We all know a good workman never blames their tools, but when it comes to makeup brushes – no makeup artist could be without them. With most of us using our brushes at least once a day, it’s vital to keep them clean – not only to avoid the build up of bacteria, but also to keep them in tip-top condition and increase their lifespan. If you’re wondering how to clean your makeup brushes, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll talk you through each step to ensure you’re cleaning your makeup brushes effectively.
How Often Should I Clean my Makeup Brushes?
Professional makeup artists are taught to wash their brushes between clients in order to avoid contraindications. However, many makeup fanatics don’t wash their personal brushes thoroughly or often enough. But how often should you be washing your makeup brushes to avoid pesky breakouts?
If you use your brushes every day, you should be washing them at least once per week. Brushes which require cleaning most often are the ones which are prone to product build-up, such as foundation, concealer and lip brushes – these should be cleaned twice per week… minimum.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes: Step-by-Step Guide
Now you know how often you should be cleaning your makeup brushes, it’s time to talk about how to clean them.
You will need:
- Dirty makeup brushes
- A brush cleanser or gentle soap
- Water
The best way to deep-clean your makeup brushes is to use a specialist brush cleanser or soap formulated for sensitive skin, as regular soap can dry out your brushes. Once you’ve got your hands on that, it’s time for the first step.
Step 1: Wet Your Brushes
The first step for washing your makeup brushes is to wet the bristles with lukewarm water. Use your fingers to spread out the bristles to ensure a thorough clean. However, make sure you avoid getting water on the ferrule – where the bristles meet the handle – as this can cause the glue to soften and the bristles to shed.
Step 2: Add Cleanser
Once you’ve wet your brush, it’s time to add cleanser. Massage some of your soap or cleanser onto the bristles, concentrating on the ends where you’ll find the most makeup build up.
Step 3: Massage
Massage the cleanser through the bristles before swirling in the palm of your hand to create a lather, ensuring a really deep clean.
Step 4: Rinse
Next, rinse the brush under running water to remove any soap residue, before wiping on a clean towel to ensure all makeup has been removed. Squeeze any excess water out of the bristles to make the drying process a little quicker.
Step 5: Reshape
Next, use your fingers to reshape the brush head, making sure each brush has returned to its original shape before you leave them to dry.
Step 6: Dry
Leave the brushes to dry on a shelf with the bristles hanging off the edge to allow them to dry in the correct shape.
And there you have it, the perfect way to clean your makeup brushes! It might be a little bit laborious, but there’s nothing quite like applying your makeup with freshly-cleaned brushes, so the whole process can become a little addictive!
