How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

We know cleaning your makeup brushes is the adult equivalent of being forced to clean your room, but as big advocates for brush hygiene, we’re going to have to nag you about this one. 

Cleaning your makeup brushes should be weekly a chore to breakdown built up dirt, oil, and makeup, and to prevent harmful bacteria growing and causing you all kinds of skin nightmares (acne, congestion and skin irritation to name a few). Not only will regular cleaning help to prolong the life of your brushes and make your products easier to apply, it’s also super satisfying!

Follow our six step guide with @rebeccacapelmakeup for all the tips on how to keep your makeup brushes clean and your looks fresh. 

Don’t forget about your beauty blenders! Find out how to properly clean yours here.

STEP ONE

Taking your brushes one at a time, dampen them under warm running water. Ensure the brush is pointing downward to avoid water entering the ferrules. 

STEP TWO

Apply your brush soap to the cleansing pad. With a lot of brush soaps, a little product goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.

STEP THREE

Take your makeup brush, and gently circle it against the pad ensuring the brush bristles are lathered in soap. This will loosen the product in the brush. 

STEP FOUR

Repeat this process until the water runs clear and the shampoo residue has washed away. 

STEP FIVE

Once you’ve washed your brushes, very gently rub them against a clean, dry towel and reshape them with your fingers. 

STEP SIX

Lie the brushes flat across the towel with the brush heads hanging off an edge so they can dry at a 360-degree angle.

Don’t stand them upright as moisture will travel down into the brush ferrule. 

If you wash your brushes in the evening, they should be dry and ready to use by the next morning. Don’t forget to clean the handles of your brushes as they can harbour bacteria too. 

YOU'LL NEED