How To: Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Now I know there are hundreds of videos and blog posts on this very same topic, but I feel  like its always a good one to include in the archive. There are two main ways that I clean my makeup brushes: spot clean and deep clean. I spot clean my brushes after every use and about once a week or so, I deep clean my brushes (usually on Sundays). To spot clean my brushes I switch back and forth between the MAC brush cleaner and the ULTA Professional Brush cleaner, depending on the store I'm closest to at the time that I realize I'm out basically. At the moment I have ULTA Pro cleaner so that is what I have used in the picture. I always refill the same spritz bottle with whatever cleaner I am using at the time because its easier to use.

Typically what I do is spray 2-3 pumps (depending on the size of brush) of the brush cleaner on a paper towel, then I just swirl the brush around the paper towel  moving around to clean areas. Once there is no more makeup coming off of the brush onto the paper towel you are done with the spot clean.

To deep clean my brushes, I use Johnson's Baby Shampoo: Calming Lavender. It doesn't matter if you use a baby shampoo, I just find it to be affordable and not too abrasive (plus I like this scent), just be sure to use a mild or clarifying shampoo; avoid ultra moisturizing or conditioning formulas because they may cause build-up in your brushes. I put a pea size drop for eyeshadow brushes, or a 1/2 inch circle drop for larger face brushes, in the palm of my hand and soak the bristles only in luke-warm water. 

After wetting the brush I swirl it in the shampoo in the palm of my hand and rinse under the running water ALWAYS with the bristles pointed down so as not to draw water up into the brush handle (may cause rusting). Sometimes for face brushes, primarily foundation or bronzer, I may repeat the process 2 or 3 times with a new drop of shampoo each time. Gently squeeze the water out of the bristles. After washing, I lay all brushes out on a towel to dry overnight. Some of the smaller brushes may only take a few hours depending on the size. That's it for cleaning your brushes. Its a simple process, but its so important; clean brushes can help to maintain healthy skin and prevent the spread of disease or skin irritation.