How to Properly Clean Your Makeup Brushes

They say that a carpenter is only as good as his tools. Similarly, your makeup job is only as good as the brushes you use. And, just as a carpenter must care for his tools if he’s to produce quality work, you need to take proper care of your brushes if you want a flawless makeup application every time.

But too few women actually clean their brushes in the right way, and fewer still do it as frequently as they should. So here’s what you need to know about caring for your brushes.

When?

Your powder brushes should be washed at least once a month. However, you should soak them once a week to prevent product buildup. Brushes used around the eyes need to be thoroughly washed even more frequently—at least twice a month.

What?

It doesn’t take anything special to clean your makeup brushes. While you can use a brush cleaner, a gentle soap and some water will also suffice.

How?

Cleaning your makeup brushes takes only 7 very short and simple steps:

1. Wet your brushes with warm water.
2. Place a small amount of soap or cleaner in the palm of your hand.
3. Gently swirl the bristles in your palm to lather up the brush. Be sure to keep the base of the brush head away from the soap and water. If this part of your brush gets too wet, it can cause the glue to disintegrate, and the bristles to come loose.
4. Rinse with warm water.
5. Use a clean towel to squeeze out the excess water.
6. Reshape the brush head into its proper shape.
7. Place your brush on the edge of the counter with the bristles hanging over the edge to allow the bristles to dry in the right shape. Do not place them on a towel, as this can cause mildew.

That’s it! It doesn’t take much time, doesn’t require any special materials, and only takes a few minutes!

Why?

What makes cleaning your brushes regularly so important? Not only do clean brushes apply makeup more evenly, but they also waste less makeup. Dirty brushes lead to spotty application and difficult blending. Additionally, your brushes can pick up trace amounts of bacteria and redistribute them all over your skin. Regular cleanings prevent bacteria buildup, which can lead to breakouts and other skin troubles.

With so many reasons to clean your brushes, there’s really no good excuse for not cleaning your brushes on a regular basis. So break out the soap and spend a few minutes giving your beauty tools the TLC they need to help you shine!