Calling all beauty enthusiasts… welcome to the ultimate guide on an essential, yet often overlooked aspect of a flawless makeup routine — the cleanliness of your makeup brushes! If you’ve ever wondered why your makeup might not be sitting so seamlessly on your skin, it could be as simple as the bristles of your beloved brushes not being clean enough. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned professional, your brushes deserve royal treatment, so we’ll show you how to provide it in the comfort of your own beauty sanctuary.
What to clean makeup brushes with
Having embraced the world of makeup brush cleaning, your next move involves selecting the perfect cleaning companion. Navigating the huge array of options might feel overwhelming, but fear not, we've curated three distinct choices to simplify your decision-making process.
Dish soap
Surprisingly effective and budget-friendly, liquid dish soap is a powerhouse in the realm of makeup brush cleaning. This everyday kitchen essential, known for removing the toughest of food stains, can effortlessly remove makeup residue and give makeup brushes a thorough cleanse. Go for liquid dish soap and save that extra money for that new palette you’ve been eyeing up.
Bar soap
If you have sensitive skin, opting for a trusty bar soap can be a great alternative to other cleaning products. Gentle and kind to all skin types, sulfate-free or fragrance-free bar soaps are the perfect solution for cleaning makeup brushes without compromising the well-being of your skin. This Thalgo Face Marine Algae Cleansing Bar is perfect for problem skin as it contains alga and calendula oil, ingredients great for leaving skin hydrated and soothed.
Makeup brush cleaner
Dedicated makeup brush cleaners designed especially for your beauty arsenal offer a tailored approach to hygiene. With super speedy drying times and antimicrobial properties, these cleaners offer optimum cleanliness. Make sure to experiment with a few options, as some contain high levels of alcohol and can jeopardise the longevity of your brushes.
This Spectrum Cleaning Pink Grapefruit & Bergamot Vegan Brush Soap is made with a coconut milk base and luscious Bergamot and Pink Grapefruit scent. Designed to deep clean and condition your brushes at the same time, this solid soap is a great option to keep your brushes fresh and bacteria free.
What do I do once my brushes are cleaned?
Once you’ve finished cleaning your brushes, this Spectrum Accessories Brush Laundrette Towel is the perfect accessory to make the chore easier. Dry any excess water on the surface of the towel then pop your brushes into the handy elasticated slots and hang in a warm space to dry.
Can you use shampoo to clean makeup brushes?
As shampoo breaks down oils and residues, many people find it to be a great option for cleaning brushes. This household staple not only proves effective in maintaining the cleanliness of your brushes but also offers the convenience of being easily accessible. Its cleansing properties mean it can dissolve cosmetic products after heavy makeup applications. Our top tip would be to opt for a more mild, sulfate-free shampoo to make sure the bristles of your brush stay soft and undamaged. With a bottle of shampoo likely sitting in your bathroom, you have a solution at your fingertips!
How often should I clean makeup brushes?
Say goodbye to stubborn residues, bacteria build-up and compromised bristle quality with the best makeup cleaning routine. How often to clean your makeup brushes depends on how often you use them. If you use your makeup brushes regularly, such as daily or several times a week, they should be cleaned at least once a week. If you use your brushes less frequently, perhaps only on special occasions, you can extend this to every two to four weeks.
It also depends on the type of brush. For eyeshadow enthusiasts, you should ideally be cleaning your makeup brushes more often due to the sensitivity of the eye area. The same applies to foundation brushes, particularly if you have acne-prone skin, as brushes can transfer bacteria and contribute to breakouts. Aim for cleaning these at least once a week.
Explore all makeup brushes and products
Dive into the world of pristine brushes and brush cleaning products, and discover a lineup that suits your style. Explore all makeup or view the allbeauty blog for tips, tricks and style advice.
