Keep it Clean: The Essential Steps for Taking Care of Your Makeup Brushes
Taking care of your makeup brushes is crucial for their longevity and for maintaining the quality of your makeup application. Proper brush care can also help prevent the buildup of bacteria, which can lead to skin irritation or breakouts. Here's how to keep your brushes in top shape:
1. Regular Cleaning: Clean your brushes at least once a week for brushes used with liquid or cream products and once every two weeks for brushes used with powder products. This removes makeup residue, oil, and dead skin cells.
2. How to Clean: For a deep clean, use a gentle brush cleaner or mild shampoo. Wet the bristles under lukewarm water, apply a small amount of cleaner, and gently massage the bristles in your hand or on a brush-cleaning mat or glove. Rinse thoroughly, then gently squeeze out excess water.
3. Drying: After cleaning, reshape the brush head back to its original shape, then lay the brush flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid standing them upright to dry, as this can cause water to seep into the handle and loosen the glue holding the brush together.
4. Spot Cleaning: For quick, everyday cleaning, especially for brushes used for highly pigmented products, use a spray brush cleaner. Spritz it onto the bristles then gently wipe the brush on a clean cloth until no more color comes off.
5. Storage: Store your brushes in a clean, dry area. Avoid storing them in the bathroom if possible, due to the humidity. Consider using a brush holder to keep the brush heads in good shape and protect them from dust.
6. Deep Cleaning: Even with regular washing, every month or so you should give your brushes a deep clean. This might involve a more thorough rinse and the use of a disinfecting solution to ensure all bacteria and product build-up is removed.
7. Regular Inspection: Check your brushes regularly for wear and tear. Bristles that are frayed or falling out indicate that it's time to replace the brush.
By maintaining your brushes, you'll not only prolong their lifespan but also ensure the best possible makeup application and keep your skin healthy.
Properly cleaning your makeup brushes is important for maintaining their quality and longevity, as well as ensuring your skin stays clean and healthy. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to cleaning your makeup brushes:
1. Wet the Bristles: Hold the brush under lukewarm water. Make sure to keep the bristles pointed downward, and try to avoid getting water where the bristles meet the handle, as this can weaken the glue over time and cause the bristles to fall out.
2. Apply Cleaner: Use a specially designed makeup brush cleaner, or if you don't have one, a gentle shampoo or soap can work. Apply a small amount to the palm of your hand.
3. Clean the Brush: Gently massage the bristles in your palm in a circular motion. This works the cleaner into the bristles and helps dislodge trapped makeup and oils.
4. Rinse: Keeping the brush pointed downward, rinse the bristles thoroughly under the water. Make sure all the cleaner is removed.
5. Remove Excess Water: Gently squeeze the bristles from the base to the tips to remove excess water. Be careful not to pull on the bristles.
6. Reshape and Dry: Reshape the brush head back into its original shape. Lay the brush flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid drying brushes upright, as the water can seep into the handle and loosen the glue holding the bristles.
7. Let Brushes Dry Completely: Never use a brush that's still wet as it can damage the bristles. It can also affect the application of your makeup.
8. Deep Clean Periodically: Besides this regular cleaning, you should also deep clean your brushes every so often, depending on how much you use them. This might involve a more thorough wash or even using a brush cleaning tool to get into the bristles.
Proper brush care is essential for anyone who uses makeup regularly. It prolongs the life of your brushes and helps prevent potential skin issues caused by dirty brushes.
What to Use on Your Makeup Brushes
The best product to clean your makeup brushes with largely depends on your personal preferences, the material of your brushes, and the type of makeup you're cleaning off. Here are a few options:
Professional Brush Cleaner: There are many brush cleaners available specifically designed for makeup brushes. These products often contain ingredients to not only clean but also condition the bristles, keeping them soft and prolonging the life of the brush. Some popular brands include MAC Brush Cleanser, Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner, and Estée Lauder Makeup Brush Cleaner.
Gentle Shampoo or Soap: Baby shampoo or mild soap can also be an effective and budget-friendly alternative. They are gentle enough not to damage the brush bristles.
Dish Soap and Olive Oil: This DIY mix is an excellent method for deep cleaning. Mix two parts dish soap (to clean) and one part olive oil (to condition) on a plate, then swirl your brushes in the mixture before rinsing clean. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any oily residue.
Bar Soap: Particularly good for densely packed brushes, you can wet your brush and then swirl it directly onto a bar of soap. The soap will help break down the oils and products in the brush. Rinse well.
Brush Cleaning Mats or Gloves: These silicone tools have textured surfaces designed to help work the soap into your brushes and clean the bristles more thoroughly.
Micellar Water: It's a gentle and effective cleaner for makeup brushes. Just pour some micellar water into a bowl, swirl your brushes around, and rinse.
Always remember to rinse your brushes well, reshape the bristles, and let them dry completely after washing.