STYLE

Whether you're into natural makeup or going full glam, odds are you use makeup brushes to get that flawless look. You may use foundation, eyeshadow and blush every day, but how often are you cleaning your makeup brushes? 

It turns out, you should be keeping them clean *super* regularly. Just ask *iconic* makeup artist Bobbi Brown. In an interview with Allure, she says, "most dermatologists will tell you to soak your tools, especially foundation and concealer brushes, once a week—minimum—to prevent product buildup. Because these brushes are used on your face, the cleaner they are the better."

If you don't clean your makeup brushes, bacteria can build up within them and cause acne. Skincare goes beyond face masks and scrubs, and one of the best ways to keep your face clear is making sure you are using clean tools when applying your daily makeup.

If you just read that and started freaking out, take a breath! It is *totally* okay if you don't know where to start with establishing a makeup brush cleaning routine, and we are here to help. There are tons of products on the market and different ways to clean your brushes, and it is up to you to choose what works best with your lifestyle. Here are some of our favorite products and techniques for cleaning our brushes: 

MAC

Brush Cleanser

For a quick and simple cleaning, you can purchase a bottle of cleaning fluid and gently run it over your brushes every few days. These products are specially formulated not to damage your brushes, so no need to worry about overdoing it. Shop our fave brush cleaner, $17, here. 

Thrive Causemetics

Cleansing Pad 

This device allows you to get a more thorough cleaning of your brushes. Using a cleanser or soap, simply get a lather going with your brush and then run it across the pad. The grooves on the pad itself will help extract the makeup particles out of the brush, leaving it *super* clean. Shop our fave cleansing pad, $18, here. 

Amazon 

Electric Brush Cleaner

You may have seen these on Instagram or TikTok, and we can confirm that they are *definitely* worth the purchase. Using an electric cleaning machine makes the process much faster and easier, and the cleanup isn't nearly as messy. Shop our fave electric brush cleaner, $17, here. 

ELF 

Cleansing Glove 

This is basically the same as a cleansing pad, but slightly more user-friendly! You can use a glove to add more pressure to the brushes for a *super* thorough clean, and it is 100% waterproof for easy cleanup. Shop our fave cleansing glove, $10, here. 

Urban Outfitters 

Blending Sponge Cleaner 

Is this not the *cutest* thing you have ever seen? This miniature, battery-operated washing machine will clean your blending sponges in just a few minutes. And bonus! It comes in three different colors, so you can choose your fave and coordinate the rest of your makeup tools. Shop our fave sponge cleaner, $15, here. 

Be sure to follow @girlslifemag on Insta and TikTok for more essential style and beauty tips! 

GIF via GIPHY // Cover Image: @slmissglambeauty

by Lexi Casazza | 10/23/2021