Makeup Brush Cleaning Guide

When it comes to cleaning makeup brushes It’s simple however there are some important things to note before you begin and some little tips that can make it quicker, easier, and safer for your brushes.

First of all, let’s talk about how often you should clean your brushes.

If you use your brushes daily, then the ideal would be a weekly clean however we know that we are all busy and have enough responsibilities on a daily basis we have to take care of without adding something else to that list so I would recommend once per month as an absolute minimum.

Cleaning your brushes is important for 2 reasons.

1) Bacteria!

Yes, bacteria can build on your brushes over time especially on brushes you use to apply liquids like foundations and concealer etc. The damp environment inside the bristles can create the perfect environment for bacteria to form. and when you then that makeup brush and rub it over your face. It can be the cause of bacterial acne breakouts and can even cause a staph infection on your skin! So, to keep bacteria it is essential you give them a regular clean with an antibacterial brush shampoo.

2) Caked up and streaky makeup!

Your brushes were designed with a specific type of bristle for a specific type of product, they were designed to be able to move freely over your face to evenly distribute your product, buff it into your skin etc.

Over time the build-up and accumulation of makeup products will attach to the bristles and begin to weigh them down.

You can even see it yourself sometimes, you might have noticed your foundation or concealer brush bristles have started to group and clump together or feel firmer, well this means it’s time for a good clean. If those bristles can’t freely move, they won’t be able to evenly blend your products and can be a cause of either cakey makeup or streaky/patchy foundation.

Here is what you will need to properly wash your brushes.

1) Makeup brush shampoo

You want to make sure the shampoo is antibacterial to really kill that bacteria build-up. We also recommend avoiding toxic makeup brush cleaners, not only is it not good for you to be breathing them in especially in smaller rooms such as bathrooms but they can also damage your brushes bristles with prolonged use. They can also cause skin irritation if any residue is left on the brush especially for those with more sensitive skin. You can usually tell by warning labels on the back or alternatively if it smells of strong chemicals.

If you see any of these symbols on the back of the bottle or box, I recommend avoiding using them or use with extreme caution.

Our makeup brush shampoo is available through our website and is Antimicrobial so not only will it kill bacteria it will also slow the production of new bacteria from forming on the brush. It is also non-toxic and contains nourishing ingredients to care for the bristles of your makeup brushes.

2) A makeup brush Cleaner Pad.

This is optional but it will speed the cleaning process up for you and ensures you can deep clean the bristles without damaging them. It is a suction cup pad that sits in the bottom of your sink with raised ridges for you to rub the brush against to help build up a lather on the brush and get the cleaner deeper into the bristles.

If you don’t have one of these, you will need to massage the cleaner into the brush with your hands and rub it in to the palm of your hand to build up a lather (as mentioned above you will need to take a little more time to build up the lather this way).

3) A Towel

This is for you to remove the excess water from the brushes after cleaning and to lay them out to dry on.

How to clean your makeup brushes

Before we begin here is a very important note to prevent damage to your brushes.

*Always hold your brush so the bristles are facing down in the sink. You do not want to allow water to run in to the brush and down to the handle as this will cause the glue to loosen which can cause your brush bristles to start shedding and it can also crack the handle.

*Never leave your brushes to soak in water

This is for the same reason as above if the water gets into the handle, it will damage your brush.

Now that’s cleared up here is a quick video we recorded showing you how to clean your brushes. This is also broken down into steps below the video for you.

1.) Run warm water, wet the bristles (ensure bristles are facing down)

2.) Turn the tap off and squeeze out water from the bristles.

3.) Spray makeup brush shampoo against the bristles, (1-2 sprays per eyeshadow brush and up to 6 sprays for a Kabuki brush)

4.) Rub the bristles against the makeup brush cleaner pad in circular and up and down motions (or against the palm of your hand if you are not using makeup brush cleaner pad).

5.) Stop once you start to see a white lather (if you do not see a white lather rinse the brush and apply some more shampoo and repeat the process until white lather starts to appear).

6.) Run warm water, rinse the brush in the water ensuring bristles are facing down in the sink.

7.) Once you see the water run clear turn off the water and squeeze out water from the bristles.

8.) Take your towel in your palm and squeeze the towel down the bristles to absorb excess water.

Drying your brushes

Method 1)

Roll a towel up at one end leaving around 20cm left at the end.

Place the brushes on the towel so the handle is resting on the rolled-up section and the bristles are on the unrolled part of the towel. (This enables any water to run out of the brush and away from the handle) There is a video on this here:

If possible, do this step in a separate room as you want to leave brushes in a room that doesn’t have moisture in the air bathrooms get steamy and the moisture stays in the air, so they are not ideal for getting your brushes dry quickly.

If you have an airing cupboard this can be the perfect place to put them for quick drying time.

Method 2)

Take a hanger and some elastic bands or hair bobbles attach the brushes to the hanger using the bands. Ensure the bristles are facing down towards the floor. Hang this in a room that doesn’t have a lot of moisture in the air or in an airing cupboard for even quicker drying time.

Running Out? Order Some More

Our Makeup Brush Shampoo deep cleans brush fibres removing the most stubborn product residue and killing harmful bacteria in the quickest time. Gives new life back to brushes so they feel and look brand new again.

No toxic ingredients so it can clean, care and protect your brushes for a longer lifespan.

Cruelty Free and Vegan Friendly

INGREDIENTS
Aqua, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Caster Oil, Silver Citrate, Hexylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Triclosan, Parfum

If you do not have a Brush Cleaner Pad, click the Check box below "ADD TO ORDER". In the Upgrade Your Cart Now! Box Below.

£12.95