How To Clean Dense Makeup Brushes -

Cleaning your makeup brushes is essential for maintaining good hygiene and ensuring the best application of your makeup. Over time, brushes can accumulate makeup, oils, and bacteria, leading to skin issues and affecting the brush’s performance. A thorough cleaning routine is essential for those with dense makeup brushes, like foundation or concealer brushes. Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean dense makeup brushes effectively.

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Gather Your Supplies

To begin with, it’s important to gather the right supplies. You’ll need a gentle cleanser, such as a brush shampoo or a mild liquid soap, warm water, and a clean towel. If you want to go further, use a brush-cleaning mat or a small bowl for rinsing. These tools will help you clean your brushes thoroughly without damaging the bristles.

Rinse First

Start by rinsing the brush’s bristles under lukewarm water. It’s best to point the bristles downward to avoid water getting into the ferrule, the metal part that connects the bristles to the handle.

If water seeps into the ferrule, it can loosen the glue and cause the bristles to shed over time. Rinse until the water runs clear, ensuring you wash away as much makeup as possible. This is one of the most important steps in learning how to clean dense makeup brushes.

Apply Cleanser

Next, apply a small amount of your chosen cleanser directly to the bristles. If you’re using a brush shampoo, follow the instructions on the packaging. Just a drop or two should suffice if you’re using liquid soap. Gently work the cleanser into the bristles using your fingers or a brush cleaning mat if you have one.

Be careful not to tug or pull on the bristles, which can cause them to become misshapen. For dense brushes, you may need to spend more time massaging the cleanser into the bristles to ensure it penetrates deeply and removes all the buildup.

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Cleanser ALternatives

Having a brush cleanser specially designed to remove makeup is ideal for dense brushes, but it’s not always necessary. Many people use alternatives they already have around the house because they are out of brush cleanser or want something more affordable.

It’s important to use a gentle alternative because there may be residue on the brush that can irritate your skin. Baby shampoo and dish soap are both pretty gentle on brushes, and can effectively remove makeup from dense brushes.

Rinse Again

Once you’ve worked the cleanser in, it’s time to rinse the brushes again. Run the bristles under lukewarm water until all the soap is gone and the water runs clear. This step is crucial, as any remaining cleanser can irritate your skin during future use.

As you rinse, you should notice that the bristles feel softer and look cleaner. If your brushes are still dirty, you might need to repeat the cleansing process to achieve the desired cleanliness. When learning how to clean dense makeup brushes, you may need to clean them more once until you get the hang of it.

Squeeze Out Excess Water

After rinsing, gently squeeze the excess water out of the bristles. Avoid twisting or pulling on them, as this can lead to damage. Instead, gently press the bristles between your fingers or use a clean towel to blot away any remaining moisture. Reshaping the bristles to their original form at this stage is essential. This helps maintain their shape and ensures they dry correctly.

Drying Time

Now that your brushes are cleaned and reshaped, it’s time to dry them. Lay them flat on a clean towel, ideally hanging off the edge of a counter or table to allow air to circulate. This prevents water from seeping into the ferrule, which can occur if the brushes are left upright in a cup or holder. Allow the brushes to dry completely before using them again, which may take several hours or overnight, depending on the density of the bristles.