How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

If you haven't cleaned you makeup brushes within the past 2 weeks, or ever, then they are in desperate need of a bath. Typically, most experts suggest cleaning them weekly, but if you tend to forget or just think that's not accurate, then try to wash them at least every 2 weeks. It will only take a few minutes to wash them all, and if you do it at bedtime they will be nice and dry for use in the morning.

Begin by gathering your makeup brushes, two clean hand towels, and whatever shampoo you have on hand. Bring everything to your sink and lay it out. Keep in mind that you will be washing your brushes, but even if they have natural bristles you will not be using conditioner, only shampoo.

Take one brush and run it under the water. Make sure you clean the bigger brushes one at a time, but you can combine some of the smaller brushes together when washing. Wet the brush thoroughly before applying the shampoo.

Add 1-2 drops of the shampoo directly to the brush. Depending on the size of the brush, you will want to alter the amount of shampoo you need. For larger, face brushes use at least 2 drops, and for smaller, eye and lip brushes use one drop.


Once the shampoo is added, gently massage it into the brush. Once incorporated, flip the brush downward and rub the brush in the palm of your hand, using a circular motion. Wash each brush in this way for 1-2 minutes, rinsing slightly during the process until the suds and brush look clean.

It is very important that you rinse the brush well. If you don't rinse them well you can leave behind soap residue and traces of makeup, not to mention bacteria. Begin by rinsing the brush under cold water, while gently massaging the bristles with your fingertips. Do not pull on the hairs and make sure you rinse from base to tip. Continue rinsing with cold water until all traces of soap are gone and the water runs clean.

Once the brush is accurately rinsed, begin removing the excess water by squeezing the brush from base to tip. After you remove the excess water, take one of the hand towels, fold it in half, and gently tap the brush onto the towel.

After you have successfully removed the excess water from the brushes you will need to lay them out, overnight, to air dry. To do this, simply take the second hand towel, fold it in half, and line the brushes on top of it. 


Allow the brushes to sit overnight to dry. Once morning comes, your brushes should be dry and ready for use. Check each brush before you use it, and make sure they are completely dry. If the brushes are still damp, do not use them and whatever you do, do not use a hair dryer to dry them.
Julyne Derrick