Not every woman knows the importance of cleaning cosmetic brushes. It has been proven before that irritated and itchy skin is sometimes caused by overused dirty brushes. Cleaning them regularly will remove old makeup, dirt and debris, oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Not only that, it will keep brushes soft.
And now that it’s summertime again, it’s the perfect chance to take out those cosmetic brush bags and clean all the cosmetic brushes that will be needed for the season. Here are some options on what to use when cleaning cosmetic brushes.
Cleaning Options
First option is to use mild shampoo or liquid hand soap. Remember though, do not use shampoo with conditioner. Now wet the brush with tepid to warm water and wash it. Repeat washing until the water coming out is clear. Rinse well afterwards and then brush them off a little on a clean paper towel.  To dry, lay them on a paper towel or a regular towel. At this point, it’ll be good to reshape the brushes to prevent splaying.
Second option is to use facial wash. The same steps using the mild shampoo or liquid soap applies. It’s also good to use brush cleaning sprays, but they do not remove all clumps of dirt. They just sanitize them. Nothing beats a good wash.
The third option is to use a solution of oil-free makeup remover and a little liquid soap or shampoo. After washing, soak the brush in a flat container, but do not soak for more than 5 minutes. Swish the brush every more or less 30 seconds. After soaking, spray a little amount of brush cleanser on the hand and swirl the brush on it. Repeat until all makeup is removed from the brush. Rinse with warm water afterwards. Squeeze excess water and then lay the brush on a paper towel. While still damp, fluff the brush as often as needed. When completely dry, flush the brush again to remove any excess water.
If all these options have failed to remove the dirt and clumps of makeup on the brushes, it is the best time to replace them. Remember it is always good to check those cosmetic brush bags for dirty brushes.
Now the question is how often should brushes be cleaned? Ideally, it should be on a regular basis. For brushes used in applying foundation, blush, finishing powder, and bronzer, clean at least once a week. For eye shadow brushes, clean at least every 2 to 3 days. For eyeliner brushes on the other hand, clean everyday especially if eyeliner sealant is also used.
Additional Tips
For additional tips, please do not apply heat to brushes or boil them to sterilize. Such actions are old-wives tales and could actually ruin the brushes. It is also not good to share brushes with others. It could lead to skin infection and irritation. Lastly, it is also best to add some tea tree oil while washing the brushes. It is a great anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. It is an all-natural substance that has many beneficial effects on the skin.
For ladies suffering from acne, cleaning cosmetic brushes will greatly benefit the skin. It also keeps the brushes in good condition, making them last for years. Now that’s a good investment!
Maggie Penny is now opening her beauty mail order company in Arizona.
