Cleaning your makeup brushes is one of those tiresome tasks that you never seem to get round to doing. However, not washing your makeup brushes can cause a build-up of bacteria, oil, dirt and excess product to spread between your tools and face, leading to unwanted skin concerns – such as blemishes, clogged pores and even allergic reactions.
Good Housekeeping's household advice editor, Katie Mortram, says many people also make the mistake of washing their brushes and then letting them air dry naturally, or leaving them to live in a humid bathroom, which makes them a breeding ground for bacteria. If this common mistake is something you're guilty of, keep reading.
Fashion and celebrity makeup artist Florrie White describes her brushes as “extensions of her fingers” and is diligent about washing her tools. “All of my used brushes are washed after every shoot, and some favourites are even washed during the shoot so they are clean for retouches,” she says.
So, what is the best way to keep your brushes clean and hygienic? Here, we take you through the best way to deep clean them, step-by-step, and the handy products we swear by – so you have no more excuses for using dirty tools...
The cheat method – a makeup brush cleaning machine
We often only remember to wash our makeup brushes when we're about to use them, so a device that doesn't need you to dry them for hours before you get your foundation out really does appeal.
This StylPro option does all the washing and drying for you in under 30 seconds. So, even if you only remember to use it when you see a build-up of product on the brush as it approaches your face, you'll probably have time to get your set clean and dry with this clever gadget.
Our guide for cleaning makeup brushes
1. Wet
- Wet the fibres of your makeup brush with warm water. Try to ensure that your brush is facing downwards, so the glue at the base doesn't become impacted.
No7 Makeup brush cleanser
Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser
Bobbi Brown Condition Brush Cleanser
Real Techniques Makeup Brush Cleaner Gel
2. Cleanse
- Gently cleanse your brush using your chosen cleaning product and allow it to lather.
- To make sure you get a deep clean, swirl the brush around the palm of your hand. For an even more thorough session, try a specialised brush-cleaning glove or pad. Made of soft silicone with small raised bumps, these tools really help to loosen the solidified makeup on your brushes.
Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Balm
3. Rinse
- Using warm water, rinse the cleansing product out of your brushes until the water runs clear.
- Once finished, gently squeeze out any excess water and use your fingers to restructure the bristles into their original shape.
4. Dry
- According to Florrie, leaving your brushes to dry upright isn't the best move. “Lay them on a flat surface, as opposed to standing up in a jar, as the moisture can run down the handles. This will loosen the glue around the joint where the hair is bound to the handle (also known as the ferrule), eventually leading to fibre fall-out.”
- These days, you can even find specialised stands that allow you to dry your brushes upside down, ensuring they dry easily and maintain their original shape for years to come. If you can, always dab them with a clean towel or flannel, taking them from wet to damp, so they're not sopping when you leave them.
Spectrum Collections Brush Laundrette Towel
The Flat Lay Co. Standing Brush Case - Beige Tigers
For a deep rinse
Sometimes, your brushes may be in need of some extra love.
For a deep clean, we like Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castille Liquid Soap. Organic and free from preservatives, it's the ideal product for a spot of brush cleaning. The gentle formula lathers up easily, allowing you to get all the dirt and grime off your fibres.
You could also go back to basics and use baby shampoo for a really deep cleanse, as it's gentle enough not to damage the bristles.
For soft bristles
Virgin or unrefined coconut oil is ideal for conditioning your brush and keeping the fibres extra soft without using any harmful ingredients. Try Vita Coco Coconut Oil.
Coconut oil has some other advantages too. It has anti-bacterial properties, so it will help rid your brushes of any unfriendly bacteria. It can even be used on hair, so any left over can be slathered on as a nourishing mask.
For sponges
With makeup sponges rising in popularity, it’s vital to keep them as clean as your brushes to prevent bacteria build-up.
Liquid cleansers can be tricky, as too much product can get into the sponge and leave it hard after drying. To keep sponges soft, we like the BeautyBlender Pure Solid Cleanser. It comes with a silicone pad to allow for an extra-deep cleanse, and the packaging makes it ideal for travel.
