We are in between holidays – Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a great time to clean your makeup brushes. I don’t use makeup a lot BUT I am learning the importance of cleaning them on a regular basis.
Cleaning your makeup brushes can be a bit of a chore, but it’s vital not only for a flawless application but hygiene reasons too. Here are some of the best tips on how to clean your makeup brushes I found online.
- Washing your brushes should be a regular part of your beauty routine, as when you use your brushes, bits of makeup, oil, dirt and even bacteria get trapped in the bristles – skipping cleaning can often lead to clogged pores and spots too.
- Not only will cleaning your tools help keep bacteria off your face but it will also condition those expensive brushes – if you look after them they should last a very long time.
Professional make-up artist, Louise Young shares the best way to keep large powder brushes super soft is by using a conditioner will keep them super soft.
Here is a STEP-BY-STEP on how to wash your brushes:
- Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water, and make sure you don’t get water into the handle of the brush as this will loosen the glue over time.
- Squirt a small amount of brush cleanser/gentle shampoo in your hand and use a swirling motion to lather up the product into the brush. Remember to keep the brush tilted downwards at all times.
- Run through the water, and once the water is running clean you’ve successfully removed all of the product out of the brush.
- Then gently press on the bristles with your fingers to release excess water.
- Lay the brush or brushes flat on a towel on the edge of a table overnight – always lay them flat so water doesn’t get into the brushes handle.
I know, now the question is “what products can I use to clean the brushes?”. There are many cleaners on the market, and if you have a fav company/product, be sure to check with your consultant for their recommendation. Here are some inexpensive and probably already in your home clean solutions:
- You can use unscented bar soap, dish detergent, or baby soap mixed with lukewarm water to clean your brushes.
- For extra cake-y brushes, use a dab of almond or olive oil to break down the residue before you wash.
Now, cleaning your brushes is a big help to getting rid of bacteria BUT did you know bacteria lingers in your make-up. How many of you have products older than 6 months or a year you use?
Do you know the rule for hanging onto make-up products? It is all about the water content – I had no idea! The drier the product e.g. powder, the longer its shelf life. Here are the products to be more cautious of:
- Mascara & liquid eyeliner – The dark damp environment and frequent contact with eyes makes this high risk for infection. Throw both away after 3 months
- Foundation – This is a typical product to cause problems. We often use our hands to apply and then put them back into the bottle. We may be covering up blemishes which easily transmit infection. Bases often start to separate after a few months and lose efficacy, so change your fluid base every six months
- Powder & Concealer – These will last longer but make sure to keep cases closed and lids on. Once exposed to air products may start to dry and lose their consistency, also airborne bacteria may also be a problem
- Eye & Lip Pencils – These will last between 1 and 2 years but be careful using them if you have a cold sore or eye infection. Never share lip or eye products and be careful with make-up sponges. Frequently clean and sharpen pencils to stay protected.
Do you have a tip on how to clean your brushes? Or are you in the beauty business and have a product to help clean brushes? Please share below.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 