Brush It Off: The Importance of Cleaning Your Beauty Tools
Hey beautiful friends,
No matter what age group you fall into, we all know the importance of a good skincare routine, but what about the tools we use to apply those amazing products? Our makeup brushes, sponges, and applicators are the workhorses of our beauty routines, but how often do we give them the TLC they deserve?
The Dirty Truth About Dirty Tools:
Believe it or not, dirty beauty tools can harbor bacteria, dead skin cells, and old makeup residue. This can lead to a number of problems, including:
Breakouts: Bacteria on dirty brushes can clog pores and lead to pesky pimples.
Uneven Application: Caked-on makeup on brushes can make it difficult to apply products smoothly and evenly.
Product Waste: Old makeup residue on brushes can absorb new product, making it less effective and leading to wasted products.
Tool Damage: Over time, makeup buildup can damage your brushes and shorten their lifespan.
The Cleaning Cavalry to the Rescue!
The good news is that cleaning your beauty tools is a simple and effective way to maintain healthy skin, ensure flawless application, and extend the life of your brushes. Here's how to do it:
What You'll Need:
Gentle cleanser (baby shampoo or a brush cleanser)
I am going to plug Ecotools again since I love their brushes, I also use their cleaner: https://amzn.to/4aW3MTz
Warm water
Microfiber cloths or towels
If you have a Norwex hookup, find her, their makeup microfiber cloths are wonderful!!
Makeup Cleaning Pad
There are SO many options and I don’t think it matters, I use a silicon pad with various scrubbing bumps like this one: https://amzn.to/3UsaQBy
Optional: Distilled white vinegar (for deep cleaning)
Cleaning Your Brushes:
Wet your brushes with warm water.
Apply a small amount of cleanser to the bristles.
Gently massage the bristles in circular motions to loosen makeup and dirt.
Rinse the bristles thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear.
Reshape the bristles and lay them flat on a clean towel to dry.
DO NOT stand brushes upright, as water can collect in the ferrule and damage the brush. I have seen makeup cleaning pads with slots to hold the brushes upright to dry. I can’t stress enough that you should NOT use those!
Deep Cleaning (Optional):
For a deeper clean, you can soak your brushes in a solution of warm water and a few drops of distilled white vinegar for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry flat as usual.
Cleaning Other Tools:
Beauty Sponges: Cleanse with warm water and soap or a brush cleanser. You can also microwave damp sponges for 30 seconds to kill bacteria.
Eyelash Curler: Gently wipe down the pads with rubbing alcohol or makeup remover.
If you like gross videos just look for one showing what happens when you use an eyelash curler after applying mascara! EEK! It is so important that the curler is clean and dry!
Makeup Applicators: These are typically disposable, but if you prefer to reuse them, clean them with rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant wipe.
Cleaning Frequency:
Brushes used daily: Clean every one to two weeks.
Brushes used less frequently: Clean every two to four weeks.
Beauty Sponges: Clean after each use.
Other Tools: Clean as needed.
By cleaning your beauty tools regularly, you'll ensure healthy, glowing skin, flawless makeup application, and happy, healthy brushes that will last for years to come!
What are your favorite tips for cleaning your beauty tools?
P.S. Remember, a clean makeup routine starts with clean tools!
P.P.S. I am earning commission off links provided in my blog. #ad #commissionsearned
