Keep Your Makeup Brushes Germ Free & Clean

Dirty brushes over time develop into a bacteria breading ground, especially with built up makeup, skin cells and oils, sitting on the bristles.  If you use your brushes regularly you should deep clean your brushes at least two times a month.  All you need is some water and a soapy substance such as shampoo, a brush cleaner or dish detergent, which I actually prefer.  I like to use Sunlight dish detergent with grease fighting action to help rid my brushes of stubborn water proof and oily makeup.

Pour a small amount of your favourite brush cleaner into the palm of your hand.  I am using Sunlight dish detergent with grease fighting action.  You can find Sunlight at any drug store or super market.

Take your brush and begin to swirl back and forth in the palm of  your hand until it becomes foamy.  If your brush is extremely built up it may not lather on the first try and you may have to wash two or three times before it is thoroughly cleansed.  Another way to help speed up the process is to soak your brushes in soap water for a couple hours before washing.  Only the bristles should be submerged in water, if the funnel is submerged in water you risk the chance of the glue around it loosening and your brush will come apart.

Rinse brush in a downward motion until the water runs clear.  To restore some softness back to your brushes, you can use a light conditioner on them. Make sure to rinse the conditioner out completely before setting to dry.

Using a towel or old T-shirt, fold several times to form a log shape.  Place brushes on your towel or T-shirt with the bristles hanging off the edge.  This will ensure that your brushes keeps it shape while drying.

Lightly cleanse your brushes weekly

To avoid build up of makeup, skin cells, dust and all sorts of grimy things that can cause bacteria.  Lightly cleanse your brushes on a weekly basis.  You can use So Clean brush cleanser, which is a spray on cleanser or 90% rubbing alcohol, transfer into a travel size spray bottle.  Spray your brush with the So Clean or Alcohol and then gently wipe off on a paper towel.  This is also a great way to disinfect and cleanse brushes in-between uses on clients.