If there is one task I dread more than removing my makeup every night, it’s that of cleaning my makeup brushes. It’s a laborious undertaking that I try to escape and put off as much as I can, until evading such process is no longer an option. With so much innovation at our fingertips, why haven’t self-cleaning makeup tools been invented yet? I really can’t think of anything exciting about the daunting task and the only pep talk I can give myself is that unwashed brushes are a haven for icky bacteria and can lead to unwanted breakouts and skin irritation (and no thank you, I do not want that!).
The Cleaning Process
There are two ways to clean your brushes: spot cleaning and deep cleaning. Spot cleaning is a rinse-free, quick drying process where only the visible spots on the brush are cleaned. It’s a surface clean. This works great if you’re doing your makeup and want to use the same brush to apply very different colors. You spray a little bit of a cleanser on a napkin and wipe your brush on it. It dries very quickly and you can use it again really quickly. I personally never spot clean my brushes, as I typically use a lot of similar colors. I prefer to deep clean my brushes. Deep cleaning means shampooing your brushes or in other words, giving them a good wash to remove the buildup makeup residue and eliminate bacteria that has accumulated over multiple uses.
Over the years I’ve realized that the whole deep cleaning process is less dreadful if done during the week. So I don’t clean my brushes over the weekend. I try to leave the weekends for rest and relaxation as much as possible, thus any tasks that can be accomplished during the week, I make sure I do them during that time.
I like to make my own cleaning solution by combining water, baby shampoo and tea tree oil. Read more about this simple recipe, why it works and how to here. Collect your makeup brushes and one at a time, swirl each brush in the solution, remove it and swirl it in the palm of your hand. This adds some friction to the cleaning process and removes any deep down impurities. Rinse the bristles and repeat the process until the brush is completely clean. Reshape the brush and lay it on a towel to air dry. Depending on how many brushes you have to clean and how dirty they are, you might need to remix some new solution. Always rinse your brushes with the water streaming down and lay the brushes flat to dry. These aspects are important, as you do not want to get water up the brush and in between the metal part and the wooden handle, which can cause the glue to come loose and the handle to detach from the brush.
How Often
I have a few brushes that perform the same task, even a few doubles of the same brush, and I like to rotate them throughout the week. I would like to think I deep clean my brushes every two weeks, but it’s easy to forget so let’s just say, do it when you remember but definitely at least once a month.
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I always bought the MAC cleanser and assumed it’s what I was supposed to use. It is expensive and I go thru it pretty quickly. I will try the cleansing solution you’re using. It does make sense to use a gentle shampoo and tee tree oil to clean the brushes. This was a very informative post.
Thank you! I’ve used the MAC cleanser in the past, but in my opinion using a gentle shampoo works just as better. Plus I like using Tea Tree Oil as a disinfectant. If you do end up trying it, I hope you like it as much as I do. ~ Cat L.
I was using dish soap per the recommendation of an Ulta employee. But using a mild shampoo per your recommendation makes a lot more sense. Will definitely try it out!
I’ve heard about using dish soap but I’ve never tried it. Let me know how you like using the baby shampoo! ~ Cat L.
Have you heard of the lilumia? Its a brush washer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_rY8lQYfHc
On my wish list as well. 🙂
No I actually haven’t, but it sounds right up my alley. Thank you for sharing, will definitely check it out! ~ Cat L.
I often clean my brushes once a week due to my sensitive oily skin, but then again I only have one liquid foundation brush which maybe the reason why . I’ve often used dawn dish detergent with two caps full of apple cider vinegar, but I’m definitely trying your concoction , never thought of using baby shampoo or tea tree oil . I want my brushes to last as long as possible ! Thanks Cat !
Yes, I have heard recommendations of cleaning makeup brushes once a week for extremely sensitive, blemish prone skin. You might also want to spot clean them once a week and deep clean the following week. I have also heard recommendations of using dish detergent, but the way I see it is, if I wouldn’t use that particular cleanser on my face, than I wouldn’t use it on my makeup brushes which go on my face. The baby shampoo is gentle yet effective. Do try it and let me know your thoughts! ~ Cat L.
I never thought about it that way , but it do make a lot of sense . Will do Cat ! Thanks
Thank you, I never tried Tea Tree Oil I’ll definitely order some so I can use it next time I wash my brushes. I’m OCD when it comes to my brushes so I always make sure it’s very clean after I wash them.
Pharmacies, some healthy food stores (such as WholeFoods) and of course, Amazon, all carry Tea Tree Oil. It is a natural anti-bacterial and it works wonders when used to clean makeup brushes. Do let me know how you like it if you end up trying it! ~ Cat L.
Great post and I really like the ‘recipe’ and that you use tea tree oil to disinfect the brushes. Such a good idea. I normally only use baby shampoo to clean them and it really leaves the brushes soft and clean.
I actually enjoy cleaning my brushes. It seems I am the only one?
Thank you! Definitely try adding the tea tree oil. It smells a little strong, but it works wonders disinfecting the brushes. I dread the process but once I start, I find it very therapeutic! 🙂 ~ Cat L.