How to wash makeup brushes

After a long week of applying makeup each day, you might find yourself staring at your collection of brushes, wondering if they could be the source of that recent breakout you’ve been experiencing. You know that proper hygiene is essential, but the thought of tackling the task of cleaning those brushes can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve searched online or asked friends how often you should wash them and what the best method is. Fear not! By the end of this post, you’ll have all the insider tips you need to keep your makeup brushes in top condition, ensuring not only a flawless application but also healthier skin.

To wash makeup brushes, start by rinsing the bristles under lukewarm water, apply a gentle soap or brush cleaner to the bristles, then lather and rinse until the water runs clear. Finally, reshape the brush and lay it flat to dry.

Washing your makeup brushes is crucial for maintaining both your tools and your skin health. Begin by thoroughly rinsing the bristles under lukewarm running water–be careful not to submerge the entire brush head, as this can loosen the adhesive that holds the bristles in place. Next, apply a gentle soap specifically designed for cleaning brushes or a mild baby shampoo to the bristles; you can use your fingers or a brush cleaning mat to create a lather without being too harsh. Gently work the soap through the bristles, focusing on the base where makeup tends to linger.

After a few minutes of lathering, rinse the brush under running water until the water runs clear, indicating that all makeup residue has been removed. Reshape the bristles while they’re still damp and lay the brushes flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid standing the brushes upright in a holder while they’re wet, as this can lead to water seeping into the ferrule and loosening the bristles over time. Ideally, you should aim to wash your brushes every 1-2 weeks, but daily cleaning of foundation brushes, in particular, can help ensure a more flawless application and minimize skin irritations.