Guide

Reckon you don’t wash your make-up brushes regularly enough?

7.10.2024

Translation: Elicia Payne

Make-up brushes are hotbeds of bacteria that come into contact with our face every day. If you clean them regularly, you won’t have to worry about the consequences. Here you’ll find out how often you should clean them and the best way to do it.

When was the last time your brushes saw the sink? If you have to think about it, it’s been too long, that’s for sure. Feeling caught out? Me too. I’m writing this article as a reminder to myself because the bristles on my brushes are also looking dirty. More specifically, there’s bacteria, make-up residue, sebum, dust and flakes of skin. Pretty disgusting, isn’t it?

Why all the fuss?

Disgust factor aside, it’s worth giving your make-up brushes a regular wash. There are a few good reasons for this. If you use liquid products, the hairs stick together, which leads to an uneven, streaky application. Brushes are also a source of germs. This can cause blemishes, but can also negatively affect the longevity of your make-up if they come into direct contact with the product (such as balm or powder). Your make-up will expire more quickly.

How often should you clean your brushes?

How often you should wash your brushes depends on various factors. I’d clean brushes that you use with liquid or cream products, such as foundation, more often than those that only come into contact with a powder. That’s because the bristles literally soak up the product. Of course, it also depends whether you use your brushes daily or only sporadically. Your skin type also plays a role. Do you have oily, blemish-prone or sensitive skin? Then you should clean your brushes more often.

The usual rule of thumb is once a week. Certainly reasonable. But also unrealistic, if you ask me. That’s why I have a set of replacement brushes, which I swap for my used tools after a week. So I only need to wash them every two weeks. Even if it takes me slightly longer because I have double the amount in the «washing pile».

It’s this simple

Whether it’s real hair or synthetic bristles, I wash all my brushes with a mild baby shampoo under lukewarm running water. To do this, I apply some of the shampoo to the wet brush hair and let it swirl against the palm of my hand until it foams. Then I rinse it thoroughly until the brush looks clean and the water runs off clear. For stubborn stains, you may have to do this a few times. Once the brush is clean, I squeeze the excess water out of the hairs and try to mould the tip of the brush to its original shape. I then lay it on a clean towel to dry.

Baby bodycare

Bübchen Children Shampoo

Another tip on brush cleaning: there are liquid cleaners that you can spray directly on the brush after use to clean and dry them. Brush cleaners like these are practical for professionals working on sets. For example, when the same brush is used for different colours and on different models. If you have the time and motivation to incorporate these cleaners into your daily routine, they can delay the official washing day a little. But, they’re no substitute for washing your brushes thoroughly.

You can do without these

Have you heard about these «washing machines» for brushes? They’re a waste of time and cost you more cleaning time than necessary. Save yourself the electronic waste and just use your hands. I also think nubby silicone mats, which are supposed to help you shampoo the bristle hairs, are superfluous. Holders for putting your brushes in to dry, too.

Make-up accessories

EUR20,96

SANDISK Automatic Makeup Brush Cleaner

Ilu T4B Brush Cleaner Make up Brush Cleaner Silicone Cosmetic Brush Cleaning (Pink)

Make-up accessories

EUR9,90

Ilu T4B Brush Cleaner Make up Brush Cleaner Silicone Cosmetic Brush Cleaning (Pink)

Make-up accessories

essence Brush Cleansing Set 01

Make-up accessories

EUR20,96

SANDISK Automatic Makeup Brush Cleaner

Make-up accessories

EUR9,90

Ilu T4B Brush Cleaner Make up Brush Cleaner Silicone Cosmetic Brush Cleaning (Pink)

Make-up accessories

essence Brush Cleansing Set 01

Header image: Natalie Hemengül

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Natalie Hemengül

Senior Editor

Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.

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Reckon you don’t wash your make-up brushes regularly enough?

Why all the fuss?

How often should you clean your brushes?

It’s this simple

You can do without these

These articles might also interest you

Warning! This beauty tip is not for the faint of heart

Clean make-up sponges in the microwave

Smudge your mascara? How to clean up a little mishap

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It’s this simple

You can do without these

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