There are a lot of tutorials out there on how to put on makeup, but far fewer on how to maintain your makeup brushes. This is why so many women end up constantly buying a new powder brush every few months because they get to the point of being unusable after a while.
When you clean and maintain your brushes, you will get a lot more life out of them and they will work much more effectively. Of course, there will be a time when your brush is not ever going to work like new after it's been cleaned. But, this should take years and not months to happen. In this article, we will go over how to extend the life of your brushes by taking good care of them.
1 – Clean your brush every two weeks
A general rule of thumb is to clean your brush every two weeks. This does depend on a few factors, however. You may actually need to clean it once a week. If you tend to use heavier products like creams, then you will have to clean more often. The same goes for if you have oily skin. Your brushes are more likely to get gunked up and won't work as well if they aren't being cleaned as regularly as they need to be.
You'll also know when it is time to clean your brushes if they started working poorly due to build-up. Also, if they tend to smell musty then this is a sign they need to be cleaned.
Sponges, on the other hand, should be cleaned thoroughly after each use. Wash it thoroughly with water after it is used and then wring out as much water as possible. Then put it somewhere it can dry quickly.
2 – Use a cleaning product
There are many products that have been formulated to clean makeup brushes and sponges so they are a logical choice when it comes time to give them a deep clean. The biggest benefit is that they work quickly and then dry quickly so you can use them again without having to wait long for them to dry.
There are many that are formulated to not require any water to be used. Look for products that have moisturizing benefits so they can help preserve the bristles and keep them lasting longer.
3 – Make your own cleanser
A DIY cleanser made with dish soap and olive oil is a great way to clean your brushes. The olive oil will break down any residue from the bristles and the soap will help dissolve the sweat and sebum that has accumulated on them. Use them in a one-to-one ratio and make some up ahead of time.
The best part about this DIY solution is how low the cost is. For pennies, you can clean your brushes effectively.
Once your brushes start to get frayed and the bristles are coarse then no amount of cleaning will help them. It is time to get rid of them and get some new ones.