How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Knowing how to clean makeup brushes is key to perfect cosmetic application. Clean brushes ensure that best possible application, which means you present your best you to the world. When a makeup brush is used, makeup sticks to each bristle. Not only that, but dirt, oil and dead skin cells build up on every inch of the instrument.

You can clean your makeup brushes with just a small drop of soap and some warm water. Begin by rinsing the brushes out with warm water. Hot water might damage the bristles and cold isn't as effective, so always make sure to use warm.

Never apply soap directly to your brush. The undiluted soap will leave a residue on the brush bristles. This residue is a magnet for dirt and oil, and once your brushes dry, they'll quickly become dirty again.

Mix a drop of mild soap into a container of warm water. Mix the soap into the water well, but try to keep the bubbles to a minimum. Dunk the bristles of your makeup brushes into the soapy water and swirl them around.

Depending on how dirty your brushes are, you may want to let them soak for a minute. Never soak brushes for too long though, as you'll make the bristles fall out more easily. Avoid getting the handle of the brush wet, especially the area where bristles are glued to the base.

Remove the brushes from the soapy water and rinse each one individually in warm water. Once you think the soap is rinsed, stop and gently squeeze the excess water from the brush. Then turn the water back on and rinse the brush again. You need to get every last bit of soap and dirt out of the brushes, so make sure to rinse them well.

Once your brushes are beyond clean, gently squeeze the excess water out. Shake them downwards to fluff out the bristles of the brush again. Gently slide your fingers over the bristles to restore their proper shape. Brush shape depends on the specific brush type, since styles can be oval, round, fanned, fluffy or sleek.

Lay the wet brushes on a lint-free surface, such as a linen towel. Let them dry for a half the day on one side, then turn them over and allow them to dry for half a day on the opposite side. Standing the brushes up while they dry will bend and weaken the bristles, eventually ruining the brush.