You’re doing all the right things for your skin: eating well, staying hydrated, exercising, cleansing, and moisturizing. But here’s the thing you might be missing: clean makeup brushes.
They’re often overlooked, but they could be causing those pesky breakouts. These brushes can harbor all sorts of gross stuff, from sweat and bacteria to oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and old makeup residue. Imagine all that nastiness sitting on your face every time you use those brushes. Yuck!
When you dip your brushes in powder and then sweep them across your face, they pick up all kinds of gunk. And guess what? The bacteria on them multiply over time. So, every time you use that brush, you’re basically spreading bacteria all over your face. Result? more breakouts.
Disaster!
If your brushes are caked with makeup, especially liquid or cream products, they get stiff quickly. Even rinsing them with water doesn’t do the trick, and using a stiff brush on your face can irritate your skin. Combine that with all the bacteria, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster—hello, acne!
Regularly cleaning
Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes is crucial to keeping them in good condition and working properly. If you’re replacing them too often, you’re wasting money. Plus, the buildup of old makeup and gunk can make your makeup application uneven and more challenging.
And using the same brush for different powders can mix the colors, messing up your desired look. So, remember to give those brushes a good clean regularly—it’s worth it for clearer, healthier skin.
So, how frequently do you clean them? It certainly depends on the brush. Brushes applied to liquid makeup, such as foundation, concealer, and cream eyeshadows, must be cleaned out every day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the purchase time will apply to this product.
Therefore, all the brushes should be washed at least once a week. If you discover you’re breaking out frequently, clean them every day until your skin layer clears up. You’ll be surprised at how developing that one simple habit can make such a big difference.
If you’re considering using a chemical-based cleaner, stop now. You don’t want chemical substances going on your epidermis and seeping into the bloodstream. We think not. Instead, try these more natural means of keeping those makeup brushes clean.
Castile Soap Makeup Brush Cleaning Method
This method mainly uses castile soap; Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild 18-in-1 Castile Soap is ideal. You’ll also need a dried-out soft towel, a toilet paper roll (with toilet paper), and a set place to place your makeup brushes right down to dry out. The best and least complicated way to get this done is to clean each brush individually.
Utilize the same drinking water temperature that you’d use to clean your hair—not too hot, or you could harm the bristles. Don’t scrub too much, as the brushes are extremely delicate; treat them as if you would like a bloom.
- Wet your first brush with the fluffy part directing down, and then place a little dot of Castile cleaning soap into your hands.
Swirl your makeup brush around gently, utilizing a round movement, and then swirl in the opposite direction. - Wash the brush, and then determine if it appears and seems clean. If not, do it again and wash it until it comes out totally clean.
- After the brush is clean, wash your hands and your brush thoroughly before drinking water.
- Lay down the brush on the dried-out towel on a set surface.
- Please consider that you must never stand your brushes upright when they’re damp.
- Always air-dry them, but you may use a hairdryer on a cool, low setting if you have to.
- Repeat with all your other brushes.
- Once all your brushes are on the dry-out towel, fold the towel over the top of every brush and gently press to get rid of excess water.
- When you can, find a warm, dry, flat place, such as a sunny window sill, to lay out the towel. Please don’t use the brushes until they’re completely dried out.
Bar Soap
You can even use standard bar cleaning soap to clean your brushes completely. Simply therapeutically massage each one against a durable bar of cleaning soap, working the cleanser deep into the bristles. We recommend utilizing a natural chemical-substance-free bar cleaning soap such as this one.
Wash with lukewarm drinking water, and then construct a dried-out towel according to the Castile mentioned above cleaning soap method. Take care not to get the brush’s barrel moist, as it will release the bristles, plus they could fall out.
Liquid Soap
Another way to get makeup brushes gleaming clean is to use liquid dish soap, water, and a clean sponge. Pour a little dish cleaning soap on your sponge, and then rub a makeup brush against the top.
Wash it with lukewarm drinking water and then place it on a dry towel; do it again. Make sure to wash your sponge and use the fresh dish cleaning soap, which is also clear of nasties such as this one on Amazon every time.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the purchase time will apply to this product.
Apple Cider Vinegar + Liquid Soap
For especially dirty brushes that will probably have an accumulation of bacteria, you might use this formula, as apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help kill potentially dangerous “bad” bacteria while assisting in cleaning brushes at the same time.
First, combine a tablespoon of genuine apple cider vinegar, a half-teaspoon of liquid dish cleaning soap (we recommend that one by Mrs. Meyer’s), and one glass of tepid warm water in a cup. Next, place your brushes into the mixture and invite them to soak to break down the gunk.
Afterward, rinse away each brush well using cold water, and then place them on a dry towel, according to the other methods. It’s better to permit them to air-dry out overnight.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the purchase time will apply to this product.
Hydrogen Peroxide, Castile Soap or Organic Baby Shampoo
Another powerful mixture for bacteria-filled makeup brushes demands hydrogen peroxide to kill the bacteria, castile soap or organic baby shampoo and hot water.
Add several drops of baby shampoo or castile soap and a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to a plate of warm water. Place your brushes in the answer for about ten minutes, and then lightly swish each one around in the blend before rinsing with cold water and putting on a flat, dried-out towel according to the prior instructions.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated on this page and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed at the purchase time will apply to this product.
Organic Baby Hair shampoo and water to Clean Makeup Brushes
Keeping your makeup brushes clean is key to maintaining healthy skin and flawless application. An easy method involves using organic baby shampoo. This not only removes buildup but also conditions the bristles, avoiding any stiffness. Here’s how:
- Rinse your brush bristles under lukewarm water, pointing them downward to prevent water from seeping into the handle.
- Take a small amount of baby shampoo and lather it on your hands.
- Gently swirl the brush bristles in the shampoo until they’re fully coated.
- Massage the bristles to work out any dirt and oil.
- Rinse the brush under lukewarm water again until the water runs clear.
- Squeeze out any excess water by pressing the brush between your thumb and index finger.
- Lay the brush flat on a towel to air dry.
This method is perfect for quick cleaning when you’re short on time or don’t have other cleaning supplies on hand. Keep your brushes fresh and your skin happy without any harsh chemicals.
Coconut Essential oil liquid Liquid and hand soap
Want to keep your makeup brushes squeaky clean without harsh chemicals? Look no further than coconut oil! This multitasking wonder isn’t just for whitening teeth or boosting hair shine—it’s perfect for busting grime on brushes.Plus, its antibacterial properties keep acne-causing dirt at bay, ensuring your skin stays clear.
Here’s the scoop: Mix one tablespoon each of organic coconut oil, liquid dish soap, and hand soap with a splash of warm water. Swirl your brushes in the mixture, making sure to coat every bristle. Rinse under warm water, watching the dirt melt away. Pro tip: ensure the water is warm enough to rinse away the oil completely.
Don’t forget your sponges and blenders! Gently squeeze them under running water to avoid damage. With this natural solution, your brushes will be as good as new in no time.
Feature Image Source: Inspired Entertainment