Cleaning your makeup tools is a boring but important chore we all must complete regularly. Many dermatologists advise that brushes and sponges should be cleaned once a week to keep them free of germs, dirt and oil. While this might feel like a lot, it’s the best practice to keep from spreading bacteria and the like across your face repeatedly.
In order to thoroughly clean your makeup brushes, you need to use an effective cleanser. This might be a shampoo-like product, a spray that you can use when you’re on the go or a silicone textured mat that can help disrupt the makeup built up in the brush. If you’re simply using a liquid cleansing product, the easiest way to clean your brush is to squirt a bit of the cleanser into your palm, wet the brush and move it around in your palm until clean.
When you’re done, rinse the brush and squeeze out the residual moisture from the bristles, then form the brush head into its original shape and lay on a towel to dry. It’s recommended that you prop your makeup brushes up a little, with bristles at the bottom while drying to prevent any excess water from damaging the bristles.
If you’re after a new makeup brush and sponge cleanser, look no further than these five cleaners, which all cater to different needs. Happy brush washing!
Sephora
Sephora Collection Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner
If you’re in a pinch and your brushes need cleaning, the Sephora Collection Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner ($12) is a great no-rinse option. Simply spray onto a tissue or cotton pad and sweep your makeup brush back and forth to remove residue and then you’re good to use it — no need to rinse or wash it.
Adore Beauty
elf Brush Shampoo
Wash away makeup, dirt and oil from your brushes and sponges with the elf Brush Shampoo ($11). This cleanser also works to condition brush bristles and removes impurities from your beauty tools. Massage a small amount of the shampoo with water and work it through the brush bristles or sponge and leave to air dry.
M·A·C Cosmetics
M·A·C Cosmetics Brush Cleanser
The M·A·C Cosmetics Brush Cleanser ($28) cleans, disinfects and conditions brush fibres so they will last longer. This cleanser also leaves the brushes smelling clean and shortens their drying time. Apply the cleanser to the brush and run it along a towel or your palm until the makeup is gone.
Sephora
Fenty Beauty Dry Brush Cleaning Sponge
Another great option for time poor people is the Fenty Beauty Dry Brush Cleaning Sponge ($29). This one comes in handy when switching between powder products like eyeshadow as it removes powder pigment from brush bristles without the use of soap or water. Gently buff the brush against the sponge in a circular motion to remove the powder pigment and you’re ready to use the brush again.
Sephora
Sigma Beauty Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat
The Sigma Beauty Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat ($47) is the perfect accompaniment to a brush washing session. Suction the mat to the sink, lather with cleanser and run the brushes against the textured surface to help remove any built up makeup, dirt and oil.
