Easy Guide to Clean Makeup Brushes Fast
You have to clean your brushes! I know you hate it, I hate it too, but you gotta! They’re covered in product, and they get filled with bacteria and oil. I’ve been there, and it can be frustrating. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. These are the easiest and fastest way to clean your makeup brushes, so you can get back to slaying your makeup in no time.
This site contains affiliate links. View the disclosure for more information.
Keeping your makeup brushes clean, and doing it the right way is SO important. Cleaning your brushes is go to keep their quality but also for prevent breakouts. I usually dread cleaning my makeup brushes, because it takes so long… BUT I have been on my A -GAME lately now that I’ve learned some quick ways to get it done.
Ready to learn how to clean your makeup brushes like a pro?
The Best Way to Clean Makeup Brushes
When it comes to cleaning your makeup brushes, finding the best method that works for you is key. There are a lot of different methods and product options out there for cleaning your makeup brushes. These are the most effective ways and products I’ve found for cleaning brushes.
The Best DIY Brush Cleaner
DIY make up brush cleaners are of course going to be the most cost-effective option, and it’s actually really easy to do! All you need to make your own DIY makeup brush cleaner is dish soap, olive oil, and water.
“Mix a teaspoon of gentle dish soap with a tablespoon of olive oil and two cups of warm water. Swirl your brushes in the solution and rinse them thoroughly. Gently squeeze out any excess water and reshape the bristles. Lay them flat to dry.”
This method works. I’ve been cleaning my brushes this way for years. I really like this method for smaller brushes, like eyeshadow and concealer brushes. It will effectively cleans your brushes and the olive oil conditions the bristles, keeping them super soft. Plus, you have control over the ingredients, which is nice especially if you have sensitive skin.
The Best Store-Bought Brush Cleaner
If you prefer convenience and, I feel you! There are of course, tons of makeup brush cleaners out there, BUT this one from It Cosmetics is my absolute, hands- down favorite! This is going to get all of that built up foundation, right out of your brushes. There is nothing worse than having to squeeze the brush out 30 times before the water starts to run clear. This prevents all of that! It’s going to clean your brushes so fast.
Pros of Store-Bought Brush Cleaners | Cons of Store-Bought Brush Cleaners |
---|---|
|
|
The Best Daily Cleaning Method
The best way to avoid spending an hour a week at the sink cleaning your makeup brushes, is to give them a quick clean after you use them. This spray from Felix Professional is THE BESST! When you’re doing your makeup, and you have a few extra minutes (What’s that? lol) just give your brushes a quick little clean! This is going to save you SO much time!
Just grab a little wash cloth rag- Maybe dedicate one specifically for your brushes. All your going to do is take the cleaner and just spray, spray spray, and give it a quick swirl on the wash cloth. Makeup comes right off! Like, instantly. It also dries in seconds so there’s no waiting.
The Best Weekly Cleaning Method
First off, you need a makeup cleaning glove. I promise you, your hands will thank you! No more little raisin fingers in the sink lol. If you don’t have one, get one! This is the one that I have been using for years, and it cuts my time at the sink literally in half.
The best weekly makeup cleaner I have found is this one. It removes all of the build up, sanitizes, and keeps my all my brushes super soft.
Quick & Natural DIY Makeup Brush Cleaners
Here are a few other simple and effective cleaners to try:
The Baby Shampoo and Olive Oil Recipe
This DIY makeup brush cleaner is another go to, that I have been doing for years. It’s effective, and affordable.
- Ingredients:
- – 1 tablespoon of Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo
- – 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Mix the baby shampoo and olive oil in a small bowl. Wet your makeup brushes with lukewarm water and dip them in. Gently swirl the brushes in the palm of your hand until it starts to lather. Rinse the brushes pointing the brushes downward. You want the water to run down off the brush, and not directly into the brush. Once the water runs clear, squeeze out any excess water and reshape the bristles. Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel to dry.
The Hydrogen Peroxide and Essential Oils Recipe
This is another really good DIY makeup brush cleaner because it will help with disinfecting, because of the hydrogen peroxide. I still like to mix in a tiny amount of dawn dish soap, or baby shampoo to get a good lather. You can add whatever essential oil you like. If I’m having breakouts, or redness I like to add Tea Tree oil. This option is really effective, and great if you have acne prone or sensitive skin, but it does take a little longer.
- Ingredients:
- – 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide
- – 10 drops of your favorite essential oil
- – 1 TBS Dish Soap or Baby Shampoo
Pour the hydrogen peroxide, and soap into a bowl and add the essential oil drops. Swirl the brushes in the mixture.. Let the brushes sit in the mixture for about 10 minutes so the hydrogen peroxide can do it’s job. Run the brushes under warm water, and squeeze out all of the excess water. Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel to dry.
At home makeup brush cleaners are effective and super affordable, especially since you probably already have all the ingredients at home!
Washing Machine vs. Hand Washing: Which is Better?
When it comes to cleaning your makeup brushes, you have two options: either using a washing machine or hand washing. They both have their own advantages. These are the pros and cons I’ve found, to help you decide what will work best for you.
Washing Machine
I know they sell little table-top washing machines dedicated to cleaning brushes, but I find them to a little bit of a waste of time, and I’ve honestly never had any luck. If you have one that you love… please tell me what it is so I can try it!
I am talking about, using an actual washing machine to clean your makeup brushes! Yes, I have tried it and it works. This is obviously the more convenient and time-saving option. You just toss your brushes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them. What you want to consider:
- Effective: Using a Washing machines can clean a bunch of brushes at once, which is going to save you a ton of time.
- Use the gentle cycle on your washing machine so don’t damage your brushes.
- Deep Cleaning: The washing machine can help get rid of stubborn product buildup and bacteria.
However, you definitely want to consider these:
- Brush Damage: The tumbling motion of the washing machine can cause the bristles to become misshapen or fall out. If your investing a lot of money on brushes, I would definitely not do this.
- Sensitivity: Some brushes, especially ones that are made with natural hair, might not hold up well to machine washing.
- Detergent Residue: If your washing machine is not properly rinsed, detergent residue can stick to the brushes and cause skin irritation.
Hand Washing
Hand washing your makeup brushes is in my opinion the tried and true method, even if it takes a little longer:
- Control: With hand washing, you have complete control over the pressure and motion that you apply to your brushes.
- Preservation: Hand washing is generally gentler on the bristles, so your brushes will keep their shape and longevity.
- Thorough Cleaning: You can really get in there and remove product buildup by massaging and rinsing each brush.
However, hand washing does have its own disadvantages:
- Time-consuming: Hand washing individual brushes is time-consuming, especially if you have a large collection.
- Drying Time: When you hand wash, the drying time for your brushes is a lot longer. Usually over night.
Ultimately, the choice between washing machines and hand washing depends on your personal preference and the specific makeup brushes you own. Consider the material, quality, and how many brushes you have when making your decision. Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to clean your brushes regularly!
Key Takeaways:
- Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes is essential for maintaining their quality.
- Clean brushes prevents the buildup of bacteria that can cause breakouts.
- Having clean brushes gives you a smooth and flawless makeup application.
- Clean your brushes in between uses when you have the time
- Dedicate some time each week to thoroughly deep clean and sanitize your brushes.
Cleaning your makeup brushes is SO important, I know we all hate to do it, but it’s the only way to maintain their quality and prevent the buildup of bacteria. Dirty brushes harbor bacteria, and old makeup. By regularly cleaning your brushes, you minimize the risk of clogged pores and you will get SUCH a better, and smoother application.
Remember to choose the right brush cleaner! Whether it’s a DIY cleaner like dawn, olive oil, and hydrogen peroxide, or a store-bought makeup brush cleaner, make sure it’s effective in removing product buildup and disinfecting your brushes. I know it’s hard but, try to stay consistent with your brush cleaning routine! Your skin will thank you!