If you wear makeup, you need to know how to clean makeup brushes. If you don’t clean your makeup brushes, you’ll end up messing them up and throwing them away, or they’ll spoil your clean, fresh look when changing your makeup colors. If you’re not sure how to clean makeup brushes, don’t worry; it’s simple. The main thing is to use the right type of cleanser for the type of cosmetic brush you have. It is also very important to clean your makeup brushes frequently so that very little buildup occurs on them.

Applying makeup correctly is at least as important as the quality of the makeup itself. Professional makeup artists spend a lot of time smoothing, blending, and applying creams and powders to their clients’ soon-to-be flawless faces. Large brushes help make perfect makeup possible.

What materials and hair products are the brushes made of?

Makeup brushes come in all kinds of materials, the cheapest ones are usually made of sponge or plastic and the most expensive ones are made of some kind of animal hair. The high-quality natural hair brushes used by professional painters and models are made from sable, and if you want a particular brush shape in a high-quality brush, you can find them at art supply stores. Badger fur, pony hair, and even squirrel hair are also used to make brushes. The best makeup, like mineral makeup, will often come with a fine brush set – the perfect application gives your makeup a beautifully smooth finish.

The importance of properly cleaning your makeup brushes

Properly cleaning your makeup brushes will save you time, money, and even your face! You’ll save time because clean makeup brushes make it easy to apply, so loose powder goes where you want it instead of clinging to an oily brush. You won’t have to apply makeup as often because your makeup will be fresh, uncontaminated with skin oils and old, rusty colors. You will save money cleaning your makeup brushes because they will last longer, so you won’t have to buy new ones. And it can save your face from breakouts associated with bacteria and oil buildup on old, dirty brushes. Five minutes a week, a little soapy water, and your makeup brushes will stay fresh and new for much longer. View a selection of inexpensive brush cleaners that will refresh dirty cosmetic brushes.

Properly cleaning your cosmetic brushes will make them last longer

In addition to letting your brushes last longer (very important if you’re buying more expensive, softer brushes), knowing how to clean your makeup brushes can help minimize skin problems like oily breakouts or eye infections from mascara brushes. Hygiene is one of the reasons experts say you should never share your makeup with a friend: You can transmit bacteria on the applicators. Cold sores, acne, rashes, and staph germs can easily be passed from one makeup brush to another, so never borrow someone else’s brush or puff. In fact, for people who do their makeup with their fingers, it’s not even a good idea to rub someone else’s blush or eyeshadow on your fingers, because you’re picking up bacteria from their fingers and skin.

How to wash your makeup brushes without bacteria

You can wash your makeup brushes in warm, soapy water, using an antibacterial soap, shampoo, or hand sanitizer. There are also special products for cleaning your makeup brushes. Lipstick brushes may need special care due to the extra emollients in lip colors, which can make them sticky and difficult to wash off. Wash them with a mild degreasing cleanser you can already use for your skin, and take your time getting lipstick off the bristles of the brush.

Shape the brushes while they are wet and allow them to dry to retain their softness. Lay them flat instead of pointy, or you’ll damage the bristles or handle of the brush. Wash them gently, never rubbing, or the hairs will start to come out. Follow the cleaning instructions that come with your makeup brushes in case they have special requirements. And if you can’t bring yourself to commit to cleaning your brushes, you can always buy disposable sponge brushes and throw them away more often. Especially if you suffer from very oily skin or acne, make sure to always use a clean makeup brush to minimize bacterial issues that can add to your skin problems.

Dirty makeup brushes have bacteria and won’t give you a flawless look.

Whatever you do, don’t use the same makeup brushes day after day without washing them. In addition to harboring bacteria, makeup pigments bind with skin oils and make brushes sticky and messy. Makeup colors can shift, turning darker or orange due to oxidation and mixing with skin oils or dust, complicating your daily makeup routine. Clean your brushes once a week to keep them working properly, and if a brush gets dirty or misshapen, throw it away and get a new one.