Tuesday 29 October 2013

How I clean my make-up brushes

Now, be honest. When was the last time you cleaned your make-up brushes? If I'm honest, before today it probably was in our previous home, so at least 20 months ago! Argh! And just thinking about all the dirt, germs and oils permeating on the brush bristles - bleugh!

So, I gave them a decent clean. It's so easy. All I needed was a shallow side plate, olive oil, anti-bacterial liquid hand soap, and kitchen paper. And I did it in the kitchen, near the sink for easy tap water access.


Firstly, I grabbed all my makeup brushes and had a good nosey. They were all a bit grim - especially my foundation brush? Yucky!

Grabbing the plate, I added 3 parts soap to 1 part oil. Then I layed down a paper towel next to the plate.


One brush at a time, I dabbed the brush into the middle of the soap and oil mix, then created a lather in the palm of my hand by circling the brush gently. 



Once lathered up, I laid the brush on the paper towel, and continued with the rest of my bushes.

At the end, my side plate looked like this: gross!


Now, with fresh paper towel, and using lukewarm water from the tap, I rinsed the brushes. I made sure the brush faced down so no water seeped inwards towards the handle (this can loosen the glue). Using the circling motion again on the palm of my hand to rinse, I triple checked that the water ran clear before the next step. Finally, I gently squeezed the excess water out and re-shaped the brush, before setting it down to dry naturally on the fresh paper towel.

Ideally, brushes should be upside down to dry, and you can buy special equipment to do this. But I'm a busy mum of two, so the brushes will have to cope with drying on the side!



I left them to dry naturally for a good 24 hours, turning every few hours when it was possible. Done!

17 comments:

  1. I don't have any good brushes for makeup. I just throw them away when the makeup they come with is gone. I like the oil idea for cleaning them. That would for sure kill any parasites trying to hide out in your brushes.

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  2. I haven't cleaned my makeup brushes because I wasn't sure, but I'm going to try your idea. I know that mine are gross and totally need to be cleaned!

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  3. Ive always wondered what the best way to clean makeup brushes is. Thanks for sharing

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  4. oh my goodness! I don't know how long it has been since I did this!!! Thank you so much for the reminder!

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  5. Good to know. I've always just thrown them away and bought new ones. I am not sure why I never thought to clean them before lol.

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  6. I need to do this. I have NEVER cleaned my makeup brushes! I always pitch them and buy new ones and only after they are starting to lose bristles.

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  7. I don't recall ever cleaning my makeup brushes. I can just imagine all the gunk that's on them. I usually throw them away though and buy new ones but this would save me some money.

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  8. This sounds like a great idea, one that I will probably try. I wonder if you could hang some of the smaller ones in the toothbrush holder?

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  9. I can honestly I have NEVER cleaned makeup brushes, don't judge me. I also read your very well laid out post in my best British accent. Great post! Cheers

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  10. This is a great post. I have some really nice and costly makeup brushes and, although I know they are supposed to be cleaned, I never knew how to do it properly. This will help a lot.

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  11. To be honest it has been several months since I cleaned my makeup brushes. I keep forgetting to do it! Thanks for the tutorial.

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  12. Interesting… I usually use all natural dish soap and have never thought of using olive oil. What is your reasoning in including the oil? Does it keep them softer? Thanks for sharing!

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  13. Wow, this is a great tip! I never thought to use oil!

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  14. Why have I not thought about this before? Great tips!

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  15. These are really good tips, especially when I have a mom who loves make up.

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  16. wow thanks for this def trying it out!

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  17. I am so horrible at doing this. Thanks for the advice.

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