Keeping Your Makeup Brushes Clean

I will never forget the first time I actually cleaned my makeup brushes. Wondering why my skin was breaking out and all of a sudden realizing just how grungy the bristles were looking made be start to think about how I could better take care of them.

Image: istockphoto

So, off to the store I went – absentmindedly picking up some makeup brush cleaner and then back home to start cleaning.

The amount of dirty blush water that flowed off the brush was incredible. And awfully gross.

After that first eye opening experience, I make a habit to clean my makeup brushes every Sunday. During the week, when I am doing my makeup, I also ensure that very little product is used at a time. There is no need to load up a brush with eyeshadow, blush or bronzer if the excess is only going to cake up on the bristles and get tapped or washed away.

If you prefer to spend your money on makeup and are not interested in buying a cleaning product just for your makeup brushes, you can create your own cleaner by mixing two parts water with one part vinegar. But…I do recommend you consider one of the following products, since in my experience they do a better job thoroughly cleaning your brushes (and without the pungent vinegar smell).

Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser $12.50
Cover FX Brush Cleaner $13
Smashbox Brush Cleaner $15

Sephora also makes makeup brush wipes, but I find them to be a bit less effective at thoroughly getting the dirt and bacteria out of the bristles.

First, I spray the brush with cleanser, letting it sit for a couple minutes before adding some water and gently running the brush under water. Be careful with the bristles; don’t bend them. Once the water is running clean, carefully let the excess water run off before leaving the brush on the counter with the bristles hanging over the sink. This way the brush will maintain the correct shape without being flat on one side from laying completely on the counter.

If you haven’t been cleaning your brushes, you should start to see a difference in your skin right away. Try to clean them once a week or a couples a month at minimum. Your blush, brushes and cheeks will thank you!