Cleaning makeup brushes is a necessity. Each time you use a makeup brush, it picks up both makeup and any natural oils on your face, as well as any other products that are on your face. Then there is the dust in the air that just lands on a resting brush. Bacteria can make a home in dirty makeup brushes, so this buildup must be removed on a regular basis. Here's how to do it.
STEP 1: Soak the brushes in a container large enough for them to lay down, in a solution of OIL FREE make up remover (20%), purpose (or similar soap free facial cleanser) (20%) and water (60%) for 2 minutes. Swish the brushes around every 30 seconds or so. You will see the make up being lifted from the brushes. Do not soak more than 5 minutes!
STEP 2: Put a small amount of cleanser in your hand, with a little water, and swirl the brush around gently. repeat this step until no large amounts of make up are coming out into the water. Rinse with warm water
STEP 3: After you follow the above step for each brush, squeeze excess water and lie on layered paper towel.
STEP 4: Re-fluff the brushes as much as possible while wet, and stand them up to dry (not up and down, just with the brush head slightly lifted.
STEP 5: When completely dry, re-fluff and your brushes are ready to use. this is the gentlest way to clean them and should give your brushes a long life.
OR ELSE, GRAB YOUR BRUSH CLEANER! You don't want to spend a lot of money buying high quality makeup brushes if you are not going to be able to look after them by keeping them clean and conditioned. Foundation, eyeshadow and lip brushes should be cleansed after each use to stop bacteria spreading and therefore keep your skin clear; whilst other types of brushes such as powder and blusher can be cleansed once a week. Most brands that sell brushes also have a brush cleanser, including
Clinique.
