This post was prompted by a request from a friend, and from when I did a consultation over the weekend. I spoke about this briefly in an earlier posts titled, A Few basics…Enjoy! My client recently purchased a set of E.L.F makeup brushes, and brought them with her to her consultation this weekend because she wanted to learn what to use each brush for. She came to the consultation ready to use the brushes, but, they were NOT washed!
Washing your makeup brushes is an extremely important part of your makeup routine. Her explanation for not washing them were that “They are new, and are covered.” Yes, the brushes are new, but you don’t know if dye’s or anything else were used on the brushes, and washing them rids whatever dye that may be on the brushes off, as well as dust particles etc.
Cleaning your makeup brushes not only helps rid your brushes from bacteria, thus saving you from breakouts, it also helps to ensure proper makeup application; your brushes will not be contaminated with oils from your skin, skin cells, and old, oxidized makeup colors from prior makeup application. Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly will save you money since by cleaning your brushes your brushes will last longer. Also, using dirty brushes in your makeup contaminates your makeup. I would suggest investing in Beauty So Clean’s Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist. I purchased mine from Alcone Co.
1. With the tip of your brush pointing downward, hold your brush under the running luke warm water. Be sure to not get the shaft of the brush wet (this will loosen the glue & your brush will come loose over time, & eventually fall out). Also, never leave your brushes soaking in water or cleaning solution – this will damage your brushes as well.
2. Apply a small amount of brush cleaner into the palm of your hand & GENTLY swirl the brush around.
3. After a lather has formed (see how much makeup comes out) rinse the brush off under the running, luke warm water (tip of the brush pointing downward) until the water runs clean. Repeat if necessary.
4. Gently squeeze excess water out (use a towel) & re-shape the brushes.
5. Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel (NEVER STAND THEM UP WHILE WET IT WILL DESTROY THE BRUSHES!)
Do you clean your makeup brushes? If so, how often & what do you use?
New York City makeup artist, beauty and mom blogger . I immensely enjoy helping myself and others feel beautiful inside and out, which is why I started this blog and my YouTube channel. If you have a beauty or makeup related question, contact me. Your question could be featured on the site! I also accept guest post submissions, check the guidelines.
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Thanks for the post!!!Didnt know about the towel!!!I’ll do it like you said next time!!
You’re welcome. The towel helps with your brushes drying time. If you just lie them on a flat surface, the water will pool, and take longer to dry.
Thanks that are great advices !
Thank you so much for the info!!!! I have been wondering about this, since I just got into makeup. I have been doing the swirling part right, but I’ve been using Dove. lol
Welp, back to the grocery for some baby shampoo!
@sunny Dove should be safe since it’s a mild soap. I’d recommend dove for the lip brushes since those are the hardest to clean.
Great suggestions, have you ever tried cleaning your brushes with olive oil? xoxo
Nope, I’ve never used Olive Oil. I’ve seen people suggest it before.
Great post!!!
: )
Ew I never thought about old oxidized products, contaminated oils and skin cells being on my brushes D: now I feel gross for being so lazy lately
Lovely blog! and believe it or not,some nasty make up artists don’t clean their material! yuck! xo
@AfroSofy I believe you because I’ve seen it. One of the hairstylists at the salon I go to got her makeup done by a “professional” MUA and everythign in her kit was dirty! Gross
Thanks for your tips. I clean my brushes about 3-4 times a week, it’s very important. BTW, would you like to take part in my contest on lipstickonthecup.blogspot.com? 🙂
You know what else is good? Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner. I use Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural Shampoo and Conditioner and it works great!
bobbybeauty.blogspot.com
Yeah cinema secrets is good & it’s reasonably priced.
Great Post. I have been cleaning my brushes the same way.
You mean standing them up with the brush part pointing up is bad for them? Huh? Why is that? (I’m curious because my brush storage is a cup I stand the brushes up in, and I don’t always have counter space or a free towel to lay stuff out on, so I usually just wash them and put them back)
@Witchwords Standing them up while wet damages them because the water trickles down into where the brush is attached to the handle; therefore, loosening up the glue.
Ahhh. That makes sense! I will have to clear some counter space to lay them out then. Thank you for the clarification!
Are u saying its advisable to clean ur brush even when thry haven’t been used? That’s great to know. Please can u give me more tips on coutouring? Thanks so much.
Clean your brand new brushes before using them. You never know what they came in contact with while in the factory. Also, some brush heads have residual dyes that need to be washed off as well.