How to & Why: Brush Cleaning

Hi everyone! I hope your weekend is off to a great start. Today's post will be about Brush Cleaning and why it is important & how to do it! 

Why do I clean my brushes? 

My face brushes (ie powder, foundation, bronzer, concealer, etc) get dirty after everyday use. The product can build up in the bristles (you can see it especially if your brush has light bristles) and can start to look gunky. With that said, I clean my brushes so bacteria, oil, dirt, grime and other potential skin issues aren't an issue. I really recommend cleaning your brushes often to those with acne prone skin!

How often do I clean my brushes?

This is more of a personal preference, but I tend to give my face brushes a bath once a week. I have become very conscious of my skin in the last few years and cleaning them really helps my face stay clear. I try to also spot clean my brushes after I use them too. I typically do the spot cleaning method for eye brushes and save the deep cleansing for face brushes. Again, this is a personal choice as it varies for each person.

Washing VS Spot Cleaning...what's the difference?

Spot cleaning - is typically in a spray pump bottle. The user will spray the brush directly or spray a kleenex. Then, the user will rub the brush on the tissue to remove color/build up. I typically prefer to wash my eye brushes using this method. I will use the washing method if I am doing eye makeup on someone other than myself.

Washing - is more of a process that involves water, brush shampoo and time. Washing is a deep cleansing method to rid your brushes of bacteria and makeup build up. I prefer to wash my face brushes using this method.

How do I wash them?

There are 2 main methods for brush washing. As mentioned before, I prefer to deep cleanse my brushes and spot clean my eye brushes. Once I am ready to wash, I will go in the bathroom and let the water warm up. I will then put a small drop of brush shampoo in my palm and then swirl the brush in that. You will see the suds and the makeup/color will start to run down the drain. I make sure all of the shampoo and color is removed from the brush and then I will squeeze excess water out. I will then lay my brush aside to dry...

How do I dry my brushes?

After washing my brushes I like to shape them and lay them on a wash cloth to dry. I will usually wash my brushes around the evening and then leave them overnight to dry. The whole drying process does take awhile, especially if they are dense! Make sure to have enough time to let them fully dry.

Favorite brush shampoos & spot cleansers
I have been using ELF's studio daily brush cleaner (link here) & ELF's studio brush shampoo (link here) for about a year now. They both retail for $3 and you can find them at your local Target or on ELF's website. ELF runs many promotions so you can probably pick up some other goodies and get a great deal. 

e.l.f. Studio Daily Brush Cleaner (left)

An anti-bacterial daily brush cleanser for quick cleaning in-between makeup applications. Disinfects brushes to provide a fresh and clean application every time. Cleaning brushes after each use with the Daily Brush Cleaner helps to keep your brushes last longer for extended use. New and improved leak-proof design for easy travel when you're on-the-go!

e.l.f. Studio Brush Shampoo (right)

An anti-bacterial brush cleanser for thorough cleaning in-between makeup applications. Disinfects brushes to provide a fresh and clean application every time. Washes away traces of dirt, makeup, oil and debris from your brush while conditioning the hair to provide a clean and soft application for every use.

How often do you clean your brushes? What is your favorite brush shampoo/spot cleaner?

Thanks for reading,

Carly