If you’ve been using the same old techniques to clean your makeup brushes for quite a while, it’s time you try something new. Keeping your makeup tools clean helps keep germs at bay and also extends their lifespan. Cleaning your brushes on a regular basis will help you avoid breakouts and pimples, as bacteria thrives when left unclean. With so many brands and varieties of makeup available in the market today, almost every woman can find products that suit her taste and budget. But even if you use top-quality cosmetics on a daily basis, keeping your brushes thoroughly clean is essential to maintain their lasting luster. If not kept hygienic, these small but very helpful tools can become home to a lot of bacteria that may cause pimples or other skin problems.
How to clean your makeup brushes
When it comes to cleaning your makeup brushes, there are various ways to go about it. Here are some simple cleaning tips that you can follow on a daily or weekly basis, depending on how often you wear makeup. Soap and water: This is still one of the most popular ways to clean your brushes, and a lot of people swear by it. Use a mild, gentle cleansing agent like a mild detergent or a mild shampoo to wash your makeup brushes. Make sure the water is warm, so the cleaning agent can work properly. Soapy water helps rinse away makeup, dirt, and bacteria from the bristles. Baby shampoo: This is an excellent option for cleaning makeup brushes made of natural bristles. Baby shampoo is mild and does not dry out the bristles of your makeup brushes, so you can expect them to last longer. If you use gel or liquid makeup, you should also clean your brush regularly with soap and water.
With isopropyl alcohol
To sanitize your brushes, you can use isopropyl alcohol. You can buy a brush cleaner, or you can make your own cleaner. Here’s what you can do: Add a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to a cup of warm water and mix. Dip your makeup brushes in the solution and swirl them in circular motions to clean them. You can also use a few drops of isopropyl alcohol in a bowl of water to clean your sponges. After cleaning your brushes, let them air dry, preferably on a clean towel. When cleaning your brushes with isopropyl alcohol, be careful not to soak them in the solution for a long time — 5 to 10 seconds is enough. Excessive soaking can dry out the bristles of your brushes.
With dry cleaning solution
If you prefer to use a dry cleaning solution to clean your makeup brushes, you can mix a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle filled with water. Or, you can buy a commercial brush cleaner for about $5 to $7 per bottle. Here are some of the ingredients that you’ll find in most commercial cleaning solutions: Isopropyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, water, benzalkonium chloride, phenoxyethanol, and ethylhexylglycerin. Brush cleaners come in travel-friendly bottles that are small enough to fit in your purse or makeup bag. When using a commercial brush cleaner, read the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your brushes. Let the brushes air-dry on a clean towel or paper towels.
With dishwashing soap
To make your own brush cleaning soap, mix a few drops of dishwashing soap in water. You can also use a few spoonfuls of liquid dishwashing soap in a bowl of warm water to clean your makeup brushes. Let the brushes soak in the solution for a few minutes, swirling them in circular motions. Squeeze out excess water from the bristles and let the brushes air dry. If you use a commercial brush-cleaning soap, make sure you read the instructions on the bottle carefully. Also, change the soap every few months or as soon as you notice signs of contamination.
Conclusion
Keeping your makeup brushes clean is essential to protect yourself from harmful skin infections. Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly will help prevent makeup buildup — and the bacteria that comes with it. Here are some cleaning techniques that you can opt for — soapy water, isopropyl alcohol, dry cleaning solution, and dishwashing soap — depending on your taste and budget.