How to Clean your Makeup Brushes

How many times have you looked at your foundation brush and thought to yourself that you needed to clean it? Come to think about it, when was the last time you did clean your makeup brushes or changed out your sponges? How often should you do clean them and how exactly do you clean them.

Not to scare you, but have you ever thought of all the germs and bacteria that could be thriving on those brushes? “Buildup of dirt and oils on your makeup brushes can cause acne breakouts and possibly rashes called dermatitis,” warns Cristina Monaco, Certified Physician Assistant of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York. Believe it or not, like your skin needs to be cleansed at the end of each day, makeup brushes can hold product buildup, dirt, grime, and oils that will not only clog your pores but also keep the brushes' from properly applying makeup correctly.

I know it sounds thrilling to wash your brushes, but it needs to be done, and it’s really quick and easy. Follow along to learn some tips and tricks on washing those bad boys and by the end of this blog, you’ll have learned a DIY cleanser for your brushes.

How often do brushes need to be washed?

Brushes should be cleaned weekly or in some cases after each use (like eye brushes since they change color daily) But all other makeup brushes should be WASHED monthly.

TIP: Before you wash your brushes, be sure to disinfect and sanitize your countertops and sink with antibacterial soap, wipes, or spray for maximum cleanliness.

Step #1:

Using lukewarm water you’re going to wet your brushes bristles remembering to keep the brushes upside down so that you don’t ruin your brushes ferrule (which is the metal part below the bristles) and dissolve the glue over time.

Step #2:

Next, we will be using a small bowl or the palm of your hand, and you will mix together distilled water with a small drop of soap. You can use Dawn Dish Soap, antibacterial hand soap, or whatever you use as an everyday face wash. After the soap, you will add a little bit of olive oil. The dish soap will kill the germs, while the oil will break down any built-up product in the brush. The mix ratio will be 1-1.

Step #3:

Now that we have our cleanser made up the next step is to swirl your brushes in the cleanser for about a minute. Then run the brush under warm water until the brush is clear from all soap and makeup products.

Step #4

Now squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean, towel.

Step #5:

Last on the list is to Fluff the brush’s bristles back into their original shape (you can blow on them, tap them, or flick them) Let your brushes dry with the bristles hanging off the edge of the counter or shelf, or if you can hag them from something by the handles so that way they keep their shape.

Its been noticed that makeup brushes are the most frequently used tool for application, but blender sponges are now being used by more people, and they need to be cleaned regularly as well. You will use the same cleaning process outlined above for cleaning makeup brushes for your blender sponges. Simply rinse the sponge under running water, submerge in the soapy water mixture, rinse, and repeat until the rinsing water runs clear. Squeeze out excess water and allow the sponge to air dry overnight.

Replacing Makeup brushes/sponges

Sponges need to be replaced every 3 months while brushes get replaced every 6 months.

Now you are all done. All your makeup brushes are cleaned and ready to apply that next top model face.