How to Properly Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Written by Melisa Marzett

The key to perfect makeup is not just about proper means and magical application techniques, but also to always keep your brushes clean and tidy. From this article, you will learn in detail how to make this procedure a part of your daily ritual and what means are required for this.

Regular cleaning of makeup brushes is essential for several reasons at once. This procedure helps to prolong their life, improve the quality of makeup and, finally, avoid serious skin problems.

Your makeup tools are just the continuation of your hands. Begin to believe that not one, even the most talented makeup artist, cannot create a masterpiece without the right brushes.

So, what kind of makeup brushes to choose?

Indeed, brushes of good quality are at least half the battle when it comes to perfect makeup.

In the realm of a debate about which pile – natural or synthetic — is better, no clear answer can be found. There are worthy exemplars in both categories. Most experienced makeup artists have in their arsenal both of them and use them depending on the tasks.

For example, the synthetic pile is more suitable for applying liquid textures due to less absorbency, but the loose powder is best used with a brush made of natural materials.

In short, brushes are the category of beauty products that you should not save on. Expensive and high-quality ones are better in the long run.

To extend their life, you will have to make sure you take good care of them. If you regularly monitor the cleanliness of your brushes, their service life will be several years.

A sure sign that it is time to change the brush is thinning and pile loss. Also, dirty brushes affect the final result. The traces of beauty products remaining on them can clog between the piles and dry out – this makes the brushes flexible and movable.

The consequences of neglecting the brush cleaning procedure can also negatively affect the condition of the skin. Bacteria accumulate in dirty brushes, which provoke rashes and infections.

As a hint, we have put together six fundamental rules that will help you always keep your beauty case clean.

1. Tint brushes need to be cleaned every week

Any brushes with which you apply liquid textures, be it foundation, concealer or highlighter, need to be washed at least once every couple of weeks, or even more often. If you are an active user of any of these beauty products, once a week is the best option.

2. Wash brushes for dry and friable textures once a month

Tools that you are using for shadows or a bronzer can be cleaned once a month – that is enough. This is necessary so that the piles are not damaged, and the colors of different products do not mix when applied.

Over time, particles of powder and other products become clogged in the brush, which negatively affects the smoothness and ease of sliding. Besides, residues can create a sloppy, dirty effect on the skin due to the mixing of pigments.

3. Use gentle products to wash brushes with a natural pile

To clean such brushes, take the same means as for washing your hair. Take a regular shampoo (makeup artists often recommend a children shampoo) and dilute it in warm water. Such a solution will easily save the brush from any impurities. Then leave them to dry naturally.

But in no case do not bend the pile at the base too much. This can damage the base and lead to the loss.

4. For more synthetic bristles, more aggressive cleaning agents are suitable

To rinse brushes for a liquid tone, use an environmental dishwashing liquid – but do not forget to wash it off properly at the end of the procedure.

Some makeup artists prefer ordinary soap for these purposes. Still, they all agree on one thing – with synthetic brushes, primarily used for applying foundation and lipstick, there is no need to stand on ceremony. Delicate cleansing is unlikely to save them from the oily texture of such products.

5. The technique of washing a particular brush depends on its size

It is best to use your palm to clean the brushes.

Place large brushes in the palm of your hand vertically down and scroll with massage movements. For small ones – fold your palm in the form of a cup, pour a little cleaning agent into the recess and carefully move the brush clockwise without bending at the base of the pile.

An important point – thoroughly rinse the brushes with clean water.

6. Dry the brushes upside down

After rinsing the cleaning supplies thoroughly, gently shake off the water, pat the pile with a paper towel and squeeze a little.

To prolong the life of tools, it is essential to always keep the metal tip at the base of the pile dry; otherwise, the brush will start to go bald too quickly. So that water does not flow into this part of the brush, you need to dry it on a towel, slightly lifting it at the end opposite from the pile.

About the author

Melisa Marzett is a former journalist, a translator, and a freelance writer who works upon articles for Resume Perk at the time. Along with her writing career, she travels a lot, discovering the world and people around. She like making friends, open-minded, curious by nature, and an easy-going person. She is interested in psychology and photography.

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