How To Wash Your Make-up Brushes

Makeup brushes are expensive buggers, and while you need to clean them to keep them bacteria free, cleaning them correctly will ensure that you get to enjoy them for years! I’ve had some of my brushes for a good few years, and I’ve always looked after them. So, today I thought I’d share my brush cleaning ritual with you guys. I hardly ever use makeup brush cleaner. Firstly, I think it’s a bit of a waste, and I much prefer to give my brushes a proper clean with shampoo and water! Plus, I find that makeup brush cleaners often leave my brushes feeling stiff, which doesn’t blend my makeup well at all. Ideally you should wash your brushes daily, or at the very least once a week. I usually give mine a big ol' wash once a week, but I do have quite a few brushes, so I generally use them once or twice before washing.

Step 1: I clean my brushes at the sink and use my hands (or a gentle silicone glove, for very dirty brushes) as well as a little shampoo. I recommend Johnson's baby shampoo. Its gentle and for someone like me, who has EXTREMELY sensitive skin, it works wonders (also it smells so great) I apply a little shampoo directly onto the brush (or you can use your hand – works just as well).

Step 2: I dip my dirty brushes into running water (not too hot as that will damage the glue keeping your brush together) and then swirl the brush around in my hand (or on the glove). This will remove all excess product on your brush. Keep in mind to be gentle or you will damage the brush. When it comes to eye brushes, I have a lot, so I generally wash a couple at the same time.

Step 3: After I’ve removed all excess product, I rinse off my brush under the water until the water runs clear.

Step 4: After I’ve finished washing all my brushes, I take a towel and just dry them VERY CAREFULLY, twisting the bristles gently to squeeze out the water, and also shape my brushes.

Step 5: Last step! I place all my brushes flat on another towel and just leave them to dry. Usually overnight, but the face brushes often take longer to dry completely.

TIP: If I want my brushes to dry quicker, and I generally do this for my eye brushes, after I’ve finished washing them, I place them on the windowsill with the window cracked open and in the morning they are ready for me to use.

Some other brush cleaning tips

- Never soak your brushes since this may loosen the glue that holds them together

- Never pull aggressively on the brush bristles. Remember they are attached to the handle with glue, and pulling too aggressively can force the bristles to fall out

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