They say that your makeup is only as good as the makeup brushes you use. No matter how stunning or pigmented your palette is, a sloppy brush won’t do it any justice. It is also really important that we take the time to maintain these brushes. If only it were as easy…

We get it. Cleaning your makeup brushes and tools feels like a tedious task. After all the steps in skincare, makeup application and then cleansing, who has the time to wash bristles too?

You! Or at least you should because cleaning your makeup brushes is just as important as the rest of your skincare routine. Still not convinced? Read on as we tell all on this often neglected part of our beauty routines.

Why is it important to clean your makeup brushes?

Your makeup brushes accumulate a ton of dirt and oil that can harbour bacteria. Plus, they pick up dead skin cells that can mix with bacteria and dried makeup. (Now imagine that going back and forth from the palette to your face!) All of these can get into your pores and clog them, making it a perfect breeding ground for acne and breakouts.

Aside from preventing breakouts, clean brushes are vital for smooth makeup application. Even the best formulas can look patchy and uneven when applied with a dirty makeup brush. Clean brushes also help you get brighter colour payoffs and make the pigments stand out. And since your brushes are basically investments, keeping them clean ensures they last longer and you get your money’s worth. 

How often should you clean your brushes?

It depends on how much you use your brushes, but the optimal cleaning schedule is at least once a week. Thoroughly cleaning them ensures that dirt and bacteria will not get on your face or contaminate the whole palette. However, if you use switch makeup colours all the time, you may have to clean your brushes in shorter intervals. 

The right way to clean your makeup brushes

Use a cleansing solution.

The good thing about makeup brushes is that they do not necessarily require specific cleansers. You can use dish soap (this cleaning hack is famous on TikTok!) or baby shampoo to clean them. If you’re short on time and want a pro-level clean, you can use store-bought makeup cleansers too. Just lather the soap, soak the brushes, and work in the bristles to remove any stuck makeup and dirt. 

Use a silicone cleansing pad.

Silicone cleansing pads are a genius way to get rid of the leftover makeup on your brushes. They have bumps and grooves that reach beneath the bristles to give them a deep clean. Just put some soap on the pad, swirl your brushes in circular motions, and repeat as needed. If you don’t have a cleansing pad, you can use the palm of your hands or a clean rubber glove. 

Cleanse with lukewarm water. 

When cleaning your brushes, remember to do so using lukewarm water. This process quickly melts off the makeup and gets rid of stubborn bacteria. Doing so also maintains the quality of your brushes since they can get damaged when exposed to hot temperatures.

Dry them properly.

After cleansing them, lay your brushes on a flat surface so they can dry well. Ensuring that your brushes are dry prevents moisture build-up that can cause fungi to foster. This way, your skin will be free from irritation or infections.