Makeup brushes are a must-have for every single makeup enthusiast or beauty guru out there. Chances are, you own your own vast collection of brushes as well. Unfortunately, few people remember how important it is to clean your brushes regularly. What is even more of a challenge is learning how to clean your makeup brushes properly. 

The following guide covers everything from the basics, the tools, and everything up to the actual process of cleaning the brushes. 

The Basics

How often should you clean your makeup brushes?

Before getting into the steps of how to clean the brushes, there is a more important question to be addressed. Here, it would help if you made a clear distinction between cleaning and washing. 

Dermatologists recommend washing your brushes at least once a week. The reason why you need to wash them so often is that because they are used on your face, it’s better to keep them as clean as possible. Twice a month is adequate though… 

In contrast to washing, you should clean your makeup brushes every time you use them. If you don’t clean your brushes after every use, residual makeup and dirt will keep accumulating, making it more difficult to wash them when you need to. 

What tools do you need to clean your makeup brushes?

The most basic and thorough way you can clean your brushes is by using water and soap. On the other end of the spectrum lie cleaning brushes, cleaning liquids, and the like. Although there is a wide variety of cleaning products you can use to complete your task, there’s no need to invest in expensive material. 

An alternative to soaps and cleaning liquids is your face wash - it can be perfect for the job. You can even use some gentle dishwashing soaps or liquids as well. (a Sephora employee once told me Dawn dish soap works wonders) But, keep in mind that this doesn’t apply to every single dishwashing liquid out there. 

How often should you replace your makeup sponges?

Makeup sponges that come in bulk packages are not created with the intention of reuse. In that case, you need to throw them out after using them once. On the other hand, sponges like Beauty Blenders are meant to be reused - they can last up to three or four months if you take care of them properly. 

Like your makeup brushes, you will need to clean up your makeup sponge at least once a week. Like brushes, they can also be overgrown with bacteria. So, they need to be cleaned the same way and with the same care, as well. Not too rough, but make sure the makeup is removed.

When should you throw away a makeup brush?

Without a doubt, cleaning your brushes regularly and properly does extend their life (sometimes by several months). However, that doesn’t mean you should be using the same brush for years - no matter how much you love that particular brush! You might be wondering when exactly you need to throw out your current brush and switch to a new one.   

Here are some of the signs that you need to replace your makeup brushes:

• The bristles have started to fray

• The brush is losing its shape

• The brush seems too pinched or squashed

• You have been using the brush for too long

It is essential to keep in mind that you are not only harming your skin and health by using the same brush well beyond its lifespan. In addition, you will also find it more challenging (if not impossible) to create your perfect makeup look. 

How can you clean your Beauty Blenders and makeup sponges?

Beauty Blenders tend to get dirtier even faster than makeup brushes themselves. The obvious option to clean them is the Beautycleanser soap bar by Beauty Blender. You can substitute that with electric brush cleaners, too. I have used ivory bar soap on one of my sponges and it got it clean!

How to clean your brushes?

Cleaning with a spray 

Step 1: Spray the brush a couple of times. Keep the head of the brush pointing downwards to prevent the liquid from seeping into the glue. 

Step 2: On a paper towel or cloth, move your brush in a spiral pattern

Step 3: Once all the pigments are loose and clear, air-dry your brush on any flat area. 

Cleaning with a liquid cleaner

Step 1: In a small bowl, pour a thin layer of the liquid cleaner or solution. If the solution is too concentrated, pour even less.

Step 2: Dip the brush into the bowl and make sure it is completely coated with the solution.

Step 3: Swirl your brush around on a clean cloth or paper towel until the pigments loosen up. 

Step 4: Once it is spotless, air-dry the brush on a flat surface.

Cleaning with soap and water

Step 1: Wet the tips of the bristles under lukewarm water, holding the brush with the head facing down. This will prevent the glue from breaking down and keep your brush handles safely. Make sure the water is lukewarm - hot water loosens the adhesive as well. 

Step 2: On a textured cleansing pad or the palm of your hand, add a drop of your soap. Move the brush in a spiral pattern to loosen the pigments. Alternatively, if you are using bar soap, run your brush into the soap to create the lather.

Step 3: Squeeze the brush to rid it of any excess water or soap before rinsing it again with water (as done in Step 1).

Step 4: Squeeze out the extra water and shape the brush bristles back into place. 

Step 5: Air-dry the brushes on any flat surface. 

Throughout any process, make sure you keep the handle of the brush away from the water or cleanser to protect the glue from eroding. You’ll keep your brush from being ruined too quickly. 

Just like how putting on your foundation, moisturizing your skin, or winging your eyeliner is an essential part of your routine, so is cleaning your brushes. Once you incorporate the process into your daily routine, it’ll definitely become more manageable and less harrowing. The last thing you want is wonky makeup brushes and an imperfect makeup look. Or a face FULL of nasty bacteria!

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