Letting the powder and cream formulas build up on the bristles? Using more than one colour shade without cleaning in-between? Bet you need a minute or two to sit down and clean your tool. Many makeup artists believe brushes are the most important step for achieving great makeup, so if it’s been quite a while since you lathered up your own, it’s time to get cleaning. Using a dirty makeup brush on a freshly washed face is plain gross. Imagine all the gunk you’re putting back, again and again, each day? Our suggestion? Follow these quick and easy solutions for cleaning your favourite makeup brushes kit:

Dirty Makeup Brushes

All the buildup hiding in our makeup brushes can cause breakouts and irritation on the skin. That is why you need to regularly clean and replace your makeup brushes. It just might the culprit behind your constant breakouts. Dirty makeup tools and brushes can also lead to the spread of bacteria and viruses. All in all, dirty makeup brushes can cause many side effects and harm the skin. Therefore, it is wise to clean and wash them after every use. 

Time To Replace Your Brushes

Once you notice that your brushes aren’t getting as clean as they used to after washing, it might be time to change your brushes. You should also be replacing your brushes every three months too. But, as long as your brushes aren’t shedding, or even smell, they should last longer. If the shape of your brush is getting a bit flat or wonky, it is also time to clean or replace them. 

1. Do It Once A Week

For starters, you should make it your beauty resolution to clean your makeup brushes set once a week. Make it a habit to clean your brushes every Sunday night before the busy work week ahead.

2. Wet The Bristles First

makeup brushes set, makeup brushes kit

Rinse the bristles underwater. Avoid getting water above the handle of the brush, which can loosen the glue over time. Swipe your brush across your palm in a gentle brush cleanser. If you have more than one brush to wash, set each one aside after soaping it up.

3. Use A Baby Shampoo Mix

makeup brushes set, makeup brushes kit

Mix baby shampoo and water in two separate containers. Swirl your brush in the first one, then again in the second, for about 5-10 seconds. Rinse, squeeze excess water, reshape the bristles and then let it air dry.

4. Vinegar And Hot Water

You can also opt to use a more natural solution such as pouring vinegar over hot water. Stir the solution. Soak your brushes for 5-10 seconds, squeeze excess water, reshape the bristles, and then leave to dry on a kitchen towel.

5. Dishwash Soap

Dishwash soap is actually a great detergent to help wash your makeup brushes. Since everyone has it in their home, you don’t need to go out of your way to buy a special cleaning solution. Dishwash soap helps remove almost anything too and is a great emergency for when you need to wash your brushes. 

6. Let It Dry

makeup brushes set, makeup brushes kit

Lay the brush or brushes flat on a towel overnight. They’ll be ready for you to use again in the morning. Check out our recommended products below:

The Right Way To Clean Them

You might think that running your brushes underwater is good enough. No. the right way to clean your brushes is to do it gently. You don’t need specific or fancy soap to clean your brushes. By using a gentle solution, you should be able to get your brushes squeaky clean! 

  1. Squeeze a suitable amount of soap into a bowl. 
  2. Fill it with some warm, not hot, water. 
  3. Swirl your brush inside the solution. 
  4. Use your palm to massage the brush in a circular motion.
  5. You should be able to see the solution change colour as gunk comes out.
  6. Rinse with warm water and gently squeeze out the excess water.
  7. Lay flat to dry. 

EcoTools Makeup Brush Shampoo

This is a new makeup brush cleanser that launched for Spring 2016. This formula washes away makeup, oil, and dirt so your brushes are nice and new again. This is a clear thick gel formula that has a light citrus fragrance. A little goes a long way with this affordable cleanser, which can be used on both brushes and sponges.

Price: $19.00

Where to buy: Shopee

BareMinerals Well-Cared For Brush Conditioning Shampoo

Keep your brushes in great shape with our Well-Cared For Brush Conditioning Shampoo. This rich, foaming cleanser washes away all traces of dirt, makeup, oil, and debris. Then, thanks to nourishing ingredients, it conditions the hair and fibres for a soft finish.

Price: $20.00

Where to buy: Zalora