How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Cosmetics brushes are an important component of beautiful makeup application. Natural hair makeup brushes are expensive and often made of delicate fibers. With proper cleaning and care, they can last a lifetime. Here you will learn the three easy steps to caring for your natural hair makeup brush.


Makeup brushes are valuable tools and require proper care. Though brushes are made with many different hairs and fibers, they generally fall into one of two categories: natural hair makeup brushes or synthetic hair makeup brushes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Makeup Brush Cleanser
• Natural hair makeup brushes
• Paper towels or an old towel

1. Pour or spray the makeup brush cleanser onto the paper towel or old rag. Use sparingly and add more makeup brush cleanser as needed throughout.

2. 
   Gently Remove Makeup

   Using a back and forth motion, gently sweep the brush from side-to-side over the towel. You will see makeup and residue being removed from the brush. When a particular area is too dirty, add more makeup cleanser to a clean spot on the towel and repeat this step until the brush is clean.

3. Smooth brush back into shape and lay flat to dry, preferably with the brush head hanging over an edge. Allow 5-12 hours for drying, depending on the thickness of the brush.

Tips & Warnings

• Brushes that are used daily should be cleaned at least once a week or when used to apply different colors.
• Always handle the brush head with care, never mashing or pushing the brush into the towel. This maintains the shape and integrity of the brush.
• Look for a makeup brush cleanser that both cleans and disinfects brushes.
• Do not use products designed for human hair. They leave heavy residues that can damage the fibers of the makeup brush.
• Do not stand the brush upright when drying. Doing so allows the moisture to settle into the ferrule of the brush, loosening the glue that keeps the brush intact.

Resources

• Brush Off Makeup Brush Cleanser
• Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser
• Laura Mercier Brush Cleanser
• Organic Lavender Brush Cleanser
• Bare Escentuals Well Cared For Brush Cleanser

[thedogshrink]

on 2/25/2009 Great tips! Especially good that you pointed out the tiny details, like not standing the brush on end to dry. 5*

[sweetmlsa]

on 1/29/2009 Good tips. I know If I take good care of the brushes they'll last longer.

[starlet67]

on 1/27/2009 I wash my make-up brushes with mild shampoo but I
will have to try this method :)

[--EliBrown]

on 1/18/2009 Great article with detailed explanation! 5*s!

[leanan]

on 12/15/2008 Great article!