How To Clean Makeup Brushes Correctly: A Makeup Artist Explains

How To Clean Makeup Brushes: Expert Tips For Makeup Beginners

I always say, “A finished makeup look can only be as good as the brushes and products used to create it.” Sure, technique goes a long way, but when it comes to stepping up your makeup game, the brushes you use are key!

And with them having such an important part in creating that perfect look…It’s safe to say they deserve a little extra attention, don’t you think??

This is why today, we’re going to talk about how to clean your makeup brushes correctly, care for them, and give them some of that much-needed lovin’ they deserve!

If you’re ready to learn the best ways to clean them, how often you need to do so, the proper step-by-step processes, and specifically what to use to get the job done and get it done well, then let’s proceed.

Onward and makeup brush upwards, Beauties!! 🙂

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Why Cleaning Your Brushes Is Essential…And Not Just For Your Skin

Ok, most of us know that cleaning our makeup brushes is vital to avoid breakouts and congested pores….right??

But something you may not know is that doing so also helps them to last longer, ultimately, extending their life. So, to avoid those frequent shopping splurges intended for replacing your dwindling brushes, a little “rub-a-dub” every now and then is a must!

And what actually happens when we neglect to wash and sanitize our brushes?? Dirt, oil, dust, bacteria, makeup, and dead skin cells begin to collect on the bristles.

Why is this bad, other than being a definite “no-no” for our skin??

The accumulation of these nasty, grimy, “oh so yucky” things on brush bristles can interfere with good makeup application. In other words, your makeup won’t look as fierce and flawless as it could look luvs! 😉

Not only that, but those coated bristles also prevent your ability to blend properly. Think of it this way; a painter would never use a dirty brush on a new canvas to create a masterpiece, right??

Well, from now on, you must think of your face as your canvas, Beauties!!

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The Best Ways To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

First, I want to make a quick distinction….you see, there’s what I like to call regular “in-the-meantime cleaning”, and then there’s what I like to call “deep cleaning”.

Regular “In The Meantime Cleaning” is your quickest option, with a fast drying time, making it more practical for most on-the-go gals!

• You use a product that doesn’t require water, like a brush cleaner, in the form of a spray or spritzer.
• It’s a great way to clean your brushes but only when combined with occasional “deep cleaning”. To combine them, you want to alternate between both methods. More on that below…

“Deep Cleaning” requires significant drying time, and the cleansing process itself can also be a bit more time-consuming.

• You use a cleanser (soap or baby shampoo) along with water.
• Unfortunately, it requires allowing your brushes to dry overnight.
• It achieves the deepest clean possible and is the most thorough process.
• If you are like most makeup users, you likely don’t have the time to do this method very often. That is why I suggest combining it with the regular “in the meantime cleaning” method.

For more on how to combine these two methods keep reading, I’ll go into more detail next…

How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brushes?

*Please note: The following suggestions are intended for non-makeup artists. As a makeup artist, we have a more intricate and thorough sanitation process that even includes 99% alcohol, since we use brushes on multiple people.

Ok, be honest ladies, when did you last clean your makeup brushes? Last week?? A month ago?  Three months ago?? The truth is, more often than not, most gals don’t clean them nearly enough.

Now, you’ll likely hear a variety of suggestions on frequency depending on who you ask, from other makeup artists to dermatologists.

But exactly how often, can vary from person to person and depends on a couple of factors like your skin and any conditions you may have (clear skin vs. acne), how often you typically wear makeup, if you wear very heavy makeup, and which brushes you are cleaning.

If Your Skin Is Clear (Combine Both)

Deep Cleaning:

• As long as your skin is clear, you can likely get away with “deep cleaning” all your brushes once every 14 days or even once a month.
• However, if you want to steer on the side of caution or consider yourself a bit of a germaphobe, try every 14 days.
• Also, if you wear makeup every day, or wear a lot of heavy makeup, try to keep it closer to 14 days (you could even try once a week if you have the time).

Regular “In The Meantime Cleaning”:

• You should also do a regular “in the meantime cleaning” using a brush cleaning spray once a week on the brushes you used that week.

However, some brushes will need this more often than once a week.

• Brushes used for cream or liquid makeup products (foundation, concealer, lipstick, cream blush, etc.) require more cleaning than those used for powder makeup products. These types of brushes create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, so don’t let them go too long without a cleaning. Try using brush cleaner spray after every use (daily) or, at the very least, after every other use.
• If you wear eyeshadow daily, flip from color to color each day, and use the same brush each day… For example, on Monday, you use that brush to apply a maroon shade, and the next day, you want to use that same brush to apply a teal shade; in that case, you will want to use a spray on that brush after each use (daily). This will help to keep your eye makeup colors from getting muddy.
• You may also want to use the spray on your eyeliner brush daily or every other day.

*Please note: These instructions work well for synthetic brushes… Synthetic brushes are more durable than natural brushes. Natural brushes, by contrast, are made with animal hair and tend to shed, especially after washing. The bristles can also become easily damaged or dried out.

Therefore, due to the fragile nature of natural brushes, you can stick to just a once-a-month “deep cleaning” and freshen them up periodically with brush cleaner spray in between each “deep cleaning”.

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind concerning your brushes and cleaning…

• When it comes to brushes for powder makeup products, you can generally stretch the time out a bit between cleanings, so long as your brushes are stored in a cool, clean, dry place that doesn’t collect dust or dirt. 
• The brushes you use regularly and most often will need to be cleaned more frequently than those you just use every now and then.
• Natural brushes require gentle care, and you should not use harsh soaps with them. Being made of hair, they respond best when cleaned with baby shampoo.

If You Have Acne-Prone Skin

Beauties, to clean makeup brushes, your recommendations are a little stricter. For more info on how to clean them and avoid more breakouts, check out these suggestions.

If You Struggle With Large-Looking Pores (But Not Necessarily Acne)

Your suggestions are also slightly different than the advice in this article. Check out these tips for cleaning your brushes if you struggle with enlarged pores!!

Step-By–Step How To Clean Your Brushes Correctly

Regular “In The Meantime Cleaning”

OPTION 1 – FASTEST

1. Spray a paper towel or tissue with your brush cleaner.
2. Take your brush and gently sweep it across the tissue where you sprayed, using a painting motion (back & forth). Continue until makeup is no longer visible, and the brush appears clean.
3. Then set your brush aside, laying it flat, and allow it to dry.

OPTION 2 – ALSO FASTEST

1. Spray the brush bristles directly on one side, then rotate to ensure you get the other side.
2. Using a paper towel or tissue that is lying flat, gently sweep the brush across using a painting motion (back and forth), wiping it clean. Continue until the makeup is gone.
3. Lay the brush down on a flat surface and allow it to dry.

OPTION 3 – MOST THOROUGH, SLOWER METHOD FOR SMALL BRUSHES

1. Take a small cup and pour a small amount of brush cleaner into it.
2. Dip just the tips of the brush bristles into the solution (always look at the bottle for the most accurate instructions).
3. Depending on the brand you use, remove quickly, and then paint back and forth on a paper towel or towel until the strokes on the towel no longer show makeup. You may need to repeat this process, dipping and then brushing onto your towel or paper towel, about 1 to 2 more times for heavy makeup.
4. Lay flat and set aside to dry.

“Deep Cleaning”

1. First, wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap.
2. Start with lukewarm water, and while holding your brush so the bristles are pointing downwards, you can lightly wet them. But be sure to limit the water to just the brush head (see above photo) where the hairs are. You want to keep the brush pointed downwards so as not to allow water to run down the brush towards the handle and into the ferrule (this will loosen the glue and cause bristles to shed). * see above photo
3. Next, add a little baby shampoo or a gentle cleanser to the palm of your hand.
4. Take the brush and gently massage the tips of the bristles into that cleanser or shampoo that is in your palm. Allow it to lather.
5. Gently work the lather into and through the bristles, again keeping the brush head pointed downward. Gently swirl and massage it in.
6. Rinse with lukewarm water thoroughly until all makeup and shampoo or soap are out of the bristles, and the water runs clean.
7. Once clean, lightly squeeze out the water with your fingers and then blot on a clean towel. To blot, simply hold the brush and firmly press with and within the towel (Do NOT pull bristles).
8. While blotting and after blotting, you can gently reshape the bristles into their normal and original form.
9. Then take the brushes and lay them flat for drying overnight.

What To Use To Clean Makeup Brushes

Not sure what to use?? Worry not; we’ve got you covered!! We’ve rounded up the best of the best as far as options to get your makeup brushes spic and span clean!!

The BEST Products For Regular “In The Meantime Cleaning” Of Makeup Brushes

Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner: My #1 Favorite

It works on both synthetic and natural brushes (a BIG PLUS), and not only does a splendid job cleaning but conditioning your brushes as well (this ensures they have more lasting power).

Now, for those of you who dread doing your “deep cleaning” every 14 days, you should be able to stretch things out for that when combined with this particular product. What I mean is that rather than having to do a deep cleanse (shampooing) every 14 days, you could possibly just do it once a month so long as this spray is used in between.

For a larger size, try this one here, and then you can pour it into a basic spray bottle like this one, as most makeup artists do. *This product can be used for all three regular “in the meantime cleaning” options. OPTIONS 1 & 2, use the spray version shown above. For OPTION 3, use the liquid and tin provided here.

Why It’s My #1 Favorite:

It’s the fastest, easiest-to-use option that literally removes ALL makeup from brushes (even the grimiest, heavily packed with makeup brushes) in a matter of seconds. Generally, I hate cleaning brushes used for liquids & creams, as they are the hardest and take the most time. But this cleanser is a game-changer and makes it effortless.

IT Cosmetics It’s Your Brush Love Instant Brush Cleaner

You see ladies, it contains antioxidants, Vitamins C, E, & A, and peptides. Can we say win-win?!!

The BEST Products For “Deep Cleaning” Makeup Brushes

Johnson’s Tear-Free Baby Shampoo

Sigma Sigmatic Brush Shampoo Foam

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Liquid Unscented Soap

Ready To Take The Mystery Out Of Makeup?

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Related Articles:

• How To Minimize Pores On Face: 11 Easy Ways That Work Like A Charm!
• Beginner Makeup For The Everyday Woman
• 27 Winning Ways To Stop Acne!!

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