Brushes are the ideal accessory for applying makeup, as they allow you to mix powders, foundations, and other products in the best way. Thanks to them, it is possible to obtain a discreet or more marked finish and also allow you to work with great precision on the face since there is a suitable brush for every type of cosmetic.
This is the main reason why most people have a set of make-up brushes, up to a real collection in some cases. However, it doesn’t matter how many you have: the essential thing is to keep them in good condition.
In this guide on how to clean make-up brushes you will find all the basic directions to follow, so enjoy your reading!
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Why wash your makeup brushes regularly
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When we use a make-up brush, the bristles not only pick up cosmetics but also the grease and dirt from the skin. If we don’t wash them quickly, colonies of bacteria and dust mites can form. And if we share our brushes with someone, we run the risk of spreading the bacteria!
And what is the effect of using dirty brushes? First, it increases the risk of acne and skin infections. In addition, creamy products can stick to the bristles and solidify, causing them to lose their elasticity.
It is therefore essential to wash your makeup brushes, as we show you below.
How to clean makeup brushes step by step
Once you understand the importance of cleaning brushes, it’s time to find out how to do it correctly. In this section we will explain the basic procedure, which works well in most cases.
Step 1: Use hot water
The first thing to do is wet the brushes with hot water, preferably under running water. This will help dissolve the deposited makeup.
Make sure that the bristles are completely wet, but that the water is not reaching the ferrule (the piece of metal that connects the bristles to the handle). Wet this area could melt the glue and cause the bristles to fall out.
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Step 2: Wash the brushes
In a small bowl, mix warm water and some baby shampoo or antibacterial soap. Dip the brush in the water and gently scrub with your fingers to remove all makeup. We recommend that you do this for a few minutes to get good results.
On the other hand, in the case of smaller brushes, it is preferable to put the cleaner in the palm of the hand. This will prevent the ferrule from getting wet when submerged.
NOTE: Some people use dish soap to clean makeup brushes. However, even if it removes the grease, it can damage the bristles. Therefore, use it only as a last resort and choose an eco-friendly alternative.
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with plenty of running water until all traces of detergent are removed. If you notice that the makeup has not been completely removed, you can repeat the previous step. Once this is done, try to return the bristles to their normal shape with your fingers.
Step 4: Let it dry
Use a paper towel or dry cloth to remove excess water. Let it dry, preferably upright with the bristles facing down. If this is not possible, you can place them horizontally, making sure that the bristles do not touch the surface so that they do not lose their shape.
Make-up brushes should never be dried with the bristles facing up, as water may drip into the glue that connects them to the handle.
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How to wash heavily soiled makeup brushes
If you’ve never washed your brushes before, it’s time for intensive cleaning. Especially if you often use creamy products, which adhere more firmly than powders. For this reason, we suggest a second method for cleaning heavily soiled brushes.
Step 1: Prepare the brushes
The first thing to do is to try to remove excess cosmetics with a tissue. However, this gesture may not be very effective if the makeup is dry and very tight.
In this case, you can dissolve it with olive or almond oil. To do this, add a few drops to a piece of paper and use it to scrub the bristles. Both alternatives have antibacterial properties and their oil base works as a makeup remover.
Another option is to soak the brushes in isopropyl alcohol, which acts as a solvent. It should be noted that you should not use this product frequently, as it can be abrasive to the bristles.
For both options, rinse with plenty of warm water before moving on to the next step.
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Step 2: Wash your brushes thoroughly
To clean heavily soiled brushes, you’ll need to use a slightly more aggressive method. Here are two alternatives.
The first is to rub the bristles in castile soap for a few minutes. Then, set the soap aside and keep scrubbing the brush until all the makeup comes off.
Another option is to use an exfoliation glove. Put on a small amount of baby shampoo (or your trusted cleanser) and gently scrub the brush in small circles.
Step 3: Wait for them to dry
All that remains is to rinse with plenty of water and remove the excess with a towel. Then, let the brushes air dry, with the bristles facing down or horizontally.
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Go in a hurry? How to clean makeup brushes quickly
In the previous sections, we have explained how to effectively wash makeup brushes. However, as you may have noticed, it takes a few minutes to clean and then several hours to dry completely.
If you have an important event and can’t wait that long, here’s a trick to fix them in under two minutes. All you will need is a makeup remover wipe or tissue soaked in makeup remover.
Swipe the wipe over the bristles several times to remove as much makeup as possible. You can scrub the bristles gently, but try not to get the ferrule wet.
NOTE: This method is also a good option if you need to remove the color from the brushes to apply another product. However, it’s not as effective at removing bacteria, so it doesn’t replace regular washing.
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What other options are there for washing makeup brushes?
The above methods are the cheapest alternatives for cleaning makeup brushes. The best thing is that they are very effective. However, there are some products on the market specifically dedicated to washing makeup brushes that can save you a lot of time. So, here are some very useful ones.
Beauty accessories
If you want to find out how to wash makeup brushes in minutes, without soap and water, then you should try a cleaning sponge. You will find several models on sale, for example, those from Fenty Beauty or Sephora that feature a porous surface.
To clean makeup brushes with these tools, just scrub the surface in a circular motion. There is no need to add detergent, but be sure to wash the sponge from time to time.
On the other hand, if you have a lot of brushes and need deep cleaning, a cleaning mat is a good investment. They are available in different materials and are placed in the sink to scrub brushes over them.
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Specific products
While baby shampoo works well, purchasing a makeup brush cleaner can help keep the bristles in good condition. There are liquid or gel options, but the way you clean brushes doesn’t change.
If you don’t have a lot of time to wash your makeup brushes, you can opt for a spray cleaner. To use it, just spray it on the bristles and use a paper towel to remove the makeup. It’s a quick-drying option, so your brushes will be ready to use in a couple of minutes.
How often should make-up brushes be washed?
While regular washing is a must, there is no precise figure on how often to do it. However, after some thorough research, we suggest cleaning your brushes once a week or every two weeks at the latest.
Also, looking at the bristles can be a good indicator. If you notice that they are dirty, either because of the color or because you have used a liquid product, it may be a good time to clean them.
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How to Clean Make-up Brushes | Infographics
How to Clean Make-up Brushes | Video Explanation
Tips to extend the life of your brushes
We have reached the end of our guide. Now you know how to wash makeup brushes easily and efficiently. We hope this step-by-step guide helped you take care of your accessories and skin and look great without putting your health at risk. But before we say goodbye, we want to leave you with five final tips that will help you extend the life of your makeup brushes:
- Consider the material of the brushes: synthetic brushes can withstand frequent and thorough cleaning. Instead, those with natural bristles need a gentler alternative.
- Attention to drying: always remember to put them with the bristles facing downwards or horizontally, never put them vertically with the head up. Do not even use a hairdryer, as the heat damages the bristles.
- Store them properly: Once they are dry, you can put the brushes in a special case, which does not deform the bristles. Alternatively, you can place them vertically, with the bristles facing up. In any case, make sure that they do not get wet and that they can get air.
- Try not to deform them: do not exert unnecessary pressure on the bristles while cleaning them. Also, try not to wet the ferrule so that the glue lasts longer.
- Moisturize them – it sounds weird, but you’ll have to take care of your makeup brushes almost as if they were your own hair. So a moisturizing mask doesn’t hurt from time to time, just make sure you rinse it off well.
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