How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Why Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes Matters
Cleaning your makeup brushes is an important aspect to both your beauty routine as well as your overall healthy skin. Here are the three key reasons you would want to prioritize the said practice:
- Better Performance with Brushes
Dirty brushes can clog with old makeup, oils, and debris and lead to poor application and bad results. Cleaning them every now and then ensures the smooth and precise application of makeup, enhancing your looks.
- Prevents Bacteria and Oil Buildup
Makeup brushes collect bacteria, oils, and dead skin over time. This transferable material can be transferred to your skin, which could potentially cause breakouts, irritation, and other problems to your skin. Clean the brushes regularly to ensure both your brushes and your skin are clean and healthy.
- Longer Brush Life
High-quality makeup brushes are a significant investment. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning, prevents wear and tear, helping your brushes last longer and saving you money in the long run.
How Often Should You Clean Your Brushes?
While the ideal frequency is once a week, realistically, most people don’t stick to this routine. A more manageable goal is to clean your brushes at least once a month. Even this minimal effort can make a big difference in keeping your brushes and skin healthy.
To clean your makeup brushes without damaging them, follow these steps
- Prepare the Brushes
Soak the hair of the brush in warm water. Do not wet the entire brush as water may penetrate to the handle and weaken the adhesive that holds the bristles in place.
- Apply a Mild Cleanser
Add a pea-sized amount of mild shampoo or brush cleanser to your palm.
Massage in the circular direction the cleanser through bristles so that the dirt has evenly been distributed throughout the brush
- Thorough Rinse
Drip running warm water and slowly move the brush in warm flowing water until clear in a colorless and crystal-free condition
Do step as required for two complete processes of cleaning by repeated dipping until makeup or all visible dirt is washed off and eliminated.
- Extraction of excess water
Hold your thumb and index finger together, make a ring and then draw the brush through by gently pulling it while applying light pressure.
This will ensure excess water is extracted leaving the brush in its form.
- Dry the brushes thoroughly
Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel to dry.
Do not lay them flat to dry since moisture may penetrate the handle and make the glue loosen, thereby falling off the bristles.
Brush Maintenance Tips
- Do Not Use Sterilizers
Never put your brushes into a sterilizer. They may get damaged by heat or chemicals and become unusable.
- Quick Cleaning Solution
For a quick clean-up option that is on the go and effective, opt for a Botanical Brush Cleaner. Spritz on to a tissue and with a gentle sweep of side to side across the brush, wipe away that makeup residue.
This technique is best suited for mid-cycle deep cleaning, particularly for brushes used with liquid or cream products.
- Store Brushes Properly
Store your brushes in a clean, dry area once they are dry. Do not leave them out in the open where they may be exposed to dust or moisture, which may cause contamination or mildew growth.
Why You Should Commit to Cleaning Your Brushes
Cleaning your makeup brushes is one of those things that might feel like an extra chore, but it’s a small step that delivers significant benefits. Here’s why you should commit to this practice:
Healthier Skin: By removing bacteria and buildup, you reduce the risk of breakouts and irritation.
Better Makeup Results: Clean brushes give you smoother and more even application, meaning you’ll have a better makeup look. –
Cost Savings: Maintained brushes last longer, saving you from frequent replacements that can be costly.
Conclusion
Clean makeup brushes are a must both for healthy skin and a longer beauty tool life. An ideal routine would be cleaning weekly, but even setting a month to clean may show noticeable results.
Cleaning makeup brushes doesn’t take too much time if you have the right simple steps above, or some fast clean techniques, like brush cleaner spray, that can maintain cleanliness and functionality for your brushes while they stay in good shape.
Make cleaning your brushes a non-negotiable part of your beauty routine you and your skin will thank you!
