Why Is it Important to Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
Imagine your makeup brushes are like the towel you use to wipe your face. You need to wash it often if you don't want to spread bacteria. The same goes for your makeup tools.
You may have even noticed that if you don't clean your makeup brushes for a long time, breakouts appear on your skin. Dr. Julie Russak is a doctor and the founder of a dermatology clinic in New York.
She believes that using the same brush every day without cleaning it can clog your pores. You're transferring dirt and bacteria from your face to the brush and then back to your face. This can lead to acne and irritation.
How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
You should clean brushes for liquid textures (foundation, cream blush, concealer) after every use or at least once or twice a week. You can wash brushes for dry textures less frequently. For eye brushes, cleaning them twice a month is recommended, whereas other brushes should be washed once a month.
What to Use for Cleaning Makeup Brushes?
The type of brush and its material will determine what you should use to clean it. Synthetic brushes have less sensitivity, and you can clean them with organic soap or eco-friendly dishwashing liquid. Clean natural brushes with gentler products, such as professional brush cleaners or baby shampoo.
To quickly clean brushes used for liquid textures, you can use wipes, sprays, or oils. Wipes are the most convenient, as you simply wipe the brush after each use.
Oils are more effective, but they are a bit harder to use. You need to apply them to a lint-free cloth first before cleaning the makeup brush. Sprays are more for antibacterial effects and are a good option for quick cleanups. Ideally, you should use a dedicated shampoo (for deep cleaning) and wipes/spray (for daily use).
Some people use regular hair shampoo, shower gel, or even dish soap to clean their makeup brushes. However, experts do not recommend this, especially for natural brushes. If you don’t want to buy a specific brush cleaner, you can use gentle baby shampoo or organic soap instead.
For those looking for a more professional touch, consider purchasing a cleaning glove or mat. These silicone tools help clean brushes more thoroughly without damaging the bristles.
How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
First, rinse the bristles of your makeup brush under warm water, keeping the brush facing downward. Then, apply some cleaning solution to your hand and gently swirl the brush in circular motions to clean it. Don’t press too hard; you should be as gentle as if you were washing your hair.
You can also gently comb the bristles with your fingers to clean them more thoroughly. Keep doing this until the water runs clear.
Using a cleaning mat is simple. Just put it at the bottom of the sink. Pour some cleaner on it. Then, swirl the brush on the textured surface in circles.
How to Dry Your Makeup Brushes?
First, don’t dry your brushes with a blow dryer. The blow dryer will do to your brushes what it does to your hair, causing the bristles to fray.
Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel (but don’t twist or wring them). Lay your brushes flat on a towel with the bristles facing downward.
Enthusiasts sometimes make their own drying stands from rubber bands and a wooden board, but you don’t need to go that far. Simply laying your brushes on a clean towel works just fine.
Upgrade Your Makeup Tools
To make your makeup routine even better, consider using a 12-piece Wood Makeup Brush Set. These brushes have eco-friendly synthetic fibers, and the handles are comfortable and durable. They also help apply makeup evenly and last longer.
Conclusion
Cleaning your makeup brushes is easy and important for both your skin and your makeup. By following these simple steps, you can keep your brushes in great shape and your makeup looking flawless. Regular cleaning ensures your brushes last longer and helps your skin stay healthy. Keep your tools clean!