached).
Step 3: Cleanse the Brushes
Pour a small amount of mild soap or brush cleaner into the shallow container. Gently swirl the brush bristles in the soap, creating a lather. Use your fingers or a brush cleaning tool to work the soap into the bristles.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the bristles under warm running water until the water runs clear. Make sure there’s no soap residue left on the brushes.
Step 5: Squeeze Out Excess Water
Gently squeeze the bristles with your fingers to remove excess water. Be careful not to pull or tug on the bristles.
Step 6: Reshape the Brushes
Reshape the brush heads to their original form. Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel or paper towels to air dry. Avoid standing them upright, as this can cause water to seep into the ferrule.
Step 7: Dry Completely
Allow the brushes to dry completely, which may take several hours or overnight, depending on the brush size and density.
10 Recommended Products for Brush Cleaning
- Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel: An effective gel formula that cleans and conditions brushes.
- Ecotools Makeup Brush Shampoo: A gentle, plant-based shampoo for deep cleaning.
- Sigma Beauty SigMagic Brushampoo: Contains natural oils to clean and condition brushes.
- Beautyblender Blendercleanser Solid: Ideal for cleaning sponges and beauty blenders.
- Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner: A quick-drying formula that’s perfect for professional use.
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo: A budget-friendly option that effectively cleans brushes.
- Sephora Collection Daily Brush Cleaner: A spray-on brush cleaner for quick and convenient daily cleaning.
- Zoeva Brush Cleanser: A mild cleanser suitable for all brush types.
- MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleanser: A cult-favorite product for deep cleaning and disinfecting brushes.
- StylPro Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer: An innovative device that cleans and dries brushes quickly.
Cleaning your makeup brushes is a crucial step in your beauty routine that should never be overlooked. Regular cleaning not only maintains the performance of your brushes but also promotes healthy skin by preventing breakouts and irritation. With the right products and a consistent cleaning schedule, your brushes will stay in excellent condition, allowing you to achieve flawless makeup looks every time.
Remember to invest in high-quality brushes, clean them regularly, and enjoy the benefits of both beautiful makeup application and healthy skin.
