When you can't find an active reason for recurring acne, pimples, and breakouts, the chances are that your unclean makeup brushes are wreaking havoc on your skin.
Makeup brushes gather product residue, dirt, and oil — a grand combination for skin problems. Dirty makeup brushes can also give you fungal infections.
Sometimes, cleaning the makeup brushes does not take out all the product residue and germs. Therefore, you need to learn the best way to clean makeup brushes using an ultrasonic cleaner solution with a modern device!
Why Clean Makeup Brushes Matter for Your Skin
Do you remember the last time you gave your makeup brushes a good wash? You probably don't. Dirt, dust, and product residue are an unclean makeup brush's best friend.
And let's not forget about the dead skill cells! That's a cherry on top for bacteria that are going to have a slumber party right on the brushes. Here are some reasons dirty makeup brushes are ruining your skin.
Buildup of Germs
Imagine a bunch of germs living on your makeup brushes. The second you touch the unhygienic brushes to the makeup palette or a makeup product, these germs are going to transfer to that surface. They not only make the products dirty but also transfer bacteria to your skin, which causes acne.
Irritated Skin
We aspire to achieve flawless skin for smooth foundation swatches. Unclean makeup brushes make it impossible to achieve good skin.
The dirt and oils from unclean brushes touch your skin and cause allergic reactions, redness, and inflammation. Dirt can also clog your pores, making things worse.
Acne and Breakouts
Are you looking for ways to treat acne? When we say unclean makeup brushes, the message we're really trying to get across is 'worsened acne.'
The oh-so-dreaded acne is difficult to manage when your skin just won't cooperate. Dirty makeup brushes make acne worse as they transfer bacteria to your skin.
Uneven Makeup Application
We can only ever count a few more frustrating things than an uneven makeup application. Dirty brushes that clog pores, worsen skin texture, and cause bacterial buildup also give you uneven makeup application. The bristles of your makeup brush collect product residue, dirt, and germs.
When you apply newer products, the buildup results in uneven makeup application, which makes it really important for you to wash your makeup brushes frequently.
How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
We use our makeup brushes so frequently, but we don't remember the last time we washed them!
Dermatologists recommend that you wash your makeup brushes every 7 to 10 days. That's almost washing them three to four times per month.
Here's a guide for how often you should wash makeup brushes.
Foundation and Concealer Brushes
Foundation and concealer brushes are the most used makeup brushes we possess. Liquid concealers and foundations gather germs. These brushes require frequent washing as they are the most likely to transfer bacteria to our skin.
If you dread acne and breakouts, you need to wash these brushes at least once a week using the best makeup brush cleaner to make sure it is super clean.
Eyeshadow and Powder Brushes
We use eyeshadow and powder brushes relatively less than we use foundation and concealer brushes.
However, these brushes also accumulate product residue, dirt, oil, and bacteria. To get rid of the acne-causing bacteria, you should clean these brushes at least once every two weeks.
Since eyeshadow is more difficult to wash out from brushes, use an ultrasonic cleaner solution with the best ultrasonic cleaner, such as Sonic Soak.
This device creates microscopic bubbles that effectively dislodge the dirt and product residue from the brush bristles.
Lip Brushes
Imagine transferring bacteria from the makeup brush to your mouth. Gives you the ick, right?
Using unwashed makeup brushes can transfer germs to your mouth. They also contaminate your lip products and spread the bacteria to your skin.
Let's not forget about product buildup. Unwashed lip brushes have lip color residue from different lipsticks. If you're unable to get the right lip color, you need to wash your lip brushes after every use!
The Best Products for Cleaning Makeup Brushes
We need to use the right cleaning products to keep the bristles of the brush intact. Making cleaning agents by mixing ingredients such as baking soda, leaving the brushes soaked overnight, or washing them under running water aren't the best practices.
The stubborn bacteria and product buildup is difficult to get out of the brush bristles. This is why you need to use modern cleaning solutions for maximum hygiene.
Ultrasonic Cleaner
Regular cleaning doesn't have to be a hassle with the best ultrasonic cleaner, Sonic Soak. Sonic Soak is the best makeup brush cleaner because it uses ultrasonic technology to clean the brushes efficiently.
This portable ultrasonic cleaner generates high-frequency ultrasonic waves through the water, which produces microscopic cavitation bubbles. These bubbles implode, dislodging dirt, oil, bacteria, and makeup residue from the bristles.
You don't have to worry about the product residue stuck within the bristles anymore because the cavitation process is the best way to clean makeup brushes.
Forget about vigorous scrubbing, overnight soaking, and using chemicals to get clean brushes. All you need is an ultrasonic cleaner solution, and Sonic Soak will get the job done in no time!
Silicon Brush Cleaner
A multi-textured Silicone Brush Cleaner is another excellent tool for cleaning makeup brushes. This makeup mat cleans a range of makeup brushes. The texture on the mat makes it easy to rub the makeup brushes on the surface.
The pattern on the mat helps take out dirt and product from the brushes. You can wash the mat after washing your brushes. These mats also have a suction cup that provides a strong grip.
You can place the mat on a flat surface and pour a cleaning solution on the mat before moving the brushes across the textured surface before rising.
Automatic Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner
The best makeup cleaner should be easy to use. An automatic electric makeup brush cleaner is a good tool to keep your brushes clean. It uses water and a cleaning solution. You can also use soap to clean makeup residue.
The cleaner can wash more than one brush at a time. The device cleans and removes the dirt from the deepest parts of the brush. Since it's a plug-in device, the cleaning process is much easier than other methods.
Step-By-Step Guide to Properly Clean Makeup Brushes
If you do not wash the makeup brushes properly, frequent washing is pointless. You need to make sure that the brushes don't have any product residue within the bristles once you've cleaned them. Let's look into this step-by-step guide for the best way to clean makeup brushes.
Step 1: Get Cleaning Supplies
You need three cleaning supplies to make your makeup brushes as good as new. Water, a makeup brush cleaner, and a cleaning solution are the three things you need to remove dirt from the brushes.
If you want thorough cleaning, use an ultrasonic cleaning solution and a portable ultrasonic cleaner device.
Step 2: Rinse the Brushes Under Water
Keep the brushes under running water. Hold the bristles downwards to keep the water from getting into the ferrule.
Do not soak your makeup brushes in water as the water gets into the ferrule. When the glue comes off, the bristles start shedding.
Step 3: Use a Cleaning Solution or Soap
Use a few drops of a makeup cleaning solution or soap on the bristles. Then, hold the brushes firmly before rubbing the bristles against your hand or a textured silicone pad to remove product buildup.
Step 4: Wash the Brushes underwater
Hold each brush by the brush handle to rinse the bristles under running tap water to clean the solution. Once you rinse off the cleaning agent, you have to dry the brushes.
Step 5: Air Dry the Brushes
After rinsing properly, dry the brushes by using a towel or tissue paper. You should also use your fingers to reshape the bristles. Keep the brushes on a flat surface to let them air dry.
Step-By-Step Guide for Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner to Clean Makeup Brushes
The best way to clean makeup brushes is by using an ultrasonic cleaner. While this technique seems too advanced, you'd be glad to know that it's hassle-free.
Here are the steps to using an ultrasonic cleaner.
Step 1: Add Cleaning Solution to the water
Fill up the container with water and add an ultrasonic cleaner solution to it. Then, dip your makeup brushes in the container.
Step 2: Insert the Device
Put the ultrasonic cleaner into the water before turning on the device. The cleaner produces ultrasonic waves that make cavitation bubbles.
These imploding bubbles remove dirt, oil, and product residue. The cavitation process is quite powerful. It removes all the debris and dirt from the bristles.
You don't even have to scrub the bristles!
Step 3: Air Dry
Take out the ultrasonic cleaner from the container. Rinse the brushes under clean running water. Air dry them.
Quick Cleaning Methods for Busy Schedules
Haven't had the time to clean your makeup brushes? Worry not.
Some quick cleaning methods won't have you clearing up your schedule to make time to give your brushes a quick bath.
Here's how to keep your brushes germ-free no matter how busy you are!
Brush Cleaning Sprays
While a cleaning spray isn't the best way to clean makeup brushes, it is quite quick and efficient. When you don't find time for deep cleaning, certain products, such as a brush cleanser, are going to be a savior!
All you have to do is spray the cleaner on the bristles directly and wipe the brushes against clean tissue paper. You can also use a paper towel to get the makeup residue out.
Such sprays work well for quick cleaning, so you can also use this hack between uses. For example, if you're using two different shades of concealers, a quick spritz would get the product residue out without having to change the brushes between uses.
Micellar Water
Micellar water is a quick hack for cleaning makeup brushes. This product is excellent for breaking down makeup, oil, and dirt. That is precisely why it works great for cleaning brushes.
Makeup brushes contain a lot of bacteria and residue. Through a spray of micellar water, you not only remove the product buildup but also kill the bacteria. No rinsing, no hassle!
Simply dip your makeup brushes into the micellar water and wipe them clean with a tissue before drying thoroughly.
While the micellar water cleaning method won't work for deep cleaning as it isn't the best makeup brush cleaner, it does some part of the job for those with a busy schedule.
Portable Ultrasonic Cleaner
A portable ultrasonic cleaner is a clear winner when it comes to the quickest makeup cleaning methods.
Ultrasonic devices are extremely efficient and quick in removing dirt, grime, bacteria, and product buildup from the deepest crevices of your brush. Therefore, it's not only the quickest but also the best way to clean makeup brushes. Plus, it's a one-time purchase that pays way more than it's worth!
How to Safely Dry Your Makeup Brushes?
Let's not forget about the drying part because once you're done washing the brushes, you need to thoroughly dry them.
If your brushes don't dry well, the moisture in the ferrule loosens the glue. This makes the bristles fall out—and you most definitely don't want that to happen!
Damp brushes are also a home for bacteria and mold, so let's not bring ourselves to face the horror of an outcome called breakouts and acne.
Here are some tips for safely drying your makeup brushes.
Tip One | Shape Up the Bristles
When the bristles are wet, they lose their shape, and you want your makeup brushes to have their original shape, so you need to reshape them right before you leave them to dry.
After washing the makeup brushes, you should reshape the bristles to restore their original shape and form. When the bristles come in contact with water, they lose their original shape, which reshapes them.
If you think this isn't a big deal, here's what you need to know. Deformed brushes mess up your flawless makeup as you can't apply the products properly. You can use your fingers to put the bristles back in shape before they dry.
Tip Two | Place the Brushes on a Flat Surface
When you're drying your makeup brushes, you should never keep them in an upright position. Instead, place them on a flat surface to dry them. If you don't keep them flat, the water from the bristles goes into the holder and affects the glue holding the bristles together.
Tip Three | Air Dry the Brushes
Thinking of using your hairdryer for the brushes? Probably not the best idea. Hairdryers' heat damages the bristles, and they break easily. Allow your makeup brushes to airdry to save them from unnecessary damage from the hairdryer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Brushes
If you think washing your makeup brushes is going to damage them, you're not alone. Spending a fortune on expensive skincare, cosmetic, and makeup accessories only to damage them doesn't sound like a good idea.
This probably is also the reason why most of us don't wash our brushes as frequently as we should. However, if we avoid some common cleaning mistakes, we can keep our makeup brushes in top shape and condition.
The next time you have to wash your brushes, think about the proper cleaning methods through the best makeup brush cleaner and focus on avoiding these mistakes.
Soaking the Brushes
The number one mistake on our list is soaking the brushes. Many people think soaking their brushes in water is the best way to get the product buildup, grime, and dirt out of bristles.
However, soaking your makeup brushes in the water loosens the bristles. The glue comes out, and the bristles become loose, ruining the brushes.
Instead, when you clean your makeup brushes, always point them downward and avoid getting any water on the brush's handle.
Using Alcohol-Based Cleaners
We focus on the cleaning aspect of alcohol cleaners, completely forgetting that they can dry out the bristles and damage them.
The strong chemicals present in an alcohol cleaner make the bristles weak.
The best makeup brush cleaner is usually gentle on the bristles and only removes dirt and makeup residue without damaging the texture of the bristles.
Rushing the Process
We are often impatient when it comes to drying the brushes or rinsing them. When you wash the brushes, always remember that you're aiming to get the product buildup and bacteria out of the bristles.
If you keep washing your brushes frequently but rush the process, you're going to leave the residue behind.
This makes the entire cleaning process purposeless. Therefore, you should think about all the bacteria sitting deep within the bristles, allow the cleaning agents to do their job, and wait for the brushes to dry out properly before use.
Not Cleaning Enough
The best way to clean makeup brushes is by using a portable ultrasonic cleaner because it cleans the brushes thoroughly.
Our primary aim is to achieve clean brushes. If the dirt and product buildup remains in the bristles, we aren't doing a very good job. Not cleaning properly only puts the effort into waste.
Applying Too Much Pressure
Trying to get maximum product buildup out of your brushes? Well, scrubbing and rubbing the bristles isn't a great idea.
This isn't going to remove the product, but it will definitely damage the bristles. They may fray and break. The best way to clean makeup brushes is by gently swirling the bristles after applying a cleaner.
Tips for Storing Makeup Brushes to Prevent Germ Buildup
Leaving your makeup brushes in a lid-less holder isn't the best idea. When you store the brushes, the dirt and germs from the surrounding area come into contact with your brushes.
Here are some of the best tips for storing makeup brushes to avoid germ buildup.
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Use a Separate Brush Bag: Whether you're traveling or staying at home, always keep the brushes in a separate brush bag with a zipper. This prevents the germs and dust from coming in contact with the brushes.
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Keep Brushes Away from Bathrooms: Most of us happen to use our bathroom mirrors when we do our makeup. However, once you're done, you need to keep the brushes stored in your room. The brushes in your bathroom come in contact with air-borne bacteria. They are also exposed to more humidity.
- Regularly Wipe Storage Containers: Always wipe the brush holder or container to keep it dust and germ-free.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Makeup Brushes
If your best cleaning practices aren't bringing you the outcome you want, it's finally time to bid goodbye to your old makeup brushes. Here's how to know it's time to buy new brushes!
Shedding Bristles
When your makeup brushes no longer want to hold onto the bristles, you shouldn't hold onto them either. They are way past their prime if the bristles start shedding.
Frayed Bristles
Frayed bristles loosen the shape and become deformed. This is another sign to let go of your old makeup brushes, as cleaning them is only going to make things worse.
The poor condition of the bristles also affects makeup application. Before you start struggling to apply makeup, purchase new brushes.
Unpleasant Smell
If you use the best methods of cleaning the makeup brushes, yet they smell bad, you should discard them.
The bacteria or fungal buildup in the brushes usually creates the smell. If the very best cleaning practices cannot fix this, they are beyond the point of fixing.
Wrap Up
Now that you know the best way to clean makeup brushes is through a portable ultrasonic cleaner, what are you waiting for? Ultrasonic cleaners aren't only quick but also get the job done pretty nicely.
They will make your brushes as good as new. You can mix and match the cleaning tips to get rid of germs, product buildup, oils, dirt, and grime.
Say goodbye to acne and breakouts, and protect your skin by keeping your makeup tools as clean as new!
