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  • How to Clean Makeup Brushes

    January 23, 2025 4 min read

    How to Clean Makeup Brushes

    As a makeup artist for the better part of my adult life, I’ve heard it all when it comes to makeup brushes.

    Can you use just one brush to do your whole face?

    Can you put them in the dishwasher?

    Do you really need to clean them?

    Well, you can’t really do a full face of makeup with one brush (let’s consider going from blush to eyeshadow to foundation… makes for an all-over colourful result!), best save the dishwasher for the dishes, and yes, you really do need to clean them!

    So why clean your makeup brushes? How to do it? And how often?

    Let’s start with the why. Once you know why you need to clean them, you’re much more likely to!

    Why clean makeup brushes?

    • Extend the life of your brushes. - Good makeup brushes aren’t cheap, and they should last a long time with proper care, just like your favourite knitwear! Keeping your brushes clean will significantly extend the life of your investment.
    • Keep your skin healthy. - You’ve heard it before; skin is your largest organ, and it’s important to take care of it. Unwashed makeup brushes harbour bacteria which build up over time. You’re then spreading bacteria from an unclean brush all over your face, not to mention more sensitive areas like your eyes and mouth. It’s possible this can lead to unwanted breakouts and even infection. You’re also contaminating your makeup products when you dip an unclean brush into a pot or compact.
    • Better makeup application. - Over time brushes accumulate product, oils from your skin, and dead skin cells. Brushes can become ‘clogged’ just like a car engine that’s never had its oil filter changed (ok, I know nothing about cars whatsoever - but you get the gist). ‘Clogged’ brushes won’t effectively pick up any more product let alone spread it evenly onto your face.

    How to clean makeup brushes?

    Cleaning your makeup brushes is simpler than you may think. There are two ways to clean your brushes, and it’s helpful to understand the difference.

    1. Dry clean – sanitise. - This method is waterless, instantly kills bacteria, and refreshes your brushes between washes. You’ll need clean paper towel and isopropyl alcohol, which you can pick up at supermarkets or pharmacies. ‘Isocol’ in the green bottle is readily available and comes in a handy spray bottle. Simply spray the brush or paper towel, then gently wipe the brush back and forth over a clean paper towel. Folding the paper towel into a square so it’s thicker is helpful to reinforce it, then you can flip it open and fold it back the other way and use it again for the next brush! This method will remove some surface product and kill bacteria, and your brush should be ready to use again within 30 seconds since the alcohol evaporates quickly! If you’ve ever wondered how makeup artists do back-to-back clients, this is how. Please use plain isopropyl alcohol, not hand sanitiser or any other type of spray and wipe!
    2. Wet wash – soap and bubbles! - This is the more commonly known and dreaded chore; but it doesn’t have to be. This is where a little know-how goes a long way. You’ll need a running tap, gentle liquid soap and an agitator. We use Dr Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap - Baby Unscented along with the Downunder Wash Co Soap Dish & Stain Scrubber. Start by thoroughly wetting your brush, then add a drop of liquid soap. Gently rub your brush back and forth over the smooth wooden grooves of the scrubber to hasten the task and effectively loosen built-up product. Be careful not to ‘scrub’ your brushes as you may skew or knot the bristles – agitate enough to form bubbles and move the bristles around. Steer clear of chemical detergents and conditioning agents. Use lukewarm water: hot water can melt the glue holding the bristles in. Rinse and repeat until the soap runs clear, then thoroughly rinse the bristles and very gently squeeze excess water out. Lastly, lay your brushes flat or with the handles (never bristles) elevated on a rolled-up towel. A common mistake is to sit the washed brushes upright in a cup to dry, but this will just send the moisture down into the glue which can loosen the bristles over time.

    How often should you clean makeup brushes?

    How often you should clean your brushes depends on the type of makeup you’re using and the frequency of application. A good guide is this:

    • Daily use – sanitise brushes mid-week, wet wash at the end of each week.
    • Occasional use – best to sanitise brushes after each use and wash at least every 2-4 weeks.

    We love to help! If you have any questions about how to care for your makeup brushes message us on social media or send us an email info@naturalsupplyco.com

    This blog post is written by qualified makeup artist and beloved team member, Courtney. You can find Courtney in-store every Thursday and Saturday for any make up tips and suggestions. 

    View our range of Makeup Brushes here

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