Okay, it’s time for a little confessional. How often do you clean your makeup brushes? Truthfully now… If you can’t recall the last time, you aren’t alone. Cleaning makeup brushes is a much-neglected practice. But when it comes to how to clean makeup brushes, there are reasons to make this process a priority.

Here’s why you should regularly clean your makeup brushes, and how to do it effectively.

Why You Should Clean Makeup Brushes Regularly

Makeup brushes are porous, which means they have lots of tiny little spaces where
skin cells, oil, dirt, and dust can build up. And bacteria absolutely adore all of those things. This makes makeup brushes a breeding ground for all manner of bacteria.

It’s not the kind of thing you want to brush back onto your skin, right?

Dirty brushes are also much harder on your skin because they lose softness when they become clogged with product and debris. This means you’ll not only be dragging a rough brush across sensitive, clean skin, but you’ll also have more difficulty achieving a nice blend when you apply your makeup.

So, How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brushes?

Here are the basics:

On average, dermatologists recommend that you should clean each makeup brush at least every 7 – 10 days, especially those you use most often like foundation and concealer brushes.¹

But what about a makeup brush you use less often?

• Brushes used around your eyes should be cleaned at least twice a month.
• All other brushes should be cleaned at least once a month.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

When it comes to how to clean makeup brushes, do you know how to wash them effectively? It’s not as time-consuming as you may think. And the benefits definitely outweigh the effort.

Here’s the best way to clean your makeup brushes:

1. First, rinse the tips of the brushes under warm running water to remove some of the lingering makeup.

2. Next, fill a bowl with warm water and add some mild shampoo. Swirl the brushes around to remove the buildup. You may need to use your fingers to massage the product out. You can also do this by lathering up the brush tip and massaging it into the palm of your hand.

3. Rinse the brush tip under running water.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the water runs clear and the brush appears to be free of build-up and debris.

5. Gently squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean, dry towel, or a paper towel.

6. Lay out your brushes flat to dry on a towel. To speed up the drying process, hang the tips of the brushes slightly over the edge of a counter. Give your brushes plenty of time to dry before you use them again.

How to Wash Makeup Brushes: A Final Tip

Now that you know how to wash makeup brushes, and how simple it is, isn’t it time to start taking better care of your skin? No one appreciates unwanted breakouts, so why risk one from a dirty brush?

One Last Tip: Try to keep the handle and the base of the brush head dry while cleaning your brushes. This is because the bristles are glued to the base, and cleaning products (and water) can eventually dissolve this glue, causing the bristles to fall out.

So, if you’re wondering how to clean makeup brushes, remember: Rinse, Swirl, Massage, Repeat.

Learn More:
How to Choose Eye Makeup for Sensitive Skin
The Skin Benefits Of A Diet Rich In Zinc
What is Exfoliation: How it Works and How to Do So Safely

Sources
1.https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/makeup