Advice Column: Keep It Clean, The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Makeup Tools

Anonymous: How do I properly clean and care for my makeup brushes and tools?

Breakouts, uneven makeup, and wasted money. All of these can result from dirty, unwashed makeup tools. Grimy makeup tools can also cause infections such as pink eye, staph infections, and more. Taking ten minutes out of your day to clean your makeup tools can extend their lifespan and save you from smearing dirty products and bacteria all over your face.

In this article, we’ll show you the easiest ways to clean the most commonly used makeup tools.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Due to the harmful bacteria makeup brushes can carry, it's important to clean these tools every seven to ten days.

1. Rinse: Start by rinsing the tips of your brushes in lukewarm water to remove excess makeup. Only rinse the tip, as rinsing the whole brush can dissolve the glue that connects the brush head to the handle.

2. Cleanse: Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a tablespoon of gentle shampoo or cleanser. Avoid using soap, as it can dry out the bristles and shorten the lifespan of the brush. Swirl each brush tip in the bowl. For a more thorough cleaning, massage each brush tip in the palm of your hand.

3. Rinse Again: Rinse the brush tips under running water. Repeat the process until the water runs clear.

4. Dry: Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean, dry paper towel and lay your brushes flat on a dry towel. Do not dry your brushes upright in a container, as this can cause water to run down the brushes, loosening the glue.

To maintain clean brushes, remember to never share them with others and clean them regularly.

How to Clean Makeup Sponges

Like makeup brushes, you should clean makeup sponges at least once a week.

1. Wet and Lather: Fully saturate the sponge with water until it expands. Add cleanser or shampoo and massage it into the sponge to build up a lather. Avoid using soap, as it can reduce the sponge’s lifespan.

2. Focus on Stains: Concentrate on areas with persistent stains. Once the sponge is clean, gently squeeze it while running it under lukewarm water to release leftover product. The sponge is clean when the water runs clear.

3. Dry: Squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Gently dry the sponge with a clean towel or cloth and set it on a flat surface to dry completely. Do not use a blow dryer, as it may cause the sponge to melt and become deformed.

How to Clean Eyelash Curlers

Although often overlooked, the metal surfaces of your eyelash curler can harbor bacteria that can lead to eye infections. Clean your eyelash curler at least every two weeks.

1. Sanitize: Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and wipe the curler, covering the entire surface, including the handles. Rinse away the alcohol with running water to avoid drying out the rubber strip.

2. Dry and Detail: Dry the eyelash curler with a towel and leave it on a flat surface to air dry. If oil and gunk remain, heat the curler for thirty seconds with a hairdryer to soften the gunk, then wipe it away with a towel.

For general care, remember not to curl your lashes after applying mascara, wipe the curler with water after each use, and replace the rubber pad every few months. Do not share your eyelash curler with others to reduce the risk of eye infections.

In Conclusion

Your makeup tools will only last as long as you properly care for them. Washing your tools weekly and not sharing them with others is essential to extending their life, avoiding infections, and saving money on replacements. By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your makeup tools—and your skin—clean and healthy.

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