How to clean your makeup brushes! A question I get asked often on my Instagram account. I have an insane amount of makeup brushes (check out my brush recommendations for beginners here!) When it comes time to wash them, it’s a full on event. I know it’s important to wash your brushes regularly with all the dirt and bacteria that can get all up in there. I also don’t have hours to spend for full on deep cleanings all the time. So today I’m sharing the brush cleaner and method I use to get them clean quickly and easily.
The Brush Cleaner
I used to wash my brushes with baby shampoo and water and while it works, it took me lots o’ time at my sink. Getting out all the makeup residue out and then all the resulting soap residue and lastly, trying to shape the brush so it dries correctly. It was just such an ordeal. So I switched and tried a few different brush cleaners and they were all ok but when I found Cinema Secrets it was like all my brush cleansing prayers had been answered! P.S – this post is NOT sponsored in any way. I just love my brush cleaner that much. 🙂
With the cinema secrets cleaner, I am able to quickly clean my brushes with just the cleaner in a small bowl and some paper towels. That’s it. This brush cleaner dries the brushes super fast and they are left clean (and smelling good!), soft, fluffy and ready for action for my makeup routine! I buy the larger 32 ounce size from Amazon and it lasts me a long time. Plus the larger size from amazon usually comes with a couple smaller ones in a bundle so I feel like I’m getting more bang for my buck! I buy maybe 2-3 a year and I wash my brushes about once a month. Or at least I try my best to. 🙂 I clean my foundation, concealer and powder brush more often since I use those everyday. Also because I use my foundation and concealer brushes with liquid products which requires more frequent cleaning.
How I Clean My Brushes
Step 1
Pour the brush cleaner in a small bowl about 1/2 an inch full. I always start with a small amount and add more if needed versus filling the bowl too much and having to waste the cleanser.
Step 2
Next, I dip my brush in. I make sure only the brush hairs are submerged. I do not put the handle of the brush (the part holding all the brush hairs) in the cleanser. I do this to avoid water and/or brush cleaner from getting into the area where the glue is holding all the brush hairs together. This helps prevent damaging anything that would cause the hairs to fall out of the brush. I wiggle the brush around a little and then remove the excess cleanser by sliding the brush up the side of the bowl on the way out. You will start to see the makeup coming off of the brush.
Step 3
From here, I begin to circle the brush gently on a paper towel. I do this until the brush runs clear and there is no longer visible makeup residue on the brush or towel. Sometimes with thicker brushes, I will give it a slight squeeze while the bristles are wrapped in the paper towel to get to the makeup that is deeper inside.
Step 4
The end result is a clean, soft, fluffy brush! Super easy! Some brushes take longer than others depending on how full and/or dirty they are. I continue the process until all the brushes are clean. They are pretty much completely dry and ready to use as soon as you’re done but I like to leave them laid down flat on my vanity for a little extra drying time before I place them back upright in their holders.
That’s all folks! Happy brush washing!
Here’s a few other posts you might like!
My Top 10 Favorite Makeup Products
My Favorite Non-Makeup Beauty Staples
My Favorite Drugstore Makeup Products
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. The products linked are ones I use personally and wholeheartedly recommend.
Thank you for your continued support!
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