Cleaning Makeup Brushes

 

Makeup brushes are an important part of the overall makeup routine.  Although many things come with small applicators, it is good to have a proper set. In addition, it is important to keep them clean to prevent a possible fungal infection, E.coli infection, or staph infections.  In general you won't see the bacteria on the brushes so you'll need to take the offensive and make sure they are clean.

When brush is used to apply eye shadow, highlighter, face powder or other product, the brush tends to collect dirt, oil, residue, thus becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean them every 7 to 10 days, and the cleaning must be done correctly to be effective.

The first step is to rinse the heads of the brushes under lukewarm running water to remove all the dirt, oil, and residue it has picked up. Make sure to only rinse the tips where it has all accumulated otherwise if you do the whole head, the glue holding it together will dissolve.  Next fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and one teaspoon of gentle or clarifying shampoo.  Don't use soap because that can dry the bristles out.

Then swirl the brush heads in the shampoo/water mixture or if you massage the head in your hand after swirling to bring up a lather. Once you feel you've done enough swirling or massaging, rinse the heads under running water to remove the shampoo. If you do not want to use a shampoo water mix, there are liquid brush cleaners on the market that can be used instead. The advantage to using a brush cleaner is that it is formulated with gentle solvents designed to eliminate powder, liquid, or wax based products without hurting the brush. 

 Continue swirling and rinsing until the water runs clean so you are positive all the residue is out and the brush is clean. Squeeze out the water from the heads before laying them on a towel to dry.  Position the tips so they hang over the edge.  Do not stand them upright in a container while wet or the water can run down and loosen the glue.  

In addition to makeup brushes, people often use makeup sponges to apply foundation.  If you buy the cheap ones in bulk, those are not meant to be cleaned.  They are meant to be used and thrown away. On the other hand, if you bought makeup sponges that are meant to be used again, then you need to make sure they are cleaned about once a week.  Sponges should be replaced every three to four months so they don't get too old.

The best way to clean makeup sponges is to begin by filling a small bowl with warm water and submerging the sponge in the water.  The more water it absorbs, the larger it becomes, and the easier it is to clean. Once it's nice and wet, drizzle some soap (antibacterial is often recommended) over it and massage the soap in. Then rinse with clean water until all the makeup and soap is out.  When the water runs clean, squeeze out the extra liquid, then lay out to dry. 

When your brushes begin to fray, are too pinched, too squashed, it is time to get new brushes.  Keep your tools clean and you'll be in good shape.  let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.