We’ve done foam curlers, hair brushes and makeup bags, now let’s wash some makeup brushes!

We all know makeup brushes are essential for flawless application, but how often do we think about cleaning them? Honestly, I can be a bit of a germaphobe so I tend to clean my makeup brushes once a week which is a habit I’ve developed over a long time and something I try to stick to adamantly. Dirty brushes can harbour bacteria, leading to breakouts and irritation. Luckily, keeping your brushes clean is a simple process that takes just a few minutes. Here’s how to wash your makeup brushes like a pro:

Gather your supplies:

• Gentle cleanser: Opt for a gentle shampoo, brush cleanser, or even baby shampoo. If you’re in a pinch, I sometimes save up hotel soaps and shampoos and use them to wash my brushes.
• Bowl or cup: Fill it with lukewarm water.
• Clean towel: This will be used for drying.
• Optional: A silicone brush cleaning pad can help agitate the bristles. I’ve got a super old one which I’ve used for well over a decade from Sigma.

Let’s get washing!

1. Quick rinse: Start by running the bristles under lukewarm water to remove loose makeup particles. Hold the brush pointing downwards to avoid getting water near the base of the bristles, which can loosen the glue.

2. Lather up: Add a small amount of your chosen cleanser to the lukewarm water. Swirl the brush in the water to create a lather, gently working the cleanser into the bristles. If you have a silicone cleaning pad, this is a great time to use it!

3. Rinse and repeat: Rinse the brush under running water until the water runs clear. You may need to repeat steps 2 and 3, especially for heavily used brushes.

4.Gently squeeze: Once rinsed clean, use a clean towel to gently squeeze out excess water. Be careful not to wring the brush, as this can damage the bristles.

5. Shape and dry: Reshape the brush head back to its original form. Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel to dry,with the bristles hanging off the edge. Avoid letting the brushes dry upright, as water can pool at the base and damage the glue. I also like to leave mine out in the sun as the light will also help clean your brushes as they dry.

Pro tips:

• Wash your brushes at least once a week, or more often if you use them daily for heavy makeup application.
• Give your brushes a quick spot clean in between washes with a brush cleaning spray.
• Never submerge the entire brush in water, as this can loosen the glue that holds the bristles in place.
• Replace your brushes every few years, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or loose.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your makeup brushes clean and healthy, ensuring flawless makeup application and a happy, healthy complexion!

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and thoughts expressed are solely my own and not influenced in any way. There are no affiliate links and I do not benefit from any link clicks or purchases made.