How to Wash Your Makeup Brushes

Clean makeup brushes are mandatory for clear, glowing skin and a smooth, even makeup application.  If you know how to wash your makeup brushes, you can avoid clogged pores, create beautiful makeup looks, and proudly display your collection of makeup brushes.

Contaminated brushes loaded with bacteria and old makeup clog pores and lead to breakouts.   Every time you touch your skin with your makeup brush, you’re exposing the bristles to skincare products, makeup, oil, possibly sweat, and any other debris that may be on your face.  This all collects in your brushes, and deposits bacteria onto your skin the next time you use your brush.

Unclean brushes also create uneven tones in the face and make your eyeshadow look dirty and patchy.  After all, it’s hard to achieve a pink springtime look when that deep emerald shade from last week is still sitting in the bristles!

Always store your brushes in a brush case or upright in a brush holder or cup.  This will help maintain the integrity of your brushes.

A good quality brush should last you a few years if you take care of it.

How to Wash Your Makeup Brushes

1. Use either baby shampoo, brush cleaner, or gentle soap, to cleanse the bristles.
2. Wet the bristles, avoiding the metal piece.  Your brush may fall apart if this piece becomes wet and no one wants that!
3. Pour a drop of soap into your palm and swirl your brush around until the bristles are completely covered.
4. Remove all soap by rinsing out your brush.  I usually swirl it in my palm until it runs clear.  Again, avoid the metal piece at all costs!
5. Squeeze the remaining water out of your brush head with a clean towel.
6. Reshape the brush head.
7. Let your brushes air dry overnight with the bristles hanging off the counter.  This allows for moisture to pass through the bristles and evenly dry.  Skipping this step may cause your brushes to become mildewed.

How Often to Care For Your Brushes

Deep clean your brushes with soap and water once a month.

Use a brush cleaner after each use.  Spray the cleaner throughout the bristles and wipe the brush across a paper towel to remove all makeup residue.  This sanitizes your brushes for the next use which helps reduce the spread of bacteria.  It also helps you stay true to the eyeshadow color scheme you’re going for!

Always keep a brush cleaner in your makeup kit for when you’re on the go.

Clean brushes are happy brushes.

Deep cleaning your brushes once a month and maintaining them daily will help you avoid clogged pores, create a flawless finish, and extend the life of your makeup brushes.

Do you have a brush cleaner you swear by?  Let me know below!