Cleaning makeup brushes is one of the necessary chores of loving makeup. Similar to doing the dishes after a great meal, few people look forward to the chore, but it’s necessary in order to enjoy the next fabulous creation. In order to keep your makeup sanitary and safe, it’s worth taking the extra few minutes to do a thorough clean.
Makeup on brushes can harbor bacteria, which can lead to a number of serious and undesirable complications such as skin irritations or inflammation, acne or eye infections. It’s worth taking the time to educate and eliminate any complications.
Below are quick and easy cleaning tips for two cleaning options: a purchased brush cleaner and a DIY solution.
PURCHASE A BRUSH CLEANER
There are several great options on the market today. Visit a local convenience store or a large department store for a variety of options.
- Try to find a solution in a spray bottle, as this will help to make the process even quicker and won’t waste product.
- Spray or dab a small amount of solution on a paper towel or tissue, and stroke all sides of the makeup brush into the product. The intention is to get access product off the brush and also kill any active bacteria living in the brush.
- Once the brush has been thoroughly cleaned, lay it on its side to dry. These will ensure no cleaner drips into the base and loosens the glue. Loosening the glue could contribute to brush bristles falling out over time. If you’ve made the investment in good quality brushes, it’s worth taking every measure possible to ensure longevity.
AT HOME SOLUTION
If purchasing a brush cleaner is not in the budget this month or an investment you’re ready to make, try a DIY at home solution.
- In this case, add a few dime-sized drops of shampoo into the palm of your hand. Baby shampoo is a great option because it is so gentle. Once a few drops are in your hand, lather the product with water until you see bubbles.
- From there, scrub your brush into the lathered product to really work the makeup out of it. This may take some time, but continue to stroke and scrub the brush until no product is seen.
- Do not soak the brush in water. This will loosen the glue at the base of the brush and it could also affect the brush bristles. It’s best to only lather the product and then lay on its side to dry. Be sure to dab the bristles with paper towel or a clean towel as much as possible prior to airing dry.
Doing this after each use might not be a realistic goal; for most women, I recommend setting a few minutes aside every week to clean makeup brushes. However, it is essential to clean brushes that are used for professional application after every use.
Ashley is a marketing professional and worked as a makeup artist in NYC and GR. She started a cosmetics line which celebrates how all women start as a Blank Canvas. Find BC Cosmetics on Facebook.
