It goes without saying that makeup brushes and sponges are integral tools in makeup application. There is a brush for literally everything; foundation, powder, concealer, bronzer, eye shadow and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We use and reuse these tools every single day on our faces, but the most important question remains, when was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes?
Makeup brushes accumulate unhealthy amounts of oil, bacteria, debris and product buildup and therefore should be cleaned regularly. Cleaning brushes regularly can help minimize breakouts and can help with smoother makeup application. So, how often should you be cleaning your brushes? Some say after every application, some say weekly for foundation and concealer brushes and bi-monthly for eye brushes and other brushes. I have oily skin, so I really try to wash my brushes as much as I can in order to prevent breakouts. Truth is, we all all know when our brushes are a hot mess and need a good cleanse.
Now that we have established that we should be cleaning our brushes and what frequency, let’s get into the best way to clean them! There are so many brush cleansers on the market, but all you really need is warm water and a gentle cleanser. Some people use soap, I prefer baby shampoo. It’s inexpensive and can be bought at any store or pharmacy. So what’s next?
Let’s get into the process of cleaning those brushes.
- Wet brushes with warm water, never cold. Warm water helps to break up the makeup and oil.
- Squeeze dime sized amount of baby shampoo, soap or cleaning product in the palm of your hand.
- Gently swirl brush together with water and cleaner in your hand. You will start to see the makeup washing off of the brush. You can massage the brushes down as well. Work with the shape of the brush, not against to preserve bristles.
- Rinse with warm water and repeat until water runs clean of makeup.
- Use a clean towel or paper towel to squeeze out excess water and gently reshape brush with hand.
- Lay brushes on the edge of a counter to drip dry.
Cleaning your brushes can be a daunting task, but it’s so necessary. You want to preserve your tools for as long as possible, as well as ensure you’re not introducing any debri and bacteria to your face. Also, remember, you shouldn’t be lending your tools to anyone, even a friend, but if you do, it’s even more imperative to wash!
When was the last time you washed your brushes? What do you wash them with?
