Your makeup brushes may be leaving more than just a flawless finish—they could be transferring toxins too.
Toxins like sweat, oil, bacteria, and makeup residue accumulate in your makeup brushes after every use. If you apply makeup daily, this means you’re regularly exposing your skin to these bacteria, increasing the likelihood of skin imperfections. But don’t worry! According to experts, cleaning makeup brushes at least once a week is sufficient. The best part? You don’t need to buy fancy soaps or advanced technology to clean them! Effective solutions are right under your nose.
Here are some ways to clean your makeup brushes using common household items:
The Classic Acidic Duo
Mixing vinegar and lemon is an effective method for cleaning your makeup brushes. Both have natural cleaning properties, making this combination gentle yet effective in removing makeup residues and oils from brushes without compromising their longevity. To clean your brushes, simply dip and swirl them in a cup containing a mixture of two tablespoons of white vinegar and hot water. Rinse them with lukewarm water, then eliminate any residual sour smell by rubbing the brushes with a lemon.
A Kitchen Soap Opera
If there’s one thing to trust for cleanliness in the kitchen, it’s dish soap. If your dish soap is good enough to wash sticky rice and greasy oil, then it’s good enough to clean your makeup brushes. Start by wetting only the bristles of your brush (do not submerge the whole thing, as the barrel might loosen and cause the bristles to fall out) and adding a little dish soap. Massaging them against a clean dish sponge will remove any makeup residue. Finish by rinsing and air drying.
Bubbly Baby Baths
The shampoo from your childhood is bubbly, mild, and safe, ticking all the boxes for an ideal bath for babies and makeup brushes! Just moisten your brush with lukewarm water, apply a drop of baby shampoo, and gently massage in circular motions to remove makeup residue. Rinse thoroughly and repeat until your brush bristles are clean.
Let the Brushes Live with Olive
Ideal for smaller makeup brushes, olive oil serves not only as a natural cleaner but also as a conditioner. First, dip the brush into a small bowl of olive oil (it’s okay to submerge it, including the barrel; it won’t loosen). Then, there are two ways to apply the olive oil—either massage it onto a sponge or work it through the bristles using your fingers under running water. For a deeper cleanse, you can blend olive oil with shampoo.
Apple-asing Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its versatility. From completing your salad dressings to toning your face, it is a pleasant surprise that it can effectively clean your makeup brushes. Much like the vinegar and lemon method, all you need to do is mix one cup of warm water with a teaspoon of vinegar and swirl the brushes in it. Rinse, then use lemons to rub off any apple cider vinegar scent.
Beyond a flawless makeup application, regular cleaning of your makeup brushes promotes healthier skin. By removing accumulated toxins such as sweat, oil, bacteria, and makeup residue from your brushes, you reduce the risk of damaging your skin. This means that even a DIY investment in regular brush maintenance can make a significant difference in your skincare regimen, ensuring your skin’s health in the long run.
