Have you ever considered how important it is to clean your make-up brushes? Don't worry, we'll show you how to do it easily and effectively. Because clean brushes are not only better for your skin, but also make your make-up look much nicer. Read on and discover our tips and tricks!
Why you should clean your make-up brushes regularly
Did you know that your make-up brushes can be real dirt magnets? They collect bacteria, sebum and old make-up residues that can irritate your skin and cause impurities. Regular cleaning keeps these culprits at bay and ensures your skin stays radiant.
Proper cleaning also extends the lifespan of your brushes. Clean bristles remain supple and in top shape, which means you'll have to buy new brushes less often. This not only saves money, but also ensures a perfect make-up finish.
But how often should we clean our make-up brushes? That depends on the product used. Those for liquid variants such as foundation or concealer deserve a weekly cleaning. For powder brushes, however, cleaning every two weeks is sufficient.
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Make-up sponges, on the other hand, are a little more demanding. They should be cleaned after each use as they absorb more product and moisture. This prevents bacteria from settling. We will go into more detail about sponges later.
Cleaning make-up brushes with water, soap & co.
Unfortunately, water alone is not enough to thoroughly remove make-up residues and accumulated oils from your brushes. Make-up products are often waterproof or at least long-lasting, so they cannot be removed by simply rinsing. Without a cleaning agent, residues remain that can accumulate over time and stick to the bristles.
This is where special brush cleaners come in: they are precisely tailored to the needs of your tools. Simply apply the agent to the moistened brush, gently massage it in and rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Before you start, pay attention to the material the bristles are made of. Synthetic applicators are robust and can therefore tolerate stronger cleaning agents. Special cleaners or even mild dish soap are good for removing stubborn make-up residues and oil build-up. However, make sure to remove all residues so that the brush is not sticky during the next application.
Natural hair brushes are more sensitive and require gentler cleaning agents. Baby shampoo or special brush cleaners for natural bristles are ideal as they gently clean the surfaces without drying them out. Occasional treatment with conditioner can also help to keep the hair soft and supple.
Step-by-step guide to brush cleaning with our DIY recipe
How about a DIY adventure? Here's a simple recipe for your own make-up brush cleaning solution: Mix one part mild dish soap with three parts (liquid) coconut oil. The former removes dirt and make-up residues, while the latter cares for the bristles.
How to clean your brushes successfully
- Hold your brushes under lukewarm water to moisten the bristles. Make sure the handle stays dry.
- Apply a small amount of your cleaner. Gently massage the bristles in circular motions on your palm or a special brush cleaning mat. Rinse the brush thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Gently squeeze out excess water from the bristles with a clean towel. Reshape the bristles to their original form and lay the brush flat on a towel to dry.
Caution: Avoid upright drying after cleaning your make-up brushes, as water can run into the handle and loosen the glue. Also, avoid using a hairdryer or heater, as heat can make the hairs brittle or also attack the glue.
If, after cleaning, your brush loses a lot of hair or simply won't hold its shape anymore, it might be time to replace it. A little hair loss – especially with a natural product – is completely normal, so you don't need to worry about that.
If, however, it still smells strange despite washing, it's also time for a change. Experts also say that with regular use, for hygienic reasons, you should replace your tools at least once a year. But as always: trust your senses!
Why a cleaning pad can be useful
A brush is not just a brush – they come in all shapes and sizes – from small eyeshadow applicators to large powder brushes. Smaller ones are easier to clean and dry faster, while larger ones require more patience. For large tools, it's best to use a cleaning mat to clean them thoroughly. However, always make sure not to bend or pull the bristles too much to avoid damaging them.
Speaking of mats: These pads are practical aids for cleaning make-up brushes that make washing easier. They are usually made of silicone and have various textures and nubs. These work the cleaner deep into the bristles, removing even stubborn make-up residues and dirt particles. But beware: here too, you should make sure not to bend the hairs too much.
Cleaning make-up sponges – tips and tricks
Make-up sponges, as already mentioned, require a slightly more intensive cleaning, as they absorb more product than brushes. A simple and effective method is to clean them with soap and warm water.
- To do this, wet it slightly and work in a small amount of soap. Caution: Use mild varieties, without re-greasing additives, as these can settle on the surface and change it.
- Gently squeeze the sponge several times to lather it up.
- Then hold it under running water and wash it out until the liquid coming out is clear. This can take a few minutes – be patient. It may also take several rounds.
Do you want to play it safe and really kill all germs? Then the microwave method is a clever way: place the wet sponge in a microwave-safe bowl with water and a little soap. Heat the bowl for about 30 seconds at 900 watts in the appliance. This kills bacteria and dissolves make-up residues. But you still have to rinse it!
Alternatively, you can also boil it. To do this, rinse the sponge briefly, then lather it up in a bowl with cleaner and warm water and then let it soak for about 30 minutes. Then wash it out again with clear water and finally pour hot water over it in the sink. Leave it in for a short time before carefully removing it and wringing it out – caution: do not scald yourself! Then let the tool dry thoroughly.
Is everything clean after cleaning your make-up brushes? Then read on in our blog and find tips on make-up and skincare!
Proper storage after cleaning make-up brushes
Not only regular cleaning, but also good storage is crucial to extend the life of your brushes. After cleaning, the applicators should be completely dry before you put them away. Ideally, store brushes in an open container so that they are well ventilated and no moisture accumulates. Brush storage cases or jars are also a good choice to protect them from dust and dirt.
For make-up sponges: Store them in a dry, well-ventilated place to prevent mold growth. A sponge holder that allows the sponge to hang freely is ideal to ensure it dries completely. Regular cleaning and proper storage will help you get the most out of your make-up tools and keep them in top condition for longer.
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