*
*
There is no nicer feeling than applying makeup with soft, freshly washed
Thankfully, there are a plethora of products in the market that make the task a lot easier. And knowing the proper techniques will ensure you’re getting every bit of product, oil and dirt out for squeaky clean brushes. Here’s everything you need to know about the best way to clean makeup brushes.
Procrastinating your brush washing may not seem like the biggest deal, but your skin will bear the brunt.
Used brushes collect oil, dirt and product residue and harbour all kinds of bacteria. If they’re not routinely washed, you risk the chance of contaminating any product the brush comes in contact with and, of course, your skin.
This could cause rashes, spots and acne breakouts.
Plus, as layers and layers of product build up on the bristles of your brush, they could turn stiff. This will make them less effective in applying and blending your make-up. And no one wants that.
This depends on various factors: whether you use the brushes on yourself or other people, how often you wear make-up and the type of products you use. You can easily notice your
But generally, if you’re using the brushes on your face and wear makeup reasonably often, a deep clean once every week or two should suffice.
If you have an eye infection or a cold sore, washing your brushes after every use is vital.
The main thing you need is a soap of some kind. You have many options here. You could choose a gentle soap or shampoo – baby shampoos work well for this.
It cleans thoroughly while leaving your brushes smelling like soothing lavender. To remove particularly stubborn makeup, you could also use a bit of washing-up liquid diluted with water.
If you’re happy to invest in one, there are also tons of brush cleansers that work for both brushes and sponges and also come with a silicone scrubbing pad.
Choose the brush you want to clean. If you want to clean more than one at a time, make sure they’re of a similar size and shape, although it’s best to avoid washing more than two at a time.
Dampen the
Cover the brush in soap. Use the cleansing agent of your choice – a gentle shampoo, a soap or a specifically designed brush cleanser. Work the product into the bristles by swirling the brush back and forth on the back of your hand or a cleansing mat.
Once the soap has lathered up, use your fingers to squeeze out the product build-up from the brush.
Rinse the brush under running water. Then, use the back of your hand or the cleansing mat again to help remove the soap.
Be careful to wet only the bristles and not the entire body of the brush. You don’t want to loosen the glue that holds your brush together.
For dirty brushes, repeat the process until all the pigment is out and the soapy water runs clear. You will find foundation and concealer brushes need more thorough cleaning than an eyeshadow brush you use with lighter colours.
Pro tip: “A trick I learned in make-up school is to use hair conditioner on my brushes post-washing to keep the bristles soft,” says Beauty Writer Nishita Fiji. “I do this once every couple of months, and it keeps the bristles from getting rough.”
Press the bristles to squeeze the water out when your brushes are clean. Then, place them horizontally on a towel.
Leave them to air dry on your kitchen counter or any other flat, even surface, with the body of the brush resting on the towel and the end hovering over the edge. This will ensure the brush gets an all-around airing, helping it dry quickly.
Once your brushes are washed and clean, notice how they perform better than ever – the right tools for the job and all that…
