Cleaning your makeup brushes can feel like a chore but if you’re using them on a daily basis, it’s an absolute must! Not only will they work better when clean and free of excess buildup, but your skin will thank you for it – dirty makeup brushes carry dead skin cells, oils, and goopy residue that will only clog your pores. Do your brushes — and your skin! — a favor and clean your makeup brushes regularly. Here are four easy methods for keeping your tools pristine.
How to Properly Clean Your Makeup Brushes
With Soap – To clean using a mild bar of soap (with no perfumes or color dyes), run the brush under warm water, being careful not to wet the metal binding or handle. Then gently twirl the brush onto the bar of soap to remove any makeup. Rinse under warm water. Repeat this process until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze out any excess moisture and follow drying instructions.
With Baby Shampoo – Run a clean dish sponge under lukewarm water, then apply a light amount of baby shampoo to the sponge. Run the makeup brush under water to loosen the residue, then swirl your brush on the sponge, making sure to remove all traces of makeup. Once the brush is clean, run it under warm water to remove all traces of soap. Then follow the drying instructions.
With Vinegar – In a small, clean bowl, pour one part vinegar and two parts lukewarm water. Blend and dip your brushes into the solution until all trace of residue and buildup are gone. Run under clean water, then see drying instructions.
With Olive Oil – For brushes that are very dirty and have too much caked-on residue for gentle soap, try olive oil to break it down. Pour a small amount onto a clean paper towel over a soft towel and twirl the brush in the liquid. Once the majority of the buildup is gone, move on to regular cleaning and drying methods.
To Dry: Once the brushes are completely clean and there is no trace of residue in the water, gently squeeze out any excess moisture with a soft cloth, reshape the brush, and either lay flat to dry or clip the end of the brush from a clothes hanger and allow it to hang dry. Never use a blow dryer on your makeup brushes. It can damage the handle, undo the binding, cause the glue to run, and generally ruin your brushes.
Note for Beauty Blenders: To clean sponges or beauty blenders, use mild soap or baby shampoo. Wet the sponger or blender with lukewarm water, then squeeze a light amount of soap onto it. Gently roll it between your hands and squeeze until the water runs clear and no trace of makeup residue appears. Squeeze any excess water and lay flat on a clean towel to allow to air dry.
