Hey Makeup Mavens,
I get it - your makeup brushes are the unsung heroes of your beauty routine. But when was the last time you gave them the attention they truly deserve? Keeping your brushes clean is the secret sauce to flawless makeup application and healthy skin so keep reading below for tips on how to keep them looking pristine!
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1. The Dirt on Dirty Brushes
Let's spill the tea – those brushes of yours are magnets for makeup residue, oils, and bacteria. Sounds gross, right? Well, it is. Using dirty brushes not only messes with your color payoff but can also wreak havoc on your skin, causing breakouts and irritation. Time to break up with the gunk and get cleaning! Need more reasons? Read the rest of this post!
2. Timing is Everything
You wouldn't wear the same outfit for a week straight, right? Well, your brushes aren't into that either. Aim for a deep clean at least once a week to keep things fresh. And hey, quick spritzes with a brush cleaner between uses can be a game-changer!
3. Instant Cleansers
These are great for daily cleanings in between your deep cleanings. You don't need any water or access to a sink so they're super convenient! Simply spray on your brush (or dunk in a small cup) and swirl on a clean tissue/paper towel. You can repeat this process until all product is removed from your brush.
Industry Favorites:
(Smells like oranges)
(My favorite for when I need my brushes cleaned really quickly!)
(Yes, 99%! This concentration will help break down the product on your bristles. This method can however be a little drying for your brushes)
4. Brush Shampoos
These are for deep cleaning your brushes at least once per week. Gently swirl your brush in your palm with shampoo and warm water until it’s clean. If it's been awhile since you last washed them, this might take a couple rounds before the water runs clear. Be sure to rinse until all of the soap is gone (this can take a little while for extra fluffy powder brushes so be sure to check thoroughly)
Industry Favorites:
(Comes in 3 different scents but the citrus one is my favorite!)
(100% not necessary but if you have a lot of brushes and don’t want to swirl in your palm when you’re shampooing your brushes, this tool can be useful)
5. Beauty Blenders
While you're at it, don’t forget your Beauty Blenders! Those guys should be washed with soap and water after EVERY. SINGLE. USE. Squeeze all the water out that you can and then lay flat to dry.
6. Drying Drama
Now that your brushes are squeaky clean, it's time to talk drying. Use a clean towel or paper towel to gently remove as much moisture as possible. Forget about tossing them in a dark drawer; that's a recipe for a bacteria party. Invest in a drying rack or lay them flat on a clean towel to air-dry. Trust me; your brushes will thank you.
7. Other Tools
I like to use 99% alcohol to get any dirt/debris off of my other beauty tools like eyelash curlers, tweezers, pencil sharpeners, spatulas, etc. Simply wet a q-tip or cotton round and give it a good wipe down!
8. Cleaning vs Sanitizing
This part isn't totally essential to know unless you're a pro, but if you're curious, there's a big difference between cleaning and sanitizing! 99% alcohol will clean product off of your tools but it dries too fast to effectively kill bacteria. To sanitize, you'll want to use 70% alcohol! Simply spritz onto your brushes after cleaning and wait for it to dry!
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There you have it, beauty aficionados - the lowdown on brushing up your brush game. It's not just about hygiene; it's about maximizing the lifespan of your favorite tools and ensuring that every makeup application is a masterpiece. Until next time, stay fabulous!