Dirty brushes and sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria and therefore acne breakouts. It is important to know how to clean makeup brushes, how often, and when to just throw them away. We paint, contour, and highlight our faces every day with makeup brushes, but we can not always say the same thing about how often we clean them. It may be one of the most tedious parts of the makeup routine, but it's essential to properly – and regularly – clean our brushes and any other cosmetic instruments you use on your face and eyes.
In the following oneHOWTO article, we will explain how to clean makeup brushes easily and quickly, so they do not take up much time but are always perfect.
Why do you need to clean makeup brushes?
Unwashed makeup brushes are a favorite residence for bacteria that can clog your pores and dull your skin. Over time, bacteria accumulates on your brushes. So the more often you clean them, the less acne-causing bacteria you spread on your skin. If this is not a sufficient reason for you to clean your brushes frequently, we will give you some more reasons below:
- In addition to bacteria, dead skin cells and oil also accumulate on the brushes, which can clog your pores and lead to dull or chapped skin.
- Applying makeup is easier with clean brushes. Even the best makeup can become streaky and blotchy if applied with a dirty brush.
- Keeping your brushes clean keeps the bristles soft, so they are less likely to irritate your skin.
How often should you clean your makeup brushes?
By now, you probably know that you need to clean your brushes often, but how often is enough to prevent bacteria? Ideally, you should clean your brushes after each use and wash them at least once a month. This can vary depending on how often you use makeup and what type of brushes you have.
Note that brushes used around the eyes should be cleaned even more frequently, at least once a week. Bacteria can build up very quickly in makeup brushes, especially around the eyes."
How to clean makeup brushes with soap and water
One of the quickest and easiest ways to successfully clean makeup brushes is with soap and water. It is best to use a neutral soap or a special soap for cleaning brushes. Regular soaps can dry out the bristles, especially if they are made of natural hair.
To learn how to clean makeup brushes easily and quickly, follow these steps:
- Put warm water and a stream of your chosen soap in a glass or bowl.
- Soak the brush and make circular movements on your hand so that it is wiped to the deepest parts.
- In a few minutes, you will see how much of the product residue has come out. If the brushes are very dirty, or you have not cleaned them for a long time, you can try changing the water a few times. You can also add a few drops of olive oil to loosen stubborn dirt.
- Later, when the water is clear, air dry them on a blotting paper or a towel to absorb all the moisture. It's best to put them in a place where the sun shines, so they dry naturally and quickly. Let the brushes dry in a flat position.
You should never soak your brushes in water or leave a lot of water at the base of the bristles. This would damage the glue and cause the bristles of your brush to fall off.
Other tips for cleaning makeup brushes
How to clean and disinfect makeup brushes more thoroughly? The soapy water method is one of the most effective, cheapest and easiest. However, if you want it to be faster, or you feel that the brushes need to be cleaned more thoroughly, we bring you some alternatives:
Cleaning makeup brushes with oil: You can use olive oil or essential oil. Just put a few drops on an absorbent paper and rub it on the brush until all the product sticks to the paper. Then remove the excess oil with soap and water and let it dry.
Cleaning makeup brushes with micellar water: the process is the same as with oil, but the good thing is that it is much easier to remove once it is clean.
Cleaning makeup brushes with special products: If you do not want to make it too complicated, you can use products to clean special makeup brushes, following the manufacturer's instructions.
In addition to shampooing your brushes, you can also use a homemade disinfectant mist to increase cleanliness between uses. You can create your own disinfectant mist by mixing 4 ounces of water with 12 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray it directly onto your brush and then wipe it down with a clean cloth or paper towel.
How to store makeup brushes
Proper storage of your brushes is key to keeping them in good shape.
Cosmetic bags that are zipped up can cause your brushes to get out of shape, and the lack of breathing air probably is not good for them either. To keep the bristles in perfect condition for longer, try storing your brushes upright, so they can fan out into their natural shape.
If you are traveling and need to carry your brushes in a cosmetic bag, make sure the bag or case is large enough to line up all the brushes, thus preventing the bristles from getting tangled. Also, if possible, keep the brushes upright to prevent moisture from accumulating. Make sure the brushes are completely dry before putting them back in their case so that the bristles are not damaged by the moisture.
If you want to learn more about the different types of makeup brushes and their functions, do not miss this article about the names and uses of makeup brush sets.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Quickly and Easily Clean Makeup Brushes, we recommend you visit our Beauty & Personal Care category.