When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? If you’re anything like us, chances are it’s been a little longer than you’d like to admit.
We get it: You’ve got a lot on your schedule, and between applying a flawless makeup look and heading out for another busy day, cleaning your makeup brushes is often the last thing on your mind.
Still, it’s definitely worth learning how to clean your makeup brushes properly and doing this regularly, particularly if you wear makeup often. Every time you use your makeup brush, the oils from your face get in between the bristles, where they can cause bacteria and germs to fester. Gross, right? Over time, this bacterial build-up can irritate your skin and cause blemishes and breakouts, and can stand in the way of getting perfect skin.
To prevent this from happening to you, we’ve put together a quick guide to the best way to clean makeup brushes. Read on to discover our top do’s and don’ts for perfectly clean, fresh makeup brushes after every wash.
1. Do deep clean Makeup Brushes
If you’re wondering how often to clean your makeup brushes, the answer varies slightly depending on how much makeup you use and how often you wear it. As a general rule, our vegan makeup brushes should be washed at least once a week to avoid bacterial build-up.
The first step in washing makeup brushes is to choose a gentle cleanser such as a mild soap, baby shampoo, or a gentle face cleanser. Avoid harsh detergents, which may damage your brush! Pour a little bit of the soap into your hand, a brush cleaning mat, or another clean surface, then swirl the brush in a clockwise direction into the soap, applying light to medium pressure. Rinse and repeat until the water runs totally clear.
2. Don't submerge your Brush in water
When rinsing off your brushes, try to keep the water out of the metal band at the base of the bristles. Also known as the “ferrule”, this spot can be a breeding ground for bacteria if it becomes damp or wet. Plus, water can make the wooden handle of your brush warp over time, seep into the base of the bristles, and loosen the glue - meaning your brush may start to shed bristles. Moral of the story? Keep the ferrule and handle dry!
3. Do spot clean Makeup Brushes between uses
While you don’t need to deep clean makeup brushes every day, it’s a good idea to spot clean your brushes by shaking or wiping off any extra product after each use. Doing this will keep your brushes fresh between washes, and will mean that your weekly deep clean will be as quick as possible!
To do this, grab a brush cleaner and spray your bristles 2 to 3 times. Then, swirl the brush in a clockwise direction onto a clean paper towel, applying light to medium pressure. Repeat this process until all residue is removed, and you’re done - no need to rinse!
4. Don't dry your Brushes upright
To prevent water and makeup brush cleaner spray from running into the ferrule and down the handle of your brush, never dry them standing upright. Pay particular attention to this if your brush has a wooden or metal handle, which can deteriorate with exposure to moisture.
5. Do let the Brush dry completely
For soft, full, and fluffy bristles, always allow your makeup brushes to dry completely. The best way to dry makeup brushes is to lay them on their side with the bristles hanging off the edge of a tabletop or counter. This will allow all the bristles to dry in the right shape and pointing in the right direction.
Keep your vegan Makeup Brushes fresh & fluffy
Now that you know what to use to clean makeup brushes and how to do it, there’s no reason for your brushes to be anything but fluffy and squeaky clean. Regularly cleaning your brushes can help extend their life and will allow you to keep applying flawless makeup for longer.
Current makeup brushes looking a bit worse for wear? Start fresh with our Stay Golden 8 Piece Brush Set and check out our blog for more essential beauty tips!