How I Clean My Makeup Brushes

I try to keep my makeup brushes as clean as possible because it is something that goes on my face so I want to take preemptive measures and not cause any problems with my skin. However, I don't really use any cleaning sprays between washes so to make up for it I try and wash my brushes more frequently.

You will need - 

Lukewarm water

Gentle soap 

Dirty brushes

Washboard or other surface to scrub brushes against

Process - 

Lukewarm water is best for dissolving any dirt or product residue from the brushes. If you are using your tap then let the hot water run for a little bit and then turn on the cold water until it is the right temperature. 

Wet the bristles of the brush under the lukewarm water until they are damp. Angle the brush so that it points downward, you don't want the water to run up the brush and cause any damage.

I usually use Johnson's Baby Soap for cleaning my brushes because it is gentle enough to get the job done without causing any harm to the bristles. Today, I used my Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner mainly because I'm trying to use it all up so I can get something new. Since it is a conditioner, I am hoping it will leave the bristles with a nice, soft texture afterwards.

I poured some of the conditioner on to the palm of my hand and swirled the damp brush in it, using it as a washboard for scrubbing the bristles gently. I usually swirl it around in the shampoo until it lathers and you will see the product come off on to your hand. I then rinse off the brush until there is no more soap residue left on the brush. It is important to be thorough in getting off the soap from the brush because left over shampoo can damage the brush. I usually separate the bristles and really get the water in there when rinsing.

Then I lay it flat on a towel to dry. I leave it overnight and the brush is all clean in the morning. 

I try to clean the bigger brushes first because they take up more time and I have more patience in the beginning. Towards the end when I get to the smaller brushes I clean two at a time. Brushes used for gel eyeliner might take more than one turn to clean completely.

I love how soft and fresh the brushes feel after a deep clean.