We all know it, yet we do it far too rarely: cleaning our makeup brushes! Hand on heart – when was the last time you washed them? But no matter if it was two weeks or two months ago: I'll show you what to consider, what mistakes you can avoid, and what signs tell you when it's time for new brushes.
Why Is Cleaning Make-up Brushes so Important?
With regular makeup application, bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum from the skin, along with product particles, accumulate on brushes and blenders. Over time, this can irritate your skin and lead to blemishes.
However, regularly washing your makeup brushes also helps achieve a more even make-up result. Old product residues are removed, so new textures and colors are not distorted.
In addition, it helps to prolong the shelf life of your products and brushes. If bacteria accumulate in the textures over the long term or the brush hairs are overloaded with too much product, it damages both in the long run.
How Often Should You Clean Make-up Brushes?
You should wash your make-up brushes every one to two weeks. For make-up sponges like the Beautyblender: it's best to wash them briefly after each use and let them air dry to prevent bacteria from accumulating or unpleasant odors from forming.
How to Clean Make-up Brushes Correctly – Step-by-Step Guide
What you need:
- your makeup brushes
- a mild shampoo/shower gel or brush soap
- a clean towel
Here's how:
- Moisten the brush hairs with lukewarm water.
- Gently work in the soap. Alternatively, you can apply a small amount of soap to the palm of your hand and then work it into the brush tip with the brush in circular motions.
- Rinse gently and wash out all soap residues.
- Gently squeeze out excess water from the brushes with the towel.
- Then lay them over a table edge or windowsill so that the brush tips hang over the edge and let them dry.
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Which Cleaning Agents Are Suitable?
Special brush cleaners are formulated specifically for brush hairs, whether synthetic or natural, and gently remove all dirt and bacteria, so the brushes are not damaged in the process.
Mild shampoos like baby shampoos, which are pH-neutral and gentle on the skin, are also well suited to get the brushes thoroughly and gently clean.
Cleaning Make-up Sponges & Beautyblenders
Make-up sponges like the Beautyblender should preferably be washed with an oil cleanser. Sebum, make-up, and sunscreen, which settle in the sponge, are usually oil-soluble and can therefore ideally be removed from the fibers with an oil.
So, put a small amount of a gentle shower oil or oil cleanser on the sponge, massage it gently, and then rinse the blender thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Time for New: When You Should Replace Your Brushes
Even with regular cleaning and conscientious care, brushes eventually wear out, and it's time for new ones.
How do you know when you should replace your makeup brushes?
- brittle bristles
- brush hairs falling out
- the brush is deformed
- unpleasant odor despite washing
- stubborn stains that cannot be removed
Most brushes lose their original shape and quality after one to two years, depending on use, so it's time for a new set at the latest then.
Makeup sponges like Beauty Blenders have a shorter lifespan – due to constant moistening and their absorbent nature, bacteria can accumulate more quickly. Therefore, you should replace Beautyblenders and similar products every three to four months.
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Common Mistakes When Cleaning Brushes
You should definitely avoid these mistakes when cleaning brushes if you want your makeup brushes to last a long time:
- water that is too hot: The brush hairs are very sensitive - too hot temperatures can also affect them, so lukewarm water is best.
- drying brushes upright: This can cause water to run into the handle and dissolve the glue between the hairs and the handle.
- cleaning too rarely: Even if it's easy to forget (I speak from experience!), brush washing should be done every one to two weeks. This way, you remove product residues, sebum, and especially bacteria that can unnecessarily irritate your skin or lead to blemishes over time.
- aggressive cleaners: Strong soaps and cleaning agents can make the brush hairs rougher and damage them.
Tip: Schedule cleaning your brushes as a fixed appointment in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone so you won't forget it anymore.
Tips For Longer Brush Durability
- Proper storage: It's best to store your brushes in a separate bag from your other products when on the go, so the hairs are not deformed. At home, you can also store them upright in a roll-up bag or container.
- Regular cleaning: Regular washing of makeup brushes is ultra-important and helps keep your brushes beautiful for a long time.
- Gentle care: When washing, make sure you use mild soaps and do not overload the brushes with aggressive cleaners.
I hope you enjoyed this guide about makeup brushes and their proper cleaning and found it helpful. Please let me know if you have any further comments or questions!
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