I just got a new foundation that I’ve been playing around with for the last few days. The foundation is a liquid, so it required me to dig through my makeup drawer and unearth my foundation brush. When I finally located the brush, I realized it was in desperate need of a cleaning.
Makeup brushes become coated with not just makeup residue, but body oils and dead skin (I know, ick). That, my friends, makes your brushes a breeding ground for bacteria. All that build up also decreases the life of your brush and interferes with proper makeup application. And, of course, there’s always the risk of introducing bacteria to your skin, which can cause skin problems and even infection.
I don’t clean my brushes as often as I’m supposed to (some experts say they should be cleaned every week!), but I do try to do it a few times a year. If you’re like me, your brushes are probably due for a cleaning, as well. Here’s how you do it:
1. Gently wet the bristles under warm water. Glue holds the bristles to the brush handle, so try not to get the bristles wet at the base.
2. Take a pea-sized dollop of a mild shampoo (a baby shampoo works well here) and place it in the palm of your hand.
3. Swirl the brush around in the shampoo. You’ll begin to see all the makeup begin to come off.
4. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear.
5. Blot the bristles dry on a paper towel. Allow the brush to air-dry overnight.
That’s it. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s time well spent.
About Melissa
This was helpful. Thanks for the tip and the reminder.
This is exactly how I clean my brushes. I actually put a little conditioner in them as well, then let them sit as I wash all the rest, then start rinsing them out. They come out so soft, and my natural hair brushes feel so much better on the face!