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By Sophie Joaman • August 14, 2024 • 6 mins read
We get it—cleaning your makeup brushes can feel like a chore, especially when you have a million and one other things on your to-do list. However, it is so, so important to get into the habit of cleaning them regularly.
Brushes, sponges, and beauty blenders can harbour all kinds of bacteria, which can then cause skin breakouts and even infections. Additionally, makeup application is more likely to be uneven and patchy with dirty brushes.
Not cleaning your brushes or sponges can also result in a much shorter lifespan, which can be costly when you have to replace them.
All in all, cleaning your brushes and sponges properly and regularly helps keep your skin healthy, your makeup looking flawless, and prevents you from having to spend a pretty penny on new brushes too often.
If you don’t know where to start when it comes to cleaning your makeup brushes, no need to worry! We’ve put together the only guide you’ll ever need, including the products that will help you keep those brushes sparkling.
For avid and daily makeup users, it is recommended to wash your brushes frequently, particularly foundation brushes and those used around the eyes, to prevent the risk of infections.
Makeup brushes often harbour a lot of bacteria, and by neglecting them, you risk transferring that bacteria to your face, leading to various skin issues. To avoid this, make sure you deep clean your brushes every two to three weeks.
If you rarely use your makeup brushes, you can leave them for longer, but you should still get into a good routine of washing them every month or so.
Cleaning your brushes is actually quite easy, and once you get into a good routine with it, it really is a breeze. For a super-quick and thorough brush cleaning routine, follow this step-by-step process in a matter of minutes:
1. Rinse the bristles: Using lukewarm water, rinse the bristles of the brush to remove any residual makeup.
2. Apply cleanser: Apply a small amount of cleaner onto a silicone brush cleaning pad or the palm of your hand, then gently swirl the brush in a circular motion to lather it up. The cleaner will work to get in between the bristles for a deeper clean.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the brush head properly under lukewarm water until the water runs clear. If needed, repeat step 2 to remove all makeup residue from the brush.
4. Remove excess water: When all the makeup residue has been removed and the brush is completely clean, gently dab the brush onto a clean, dry towel/paper towel to remove any excess water. Now they’re ready to dry.
To dry your brushes properly, lay them flat on their side on a clean, dry towel/paper towel. It’s a good idea to position the brush heads so they hang over the edge of a table or countertop, allowing them to dry back into their original shape.
If you do need to reshape them yourself, be gentle and avoid applying excess force, as this can damage the bristles. Simply guide them back into their original form and leave them to do the rest.
Allow them to air dry, and once they are completely dry (ensuring no excess water is left behind), return them to your makeup storage.
Cleaning beauty blenders and sponges is just as important. Sponges are porous and absorb a lot of dirt and residue, so make sure to wash them thoroughly in lukewarm water with a good cleaner following the steps above.
When cleaning your sponges, you can gently squeeze them to remove any excess water, but be careful not to wring or twist them, as this can stretch them out of shape. Once you’ve ensured that all makeup residue is gone, leave them to air dry, and they’ll be good to go once again.
Just as it’s important to know how to clean your brushes, there are also a few things to keep in mind about what not to do when cleaning them. These tips can help protect your brushes from damage and keep them in tip-top shape:
1. Don’t dry your brushes upright: This can be an easy mistake to make, especially since many of us store our brushes upright. However, when cleaning your brushes, avoid standing them upright to dry. Water can trickle down into the barrel of the brush, trapping it at the base and causing the handle to rot or weaken.
2. Don’t squeeze the bristles to dry: It might be tempting to squeeze the water out of your brushes with your hands, but don’t do it. Squeezing can alter the shape of your brush, compromising its performance.
3. Don’t submerge or soak your brushes in water: Submerging your brushes in water or leaving them to soak can damage the bristles and weaken the glue, which can ruin your brushes. So clean the brush head only.
4. Do not use boiling water: Boiling water can melt the glue at the base of the brush, causing the bristles to fall out. Always use lukewarm water instead.
While you can certainly use gentle baby shampoo to clean your makeup brushes, the best option is to use ready-made brush cleaners. These products are specifically formulated to effectively clean your brushes while keeping them in the best shape.
The Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner is an alcohol-based liquid solution that works to remove stubborn makeup residue and dirt from the brush while killing bacteria.
With the “dipping method”, apply a small amount of the liquid to the cleansing tin or a small bowl and simply dip the brush head in to melt away the dirt. Professionals rate it highly, and so do we.
The Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser gives your brushes a little luxury treatment and works hard to remove the build-up of dirt, bacteria, and makeup residue. It also helps to keep your brushes in tip-top shape for much longer without damaging the bristles.
The Beautyblender Liquid Cleanser is a delicate cleanser free of harsh chemicals, making it perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. It also leaves your beauty blenders and brushes smelling divine with its soft lavender scent.
While it is gentle, your sponges and brushes will still get a thorough clean, effectively lifting and melting away dirt.
We like to think of washing our makeup brushes as part of our self-care routine because, after all, we use them on our faces. So by regularly cleaning your makeup brushes and sponges, you are saving your skin from a host of potential problems further down the road.
Establishing a routine that includes proper cleaning, drying, and care of your brushes also extends their lifespan and ensures the best makeup application..
If you’ve got 10 minutes today, give your brushes a clean. Future you will thank you!
