Step-By-Step Guide To Clean Your Makeup Brushes Properly

It is so easy to go for weeks or even months without having to clean our makeup brushes! Let’s be honest, it’s a tiresome chore and who actually has the time and patience to wash them anyway, right? Unfortunately, reusing dirty makeup brushes doesn’t bode well for our skin in the long run.

In fact, by reusing them over and over again, your makeup brushes will become a breeding ground for nasty germs and bacteria! Eventually, the mixture of your skin’s sebum with makeup pigments and dead skin cells will lead to bacteria buildup and unwanted breakouts. 

That is why it is so important to clean our makeup brushes! Unfortunately, shoving all our brushes into a cup full of water and calling it a day isn’t going to work. We need to put in the extra effort to clean them properly.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a simple step-by-step guide to clean your makeup brushes the right way! Continue reading to find out why you must clean makeup brushes, how often you should clean them, how to clean them and best tools to clean them with!

Why Do We Have To Clean Our Brushes Regularly?

Aside from obvious sanitary reasons, it’s mainly because the buildup of dirt, oil and product will make your brushes clumpy and grimy. This makes makeup application difficult and product will appear patchy and streaky when applied. Furthermore, dirty brushes can lead to acne breakouts and a flareup of allergic reactions and skin conditions like atopic dermatitis!

How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brushes?

According to dermatologists, we must clean our makeup brushes as frequently as we can. We recommend giving your brush bristles a good scrub-down at least once every two weeks. As for foundation and concealer brushes, it is better to wash them regularly like once every week because you use them more often!

How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Well, we can’t emphasize enough why it’s important to clean your brushes. Not only will cleaning them keep bacteria at bay, but it will also improve the overall effect of your makeup application. Here are 4 simple steps to get your brushes nice and squeaky clean!

1. Soak Each Brush in a Vinegar Solution

Start off the cleaning routine by preparing a simple water and vinegar solution. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar into lukewarm water and mix thoroughly. After that, soak your brushes in the mixture for a few minutes. Then, squeeze out the excess water and proceed to the next step.

2. Rinse Each Brush in Hot Water

After the vinegar bath, rinse each brush again in hot water. Hot water will help to remove stubborn oil-based products and kill any remaining germs and bacteria on the bristles. However, make sure the water doesn’t get into the handle of the brush because this can loosen the glue over time. Swirl the brushes around in the hot water to break down any oil-based product.

3. Wash Each Brush Using A Gentle Shampoo or Soap 

Now, take the brushes out of the hot water and proceed to wash them. We recommend using baby shampoo or even a gentle dish soap. Remember, brushes come into direct contact with your skin so using mild cleansers to clean them minimises the risk of skin irritation and allergies!

4. Let The Brushes Dry Overnight

Once you’re done washing, squeeze out the excess water and reshape the bristles before laying it flat to air dry. The brushes will be ready for you to use again in the morning. 

What Products Should You Use to Clean Makeup Brushes?

The most important thing when it comes to cleaning your makeup brushes is choosing the right cleanser that won’t destroy the bristles. As mentioned, you can also use a mild soap, baby shampoo, or a gentle face cleanser that is free of harsh artificial chemicals. 

Nevertheless, there are many cleaners that are specifically designed to clean makeup brushes. Below, we’ve compiled our top 8 favourite brush cleansers and shampoos that will have your brushes feeling as good as new!

1. Luxie Pro Brush Cleaning Wipe Set

These cleansing wipes are a great option when your smaller brushes are still relatively clean and you’re just looking to sanitize them after each use. Additionally, its compact packaging makes it easy to carry around in your makeup bag for easy on-the-go brush cleanups.

Buy Luxie Pro Brush Cleaning Wipe Set, $17 at Insider Mall.

2. Kelapa Organics Shampoo

This certified organic shampoo from Australia is 100% vegan and cruelty-free! As it contains pure organic coconut oil, this shampoo is able to cleanse your brushes while nourishing the bristles to prevent dryness and breakage. As a result, your brushes will feel super soft upon application and will last a whole lot longer too!

Buy Kelapa Organics Shampoo 500ml, $28 at Insider Mall.

3. Marc Anthony Argan Oil Of Morocco Shampoo

Affordable yet effective, this argan oil shampoo by Marc Anthony is ultra hydrating and will keep your brush bristles feeling oh-so fluffy and feathery soft. On top of that, it contains hydrolyzed keratin to nourish the bristles and help them retain their shape for much longer.

Buy Marc Anthony Argan Oil Of Morocco Shampoo 250ml, $17.90 at Insider Mall.

4. MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleanser

This brush cleanser is able to disinfect and condition brush fibres to help prolong their use. It’s also easy to use and has a sweet scent that will leave your brushes smelling fresh and clean. As a bonus point, it has a short drying time so brushes will be ready for use again in no time.

Buy MAC Cosmetics Brush Cleanser 235ml, RM 67.

5. Sephora Collection Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner

This brush cleaner by Sephora is a no-rinse makeup brush cleaner that is designed for daily use. With just a spray this cleaner all makeup residue. Plus, the cleansing formula will protect your brushes for extended use. Use this quick-dry cleanser in between monthly deep cleansing of brushes to remove makeup buildup.

Buy Sephora Collection Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner 60ml, RM 35.

6. Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser

This makeup brush cleanser by Clinique is highly recommended for those with sensitive skin. It thoroughly cleanses brush bristles and removes all traces of makeup residue. Plus, it also ensures the brush hairs are preserved in optimal condition.

Buy Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser 236ml, RM 88.

7. Real Techniques Brush Cleanser

Real Techniques Brush Cleanser is an effective cleanser that removes all visible and imperceptible impurities that stand in the way of your brush’s performance. Furthermore, it’s completely free of alcohol and phthalates and is 100% safe for skin. 

Buy Real Techniques Brush Cleanser 150ml, RM39.

8. Beauty Blender Liquid Blender Cleanser

This is one makeup brush cleanser that promises protection from 99.9% of harmful germs 24 hours after washing! It is formulated with coconut and sustainable palm oils that makes it gentle enough for daily use. At the same time, it will break up stubborn makeup and grime while maintaining the original condition of the brush.

Buy BeautyBlender Liquid Blender Cleanser (150ml) for RM99

When To Buy A New Set of Brushes? 

Letting go of something that served you for so long is hard but makeup brushes should be switched out more often than not. You know it’s time to toss your makeup brush when the bristles start to fray, shed, and lose their shape.

In Short, Remember To Clean Your Makeup Brushes!

It is imperative to regularly clean makeup brushes to avoid your makeup products from building up and becoming a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. It is also extremely important to maintain clean brushes to ensure their longevity and improve the makeup application process. We hope you found these tips useful, and don’t forget to give your trusty ol’ brushes a good bath before your next use!