How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Earlier this week I posted about Spring cleaning your skincare routine (see here). It reminded me that not only are the products you use in your skincare or makeup routine important but so are the brushes! When is the last time that you properly cleaned your brushes? If you are like me, it is probably longer than you care to admit. In today’s post I’m going to share how to clean your makeup brushes.

How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Why You Should Clean Your Makeup Brushes

If you aren’t convinced yet, let’s talk about why you should clean your makeup brushes. Probably the most important reason is to get rid of the dirt and bacteria in them. The bacteria can cause acne breakouts, irritation and other skin problems. If you have acne-prone skin you should probably clean your brushes once a week!

Clean brushes work better. Your makeup products get built up in the bristles. This can cause the application to not be as smooth or nice looking as you want it. Brushes that are cleaned often will also last longer. I love my Artis makeup brushes (review here) and want my investment in them to last as long as possible. Whether you have expensive or inexpensive makeup brushes, I promise they will last longer with regular cleanings.

Have you ever had a makeup artist do your makeup? You’ll notice that they clean their brush after each use. While this is important to not cross-contaminate between clients, it also makes sure their brushes work their best. Makeup artists will even clean in between using two different products. This is especially important when switched between liquid, cream, and powder formulas.

How I Clean My Makeup Brushes

There are a ton of makeup brush cleaning products that you can use to clean your brushes. While many of them do a great job, don’t feel like you have to buy a bunch of items! Dawn works great too! It is made to clean greasy food so it helps with the oil in makeup products.

If you do want a makeup brush cleanser, I really love this one! It works really well but doesn’t leave a residue on the bristles.

1. Start off by rinsing your brushes with warm water.

2. Work a little soap into the brushes. Swirl the brush into the palm of your hand or the bottom of the sink or even a small dish to work the soap in and get it all thru the bristles. You want to work up a lather to break up the oil and makeup. I like to let the soap sit for a bit so it can really get all the oils.

3. Rinse the brush in warm water. You’ll know the brush is clean when the water runs clear. If it isn’t, you may have to use more soap and lather the bristles up again.

4. Lay the brush flat to dry and repeat on the next brush.

5. Once dry, fluff the bristles against the palm of your hand to return it to its original shape.

Tips: Don’t let the water get up in the brush handle. This can cause the glue in the handle to loosen and you’ll lose bristles. That is why it is important to lay the brushes flat to dry and not stand them up.

Makeup Brush Cleaning Products

Artis Cleansing Foam

As I said before, you don’t need a specific cleanser to clean your brushes. But I do love Artis’ makeup brush cleanser. The foam really gets into your bristles and breaks up the oils in makeup. I find that my brushes do get cleaner quicker with this makeup brush cleanser. You use this cleanser a little differently because you apply to dry brushes. Then you either wipe the brushes on Artis’ cleansing cloth or a wet paper towel then let them dry. Brushes dry quicker too because they aren’t completely soaked with water.

Artis Makeup Brush Cleansing Cloth

This microfiber cleansing pad works in two ways. First, use the Artis’ foaming cleanser and then wipe the brush on the cloth. It helps pull out all of the makeup and residue. The other way to use it is while applying makeup. When going from one product to another swipe your brush on the cloth and it pulls out all the product. This is especially helpful when applying eye shadow. The microfiber pulls the color out so you can apply a new one without worrying about the previous color. The cloth comes off the base so you can wash it!

Beauty Blender Solid Makeup Sponge Cleanser

Makeup sponges can be especially hard to clean. This cleansing bar is like a bar of soap for makeup sponges. Wet the sponge and then rub it against the bar to work up a lather. Finally, rinse and let dry.

Make Up Brush Cleansing Mat

This mat helps get the product out of your brushes. Swirl the lathered brushes onto the mat and the texture will work into the bristles without damaging your brushes. This is especially helpful if you use a lot of cream products.

Disclosure: I may earn an affiliate commission on any purchases or clicks thru the links in this post. This is at no cost to you and I only share things I love!