Best Way to Clean Makeup Brushes

by Angela Nelson
a female hand cleaning the makeup brush bruhses on the floor

Yeah, makeup is the way to achieve a flawless, airbrushed look, but do you know that you can literally wreck your skin with dirty, grimy brushes? No matter whether you own a premium set of makeup brushes, they’ll get dirty as time passes. Imagine you are all set to attend an event, have chosen the outfit of the day, and are ready to glam up in your pink makeup look when you notice that brushes are grimy. This is why cleaning up the brushes is important. So, in this article guide, we will cover a detailed step-by-step guide to clean makeup brushes to retain their functionality and look.

1. Assemble Your Supplies to Clean Makeup Brushes

makeup bruhses with a towel on bathroom sink a spray bottle

foodfashionhome.com

Folks and dirty brushes are known to accumulate dirt and facilitate bacteria growth. So, I don’t think you want your next makeup to be a disaster. Even makeup artists know how crucial it is to clean makeup brushes. My fashion-inspired girlies, it’s time to clean your makeup brushes for an updated repertoire.

Make sure you have the following materials before you begin cleaning makeup brushes:

  • Soft Bristle Brush Cleaner: Use a brush cleaner made especially for cosmetic brushes. Use a light liquid soap or baby shampoo as a DIY option.
  • Mat for Cleaning Silicone Brush: This is not required, but it is strongly advised. It is helpful to clean thoroughly and get rid of makeup product residue.
  • Lukewarm Water: Avoid using hot water on brush bristles; instead, use lukewarm water.
  • Towel/microfiber cloth: to wipe off any remaining bristles.
  • Drying Rack or Brush Stand: To ensure that your brushes dry completely.

2. Separate Your Makeup Brushes to Clean

The next step if you are looking for how to wash makeup brushes is disassembling them. You might know that the brushes are detachable; remove the brush head from the handle. This is an important step to prevent the glue that holds the bristles from dissolving and causing bristle loss, which can happen if water or cleaner seeps into the ferrule (the metal section of the brush).

3. Use Lukewarm Water to Rinse Brushes

makeup brush being washed in tap water

lilyengland.com

The best way to clean the makeup brushes is by using lukewarm water due to its ability to dissolve the makeup quickly. As the water runs lukewarm over the brush, let it trickle between the bristles. Make sure the brush is angled downward to prevent water from entering the ferrule. Rinse until most of the product is removed and the water runs clear.

4. Use Cleansing Brush

Now, it’s time to use the best makeup brush cleaner. Dot the brush with a tiny bit of dish soap, baby shampoo, or brush cleaner. For optimal results, adhere to the directions on the bottle when using a makeup brush cleaner. Using your fingers or the silicone brush cleaning mat, gently rub the cleaner into the bristles. You might need to do this step again if your brushes are really dirty.

5. Scrub the Bristles of the Brush

rinsing a makeup brush

zsglovesm.best

If you are not satisfied with the work by the cleaner, you can scrub the brushes with your hands. As the next step in cleaning makeup brushes, rub the cleanser into the bristles in a circular motion for a complete cleaning. If you’re using a cleaning mat, gently rub the brush on the textured surface of the mat in a circular manner. This will assist in removing any last bits of makeup and dirt. To prevent breaking the bristles, be gentle. Certified dermatologists frequently advise frequently cleaning makeup brushes in order to maintain healthy skin and stop bacteria growth.

6. Rinse and Repeat (If Needed)

To completely wash the makeup brushes, repeating the rinsing process is crucial. Make sure to completely rinse the brush under lukewarm water to remove any remaining soap residue. Continue washing the area until the water flows clear if it is still stained or soapy.

7. Remove Extra Water to Clean Makeup Brushes

To get rid of extra water, gently compress the bristles between your fingers. Refrain from pulling on the bristles, as this can result in their shedding. To further absorb moisture and blot the bristles, you can additionally use paper towels.

8. Dry and Reshape

Once the extra water has been removed, return the brush head to its initial configuration. This step is crucial to keeping the brush in its original shape and guaranteeing a flawless cosmetic application. To dry, place the brush in a brush stand or lay it flat to dry on a cloth. Avoid holding the brush upright to stop water from leaking into the ferrule.

9. Drying Time of Makeup Brushes

a lot of brushes on a surface

medium.com

Before using the brushes again, let them air dry fully. Depending on the type and size of the brush, drying periods can change. Brushes typically take several hours to overnight to fully dry. Make sure they are completely dry to avoid damage and the formation of mold. Makeup sponges should also be completely dried and cleaned on a regular basis.

10. Scheduled Maintenance

Wash your brushes regularly to ensure that they remain in perfect shape. Try to clean brushes used with cream or liquid makeup, including concealer and foundation, once a week. Brushes used with powders such as blush and eyeshadow brushes can be cleaned every two to four weeks. This deep cleaning regimen will preserve the efficacy and hygiene of the brushes.

Additional Tips to Clean Makeup Brushes

Here are some additional tips

  • Steer clear of harmful chemicals: Alcohol and aggressive cleaning products might harm the bristles and hurt your skin, so avoid using them.
  • Deep Cleaning: For more extensive deep cleaning, Use a vinegar and water mixture or a specific brush cleaning solution.
  • Sanitizer for brushes: Use a brush sanitizer spray to quickly disinfect in between deep cleans. It helps in bacterial destruction and brush cleaning.

Check out this article if you want details on different types of makeup brushes.

Conclusion

If you are wondering how to clean makeup brushes, don’t worry. We have the ultimate solution and answer. All you have to do is gather your set of makeup brushes and follow our article guide to clean them thoroughly.

Grime-Free Brushes!

You may also like

Leave a Comment