If, like me, you are prone to delaying cleaning your makeup brushes and always vowing to do it tomorrow, but really putting it off until months later, then this is the article for you!
Whether you put it off because you’re not sure how to clean your brushes, or maybe you just don’t realise how important cleaning your brushes is, either way I’m here to enlighten you into all thing’s makeup brush cleaning!
How often should you be cleaning your makeup brushes?
Certain brush types require more frequent cleaning than others. Brushes that are used for liquid or cream products will need to be cleaned more regularly than those that carry powder-based products.
Experts have confirmed that you should be cleaning your makeup brushes once a week as a minimum. This means a deep cleaning with water and a suitable makeup brush cleanser to get rid of all that nasty makeup build up on your brushes.
In between deep cleaning your brushes, it’s recommended that you clean your brushes after every use. There are plenty of products available to give your brushes a quick clean, these are often sprays that disinfect the brush and don’t require soaking or rinsing. It’s important to not use these quick clean sprays in place of a deep cleansing though.
Once you make cleaning your brushes a habit, I promise it’s not as much effort as it seems!
Why is cleaning your brushes so important?
If you’re noticing your skin is constantly breaking out even after doing all the right things, then maybe it’s time to give your makeup brushes the deep clean they need. I must hold my hands up and admit that, like so many, I do not clean my makeup brushes as often as I should. This frequently ends with the frustration of a blemish appearing in the exact spot I used that makeup brush and yet still I neglect cleaning them.
Dirty makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, harbouring all those nasty things you don’t want on your face amongst the makeup caked bristles.
Dirty makeup brushes don’t only cause acne but a multitude of other issues, such as skin irritation or, in worst cases, even infection.
If that isn’t enough to get cleaning your brushes, I don’t know what is! So, lets get on with cleaning shall we?
A step-by-step guide to cleaning your makeup brushes
Step 1: Wet your brushes bristles
Place your brushes bristles (and the bristles only!) under running, lukewarm water. Fully saturate the brush bristles before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Add cleanser
Apply a dollop of your chosen cleanser to your palm or on to your cleaning mat. Completely coat the wet bristles of your brush in the cleanser, massaging the product deep into the dirt.
Step 3: Start swirling
You can either use a specific brush cleaning mat or even the palm of your hand for this step. Gently swirl your saturated brush on your mat or on your palm to remove makeup build up.
Step 4: Rinse
Run the tap again and rinse the cleaning product from the brush bristles. Always face the bristles downwards so the water doesn’t run onto the handle.
Step 5: Repeat the process
Its likely you will need to repeat the cleaning process several times before your brush is fully cleaned. Repeat the process until the water begins to run clear after rinsing.
Step 6: Leave to dry
Once you’re brush is completely clean, gently pinch the brush bristles to remove any excess water. Leaving your brushes too wet can result in damage to your brushes and even the handles falling apart.
Once the excess water is removed lay your brushes on a towel to air-dry overnight. You may even want to slightly elevate the handles of your brushes so that the water runs from the bristles and doesn’t affect any adhesive on the handles.
Top products for cleaning makeup brushes
Brush cleaning mats
Brush cleaning cleansers
When choosing a makeup brush cleaner, it’s important to choose options that don’t include overly perfumed formulas as this can irritate the skin on your face. There are many products on the market specifically produced for cleaning your makeup brushes which work wonderfully.
Bobbi Brown Conditioning Brush Cleanser
If your looking for a budget alternative to clean your makeup brushes then Johnsons Baby Shampoo works wonders for cleaning your brushes too!
