How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes at Home?

Are you cleaning your makeup brushes regularly and properly? The good news is that you can clean them at home naturally, with a few easy steps. Keep reading this blog post to get our tips and advice on how to clean your makeup brushes at home like a pro.

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Our esthetics students, Ashley Clay and Miss Bunz from our Cedar Falls campus, will show you the simple steps to cleaning your makeup brushes at home. You will need only a few basic items. This guide demonstrates how to clean your makeup brushes naturally, without using harsh chemicals.

What you need

• Gentle Shampoo
• Warm Water
• Clean Towel

Necessary Steps

• Step 1: Start by filling a shallow bowl with warm water. Add a dollop of gentle shampoo to the water. Then, soak your dirty brushes in the solution. We used Clarifying Shampoo, but any shampoo you use on yourself will work. Rusk Calm would be a great choice.

• Step 2: Swirl the brushes allowing them to lather. You will see the product coming out of the bristles.

• Step 3: Hold your brush under warm running water and gently massage the bristles to remove the shampoo and makeup residue. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. You may need to reapply shampoo and repeat the process. Make sure that you are pointing the Ferrell (metal part that holds the bristles) downward.

Step 4: Once the water runs clear reset the bristles into it’s normal shape. Then lay flat to dry, preferably overnight.

TIP: If brushes are needed immediately, you can use a alcohol free brush solvent or cleaner.

Thank you Ashley & Miss Bunz for the great tips & for participating in today’s #LjicTuesTorial!

Quick and Easy Makeup Brush Cleaning Video Tutorial

For a visual guide, check out our video tutorial on how to clean a makeup brush at home:

Brush Cleaning Product Recommendations

Keeping your makeup brushes clean is essential for maintaining their longevity. Here are some cleaning product options that we can recommend, both store-bought and DIY:

• Gentle Shampoos – Choose baby shampoo or a mild clarifying shampoo as they are gentle on the bristles.
• Dish Soap – For stubborn stains or oily products, add a drop of mild dish soap to the cleaning solution.
• Dedicated Makeup Brush Cleaners – These products are specifically formulated to dissolve all makeup residue without damaging the bristles.
• Apple cider vinegar – Popular for cleaning, as it has antibacterial properties and can help remove makeup buildup. Mix a small amount with water to get a cleaning solution.

Specific care for different brush types

The cleaning process will also depend on the type of brush:

• Natural hair brushes: These brushes can be more delicate, so opt for gentle cleaners like baby shampoo or dedicated brush cleaners.
• Synthetic brushes: These brushes are generally more durable and can tolerate a wider range of cleaning products.
• Dense brushes for foundations: These brushes might require a deeper clean, so a combination of shampoo and a gentle brush cleaner can be effective.
• Delicate brushes for eyeshadow and eyeliner: For these brushes, a mild shampoo or dedicated brush cleaner is recommended to prevent damage to the bristles.

Miskates to avoid when cleaning makeup brushes

Proper care is essential for maintaining the longevity of your makeup brushes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using extremely hot water: Hot water can loosen the glue and warp the brush’s shape.
• Squeezing the bristles: This can distort the brush’s shape and damage the bristles.
• Drying brushes upright: This can cause water to seep into the handle, potentially damaging the glue and causing mold growth.
• Using harsh detergents: Strong chemicals can strip away the natural oils in the bristles, making them brittle.
• Neglecting regular cleaning: Skipping regular cleanings can lead to bacteria buildup and skin irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my makeup brushes?

How often you clean your brushes depends on what you use them for. If you use them for liquid or cream makeup, give them a good wash after each use to keep bacteria at bay. Powder brushes can handle a cleaning every week or two. And it’s a good idea to give all your brushes a deep clean once a month to get rid of any stubborn gunk.

How do I dry my makeup brushes without damaging them?

Give your brushes a gentle squeeze with a clean towel to get rid of extra water. Then, fluff them back into shape and let them dry flat on a towel with the bristles hanging over the edge. Avoid the sun, heat, and hairdryers – they’re not fans of those!

How do I store my makeup brushes to keep them clean?

A good way is to keep them upright in a cup or brush holder. This helps them dry properly and prevents the bristles from getting squished. Avoid stuffing them into a makeup bag – that’s a breeding ground for germs and can mess up their shape.

Keep Your Brushes Healthy

Dirty makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to acne and other skin irritations. Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining both your brush’s health and your skin’s clarity. By following our simple guide, you’ll ensure your brushes stay soft, your makeup applies flawlessly, and your skin stays clear.

Interested in turning your passion for beauty into a career? Discover our exciting cosmetology program at our beauty school. Contact us to learn more about La’ James International College & upcoming classes. Call 888.880.2108 today!