Cleaning Make-up Brushes

Photo Credit: stephendpolo

When is the last time you cleaned your make-up brushes? Last week? Last month? Last year? Never?! Is it something you ever think about? Well, when doing research to answer this question, I found that the answer to this question varies slightly. Most recommend cleaning make-up brushes used for dry powder weekly and bushes used for liquid products like foundation or cream eye shadow daily (weekly at the least).

Make-up brushes harbor dirt and bacteria which can cause break-outs on your skin. Therefore, cleaning make-up brushes should become a habit (or at least be put on your cleaning schedule). Now that we know why we should clean make-up brushes, let’s discuss how to clean them.

How to clean make-up brushes

• Rub cleaner (see cleaner options below) into the bristles of the brush using the palm of your hand and fingers to thoroughly saturate the brush with cleaner.
• Rinse in a bowl or running water until the water runs clear and the brush is free from dirt and soap.
• Gently squeeze the water out of the brush and reshape.
• Let air dry by hanging the brush end over the edge of a counter. To prevent water from settling into the handle which causes bacteria growth, make sure to not stand the brush on it’s end.

Cleaners to use on make-up brushes

Shampoo

Shampoo works great when cleaning make-up brushes made of hair. It’s convenient, easily, and readily available.

Facial Cleaner

Facial cleaner is gentle enough to remove make-up from brushes without damaging the brush or handle. If you already use facial cleaner, it’s just as convenient and readily available as shampoo.

Vinegar/Water mixture

There really are a million uses for vinegar and cleaning make-up brushes is no exception. In a small bowl, combine 2 parts vinegar and 1 part water. Swish the make-up brushes in the bowl until thoroughly saturated and continue the directions above starting with number 2. Your make-up brushes will be disinfected and ready for use!

Professional Make-up Brush Cleaner

There are several professional make-up brush cleaners available for purchase. Some are similar to using shampoo or facial cleaner but others are great to use when you don’t have time to wait for the brush to dry. You just spray the cleaner on the brush, wipe dry, and your brush is immediately clean and ready for use.

Do you clean your make-up brushes? What’s your favorite cleaning method?

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Tagged as: brushes, make-up, Vinegar