You probably have a habit of cleaning your skin daily. Remove makeup, use facial soap, maybe even apply a tonic or scrub. But did you know that your makeup applicators and brushes also need cleaning?
They can accumulate dirt or microorganisms that are deposited on the face and compromise your entire skincare routine , so it is no use just taking care of the skin and neglecting its accessories.
In addition, the brush retains the makeup pigment, so that it contaminates the product and impairs its color, changing (negatively) the final result.
But calm down, we are here to help you solve this problem. The Minute Healthy team gives you some tips on how to keep your brushes flawless so you can rock your make-up and preserve the health of your skin. Bind!
Contents
How to clean makeup brushes?
The first step is to understand the difference between daily cleaning and brush cleaning. As it is not feasible to wash the brush after each use, a quick cleaning of the bristles avoids the excessive accumulation of product.
On a daily basis, use a tissue to remove the residues that get stuck in the bristles after application. This reduces the proliferation of microorganisms and prevents pigments from staining the brush or even your skin in later uses. You can also invest in specific scarves .
In addition to the removal of accumulated products, which must be done every time you use the brush, you must also do a more thorough cleaning. It should be carried out between once a week and once a month, according to its frequency of use and the observed need.
For this, you will need a cleaning agent. Children’s shampoos, which have a gentle formula, are an excellent option. You can also use a neutral detergent or even a specific solution. The important thing is that the product is not aggressive, but has a sanitizing effect.
Having the proper cleaning product, you can follow the step by step to follow to ensure the best result:
- Moisten the brush bristles well, so that they are completely wet. You can dip the brushes in a container of water, instead of wetting them one by one;
- Add the shampoo or product chosen to the container, about a tablespoon to a medium bowl, or apply a drop directly to the bristles of each brush;
- If using the container, use the brushes themselves to dilute the product in water, stirring as if they were spoons, and let it soak for five minutes;
- Then, take a brush and massage your bristles. This movement helps to distribute the product responsible for cleaning and ensures that all bristles are cleaned;
- Then, rinse well until the water comes out transparent, as this indicates that there is no more residue on the brush;
- Repeat the procedure with all the brushes;
- When you have finished rinsing, remove excess water with a towel and leave the brushes to dry in an airy place. Before storing, make sure that they have dried completely – if necessary, change the position so that all the bristles get fresh air.
In addition to cleaning solutions, there are other specific products for cleaning the brushes, such as textured sponges that perform the massage movement and guarantee a deeper cleaning.
Can you wash makeup brushes with detergent?
Power, you can. But the detergent is more aggressive than other products, such as shampoos, and can damage the bristles. So, give preference to neutral and mild detergent, and decrease the proportion that will be diluted with water.
If you notice that your brushes were rough, or had other damages, after using the detergent, dispense it and look for other products for future cleaning.
Can you use baking soda to clean brushes?
Sodium bicarbonate, as well as detergent, can also be used to clean brushes, as long as they are in small quantities. Because it is an abrasive, the ingredient can remove more than just dirt, drying out the bristles.
So, just use a teaspoon for a bowl of water and discontinue use if you notice that the baking soda is damaging the bristles.
When to wash makeup brushes?
The frequency of cleaning the brushes will depend on the routine of use and also on the type of product. Very pigmented or creamy makeups tend to adhere more to the bristles, increasing the need for washing.
Therefore, regularity may vary, but the procedure should be done at least once a month, preferably twice or more. If you are a professional in the field, or are in the habit of lending a brush, make sure they are clean before moving from one person to another.
Sharing them and other makeup products is a gateway to infections, especially without proper hygiene.
When you do the cleaning, choose a day that you have enough time to wash all the brushes, so that none is left out and gets in the way of the schedule – imagine if you get confused and share exactly what has not been cleaned.
We suggest that cleaning is done at night, so they will be dry and ready for use the next day.
How to wash make-up sponges?
Sponges can follow the same procedure as cleaning brushes, but have a shorter shelf life. This means that they must be discarded regularly. So, clean the sponge with the brush, but avoid using them for more than a month.
Constantly evaluate the appearance of your accessories and throw them away in case of contamination or damage, or when you notice that they are damaging the makeup finish even after proper cleaning.
How to properly dry makeup brushes so as not to spoil?
Drying is the final step in the makeup brush cleaning process, so it may seem less important, but don’t be fooled. If they are kept moist, they can accumulate even more fungi and bacteria, which cause skin reactions. So make sure that they dry properly and completely.
First, remove excess water with a towel, gently drying in the direction of the bristles. In addition to preventing the brush from losing its shape, this movement also prevents it from dripping around the house.
Then place your brushes to dry in an airy place, preferably in the sun. Make sure there is space between them, so that air can circulate.
We recommend a place that does not flatten the bristles, such as a table: position the handle on the top close to the edge and let the bristles suspended in the air, so they do not knead and the drying will be complete. If necessary, change the position of the brushes so that they dry evenly.
Avoid leaving them to dry with the bristles up, as water can drain and damage the cable or the glue that holds the tufts.
12 hours is enough for drying, but check each one before storing or using. Depending on weather conditions, more time may be needed and you don’t want your look to be damaged just because the brush is still damp.
So be sure to wash your brushes the day before that important event, prefer to have a safe interval between cleaning and when you need them.
And you, what techniques and products do you use to clean your makeup brushes? Tell us in the comments!
If you have any beauty questions that you would like to be answered, leave your question to the Healthy Minute team to investigate!
