Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes In 4 Easy Steps

1. Use Warm Water To Wet The Bristles

With the brush pointing downward (so that water doesn’t get into the handle), get the bristles of your makeup brush wet by placing them under warm running water.

Focus only on the tips of the bristles, where the makeup is or has been; try to avoid wetting the entire brush, which is unnecessary and will increase the amount of time the brush takes to dry.

2. Wash The Bristles With Shampoo Or Facial Cleanser

You’re cleaning your makeup brushes to get rid of the impurities you don’t want on your face, so it makes sense to use the same cleanser you use on your face, right?

However, if your brushes are made from genuine animal hair, you definitely want to use shampoo to clean them.

Whichever product you’re using, gently massage it into the tips of the bristles to get them clean. If necessary, add more shampoo or cleanser.

3. Rinse The Bristles Until The Water Runs Clear

When you have massaged the product into the brush bristles thoroughly, rinse them under warm, running water until the water that runs off the bristles is clear.

This process cannot be rushed. If you don’t wait for all the dirt and old makeup to come out, you may not get your brushes as completely clean as you wanted.

4. Brush Bristles Over A Paper Towel, Then Air-Dry Them

To dry and reshape your brushes, first run the bristles over a paper towel, like you’re painting water onto the paper towel. Then, place the brush on its side and allow it to air-dry.