Keeping your makeup brushes clean isn’t just for show. It’s a big deal for both your skin and your wallet. Dirty brushes can pile on bacteria, causing breakouts or irritation. Learning how to clean makeup brushes can save you cash in the long run.
Cleaning makeup brushes isn’t complex, but there are steps you definitely want to follow for the best results. First, you need to gather your cleaning materials. We’re talking about a good cleansing agent and a water source. Next, wet your brush bristles with warm water — but remember, no drowning the brush. You’ll want to keep the handle dry to avoid weakening the glue. Apply a dab of cleaner onto your hand or a brush cleaning mat, lather gently, then rinse thoroughly. It’s a rinse and repeat game until the water runs clear.
Once cleaning is done, gently squeeze out the excess water and reshape the bristles. Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel to dry. Standing them upright can cause water to seep into the handle, loosening the glue over time. Let them air dry completely before moving them back into your kit.
To get started, you’ll need a few essentials. Grab some soap or cleanser specifically designed for brushes. If you’re in a pinch, baby shampoo can work too. A gentle hand soap could do the trick, but some folks even swear by dish soap like Dawn for its powerful grease-cutting properties. A brush cleaning mat might help with stubborn products caked in the bristles, making the job quicker and more effective.