Why & How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Wondering why you should clean your makeup brushes? There are three key reasons.
Cleaning your makeup brushes improves your overall makeup application.
Regular washing prevents bacteria buildup, excess oil, and unwanted color transfer.
It also extends the lifespan of your brushes. Makeup brushes are a worthwhile investment, so it’s important to take good care of them.
Ideally, you should clean your makeup brushes weekly. However, most of us would agree that this can be hard to keep up with. A more realistic goal is to clean them at least once a month. Below is a simple step-by-step guide to washing your brushes properly.
How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Wet the bristles with lukewarm water only. Never soak your brushes in water, as this can damage them.
Place a pea-sized amount of gentle shampoo in your palm and massage it into the bristles. Repeat until the shampoo is fully worked through the brush hairs.
Rinse the brush thoroughly until the water runs clear.
Repeat the process if needed.
Form a ring with your index finger and thumb, pull the brush through your fingers with gentle pressure to remove excess water and reshape the bristles.
Lay the brushes flat on a towel to dry. Never stand brushes upright to dry—this can loosen the glue holding the bristles together and cause shedding.
Never place makeup brushes in sanitizer devices, as this can cause permanent damage.
jane iredale also offers a plant-based makeup brush cleanser that gently cleanses and conditions your brushes. It’s perfect for quick on-the-go cleaning. Simply spray the cleanser onto a tissue and gently wipe your brush back and forth to remove all leftover makeup residue.
