It’s important to keep your makeup brushes clean to avoid bacteria building up on them. This bacteria can cause breakouts and infections.
Weekly cleanings are best for commonly used brushes. Honestly, I don’t get around to it every week but I’m trying to get in the habit. It’s much better for our skin if we keep our brushes very clean!
The only problem is many makeup brush cleaners, and even many of the DIY cleaners, have poor ingredients that can also be harmful to us.
Because makeup brushes can have oil build up you want to use something that cuts through oil. I have tried a few methods but found this method to be the best.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I was not paid for this post and all thoughts are my own.
How to Deep Clean Your Makeup Brushes
- Put about half an inch of warm water into a cup with about 15 drops Dr. Bronner’s castile soap.
- Put just the brushes in the soapy water, avoiding the ferrule (the metal part).
- Put about a drop of soap on your hand and gently rub a brush on your hand to work the soap into your brush.
- Rinse the brush, repeat until the water runs clear.
- Let the brushes dry on a towel, making sure the brushes point down so the water doesn’t go into the wooden handles.
Once you get in the habit of cleaning your brushes it’s very quick and easy. The drying time is the most time consuming part but just leave them overnight and normally they will be dry by morning.
If you are looking for new brushes I highly recommend EcoTools. They are synthetic brushes with bamboo handles. They are sustainability made and very high quality brushes. They are also very affordable! The brushes in the photos are all from EcoTools.
How often do you clean your brushes and what are your favorite brush brands? Share in the comments below.
Linked up with Create It Thursday, Worthwhile Wednesday, and DIY Sunday Showcase.
Tiffany (NatureMom)
I think I have one brush for eye shadow. Dont know if my usage justifies a washing, LOL. Good tips though.
Lisa Sharp
haha Well eye makeup things are the most important to get clean because eye infections are nasty ha. But you likely don’t need to do it very often. 🙂
Micaela @MindfulMomma
Thanks for the reminder – I need to do this more often!
Lisa Sharp
I think most of us do haha.
Jessica Cangiano
I don’t wear makeup everyday nor use my brushes each time when I do, but in general, if I have used them recently, I’ll clean them about once every week or two. To help remind me to do so, I’ve taken to making it a point to clean them on a day that I’m doing other household chores, that way that task just gets folded into the whole kit and caboodle of housekeeping.
? Jessica
Lisa Sharp
Good idea! I should get in the habit of cleaning them each week when I deep clean my bathroom.
Lynn Hasselberger
Great tips! I need to do this SOON!
Lisa Sharp
You’re welcome! 🙂
Nakeya
I only use a brush for my foundation. I have some nice brushes from Clinique. How long are brushes good for?
Lisa Sharp
Depends on the brush. As long as you clean them they should last for a long time.
loyda
I work in the skincare industry… I always recomment using your face soap for your brushes.. Gotta figure if its good enough to clean your face then it would do well on your brushes 🙂
Lisa Sharp
Other than if you used much it would be drying, Dr. Bronner’s would be safe for your face. 🙂