How do you clean your makeup brushes and how often?
Full disclosue I have never cleaned any of my makeup brushes. I know it's gross, don't judge me. I recently heard it's really bad to never clean your brushes and can cause infections so I want to get better about cleaning my makeup brushes but I'm not sure how to start. What do you do to clean them? How often are you supposed to clean them or replace them? Thank you in adnvace!
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For a complete guide to this topic, read the wikiHow article How to Wash Makeup Brushes: A Step-by-Step Guide
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I clean different brushes with different frequencies. Here are some examples:
Foundation/Concealer Brushes: At least once a week.
Eye Brushes: Once a week.
Powder Brushes: Every two weeks.
Lip Brushes: After every use.
To clean brushes, I like to apply a small amount of gentle shampoo, liquid soap, or makeup brush cleaner to the brush, then scrub with a brush cleaning mat, silicone trivet, or sponge — something with texture that will help remove caked on makeup — until the water runs clear. To dry the brushes, either lay them flat or pointed downwards. Don't dry them upright or on a towel as this can ruin the brush.
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Foundation/Concealer Brushes: At least once a week.
Eye Brushes: Once a week.
Powder Brushes: Every two weeks.
Lip Brushes: After every use.
To clean brushes, I like to apply a small amount of gentle shampoo, liquid soap, or makeup brush cleaner to the brush, then scrub with a brush cleaning mat, silicone trivet, or sponge — something with texture that will help remove caked on makeup — until the water runs clear. To dry the brushes, either lay them flat or pointed downwards. Don't dry them upright or on a towel as this can ruin the brush.
Keep your personal brushes and tools sanitized by cleaning them weekly with alcohol and brush cleanser. If you want to be more stringent, clean them after each use. Make sure you're cleaning any other tools you use besides your brushes. For instance, to clean a lash curler, wipe down the rubber pad on the lash curler and metal surfaces with a cotton pad saturated in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Don't just spray alcohol on the lash curler as you may not fully sanitize the tool.
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Ouch! I never thought about cleaning my eyelash curler. Mine is at least 10y/o. 😬
All I've ever done is to scrape off the old mascara before I'd use it. I guess that I'm lucky that I never suffered from an eye infection.
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All I've ever done is to scrape off the old mascara before I'd use it. I guess that I'm lucky that I never suffered from an eye infection.
I have a different opinion. Just clean your old, dirty brushes. If a brush doesn't survive being cleaned, replace that brush. If an old dirty brush survives the cleaning process, why would you need to replace it?
If you have multiple brushes that don't survive being cleaned, it might be cheaper to buy a set.
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If you have multiple brushes that don't survive being cleaned, it might be cheaper to buy a set.
Also keep in mind that unless your brushes are high quality AND you're cleaning them on the regular, you'll probably need to replace them every year or two. If this is the first time you're cleaning your brushes, no offense but unless they're still relatively new I'd just buy brand-new ones and start over, and I'd try to clean them more often this time
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Rinse your makeup brushes under running water, then swirl them in a bowl full of water with a few drops of gentle shampoo. Rub the soapy water into the bristles. Alternate cleaning and rinsing until the water runs clear, then gently squeeze out the excess water and lay your brushes flat on a clean towel to air dry.
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I bought a makeup brush cleaner that I can just store my brushes in and it will automatically clean it for me. It's super convenient and worth it for me because I do my makeup every day!
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I'm no expert on this but I usually just wash them with a little of whatever hand soap I have by the sink, and rinse them and let them dry. I prob don't do it as often as I should, but it seems to work.
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I typically clean mine about once a week and I replace them if they are getting ruined or about once every year. Hope this helps :)
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You can also use a dish soap like dawn. I use it to clean my beauty blenders too and it works great.
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Other wikiHow readers have submitted their own tips on topics similar to this one.
Reader Tips from How to Wash Makeup Brushes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Do not share your makeup or makeup brushes with others! They could have germs and diseases you aren't aware of and you could contract them.
Try soaking your brushes in some makeup remover that isn’t too strong. Don’t soak them for too long though.
You might need to clean your brushes twice or more to get all the makeup off. Just be patient.
Reader Tips from How to Clean Makeup Brushes with Alcohol
Always lay your makeup brushes flat to dry. This way they will keep their shape and it will prevent liquid from getting into the barrel of the brush.
Be careful you don't get alcohol or soap into the barrel of the brush! This can loosen the bristles and ruin your brush.
Reader Tips from How to Make Your Own Makeup Brush Cleanser
Witch hazel and grapefruit oil are great for cleaning your makeup brushes. I mix them together in a one-to-one ratio and lightly spray my brushes with the mixture, then I pat down the brushes with a dry paper towel.
Dish water and alcohol may technically clean your brushes, but they can also leave them feeling brittle, so be sure to rinse and dry your brushes immediately after using these products.
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