If there’s one thing that I can’t stand seeing, it’s dirty makeup brushes. Unfortunately I experience it all the time. It’s ok, I understand no one ever told you to wash them but I’m telling you to now. So here’s how!
Why…
Washing your makeup brushes is essential for maintaining good personal hygiene, prolonging the life of your brushes and allowing them to do their best work on your face.
- If you’re not cleaning your brushes, not only are you allowing dirt and bacteria to multiply within the brush hairs, but you’re transferring that back into your products too.
- Over time, prolonged exposure to high levels of bacteria could lead to irritation and breakouts, and even infection from nasty diseases like conjunctivitis, herpes and ringworm.
When…
How often you clean each brush will depend on what you use it for. Bacteria tends to grow faster in creams and liquids when compared to dry ingredients, so brushes used with foundations etc need to be washed more regularly. As a rule, at least once a week but ideally:
- Any brush used with a powder (eyeshadow brush, blush or bronzer brush) – 2x per week
- Any brush used with a liquid or cream (foundation brush, lip brush, eyeliner brush) – after every use
How…
You want to make sure you get rid of all the oils, dead skin cells and bacteria that’s built up in the brush. You don’t need a high price soap, any bar will do, but I recommend conditioner to keep bristles soft. Also, never leave the brush standing up to dry as it will soften the glue and cause the brush hairs to fall out.
- First, wet the brush
- Use a little liquid soap in your hand and get a good gentle lather going using the brush.
- Now rinse the brush thoroughly so all suds are gone and the water runs clear.
- If you want to condition your brushes, apply it now and then leave to work for 5 minutes then rinse again, otherwise skip this step.
- Shake off the excess water and leave flat to dry on a towel overnight
Step 1: wet your brush
Step 2: apply soap and lather up
Step 3: Rinse the brush thoroughly
Step 4: Lay brushes flat on a towel to dry
If you’re pressed for time or forgot the day before, you can pick up a brush cleaner. I don’t recommend this for everyday use as it’s pretty pricey and the isopropyl alcohol base isn’t great for your brushes in the long-run. However, it’s prefect for just such an occasion.
Brush Cleaners
Have you even cleaned your makeup brushes before?
When was the last time you washed them?
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