To clean makeup brushes effectively and protect your skin from bacteria and irritation, follow these steps:
- Rinse the brush tips under lukewarm running water. Hold the brush with bristles pointing downward to avoid water seeping into the handle, which can loosen glue.
- Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing gentle shampoo, baby shampoo, or a clarifying shampoo with lukewarm water in a bowl.
- Swirl the brush tips in the solution and gently massage the bristles in the palm of your hand or on a cleansing mat to create lather and loosen makeup residue.
- Rinse the brush tips again under lukewarm water. Repeat shampooing and rinsing until the water runs clear, indicating the brush is clean.
- Squeeze out excess water from the bristles using a clean towel or paper towel.
- Lay the brushes flat on a towel with the bristle tips hanging off the edge, not upright, to dry. This prevents water from running into the handle and loosening the glue.
Optional: If your brushes feel stiff after washing, apply a small amount of conditioner to the bristles, rinse, and lay flat to dry. This helps keep the bristles soft. It's best to clean your brushes every 7 to 10 days to avoid buildup of makeup residue, oils, and bacteria that can cause skin problems. You can also use household products like liquid dish soap for deep cleaning or a mixture of vinegar and lemon as a disinfectant, although gentle shampoo is recommended to preserve the bristles. These steps help maintain the quality of your brushes and keep your skin healthy.
