Let’s face it – when was the last time you gave your makeup tools a good cleaning? Regardless of your answer, it’s important to make it a regular habit!
Neglecting to clean your brushes and sponges can actually have a significant impact on your skin, more than you might think.
If you haven’t been diligent about cleaning your makeup tools, now is the perfect time to start. To make things easier for you, here’s a helpful guide on how to clean them using the appropriate products.
But before we dive into that, let’s talk about why it’s so crucial to clean your makeup tools regularly..
Why should you clean your makeup tools?
Credit: @rimu_rabeya
Cleaning your brushes and beauty sponges should be a routine. It helps prevent the buildup of germs, oil from your skin, dead skin cells, and old makeup residue. Plus, it ensures smoother makeup application.
When you don’t clean them often, the bacteria and makeup residues can easily transfer onto your skin, clogging pores and causing breakouts or other skin problems.
So, make it a habit to clean those brushes and sponges to keep your skin happy and glowing!
How often should you clean your makeup tools?
Credit: @tiktok/jessabeautyyy
Brushes used with creams and liquids tend to collect more oil and grime compared to those used with powders.
As a general rule, it’s best to clean your face brushes at least once a week and other brushes, like those for eyes or highlighter, every two to three weeks.
It may seem like a hassle, but regular cleaning is crucial for achieving the best makeup application and keeping your skin trouble-free. So, take a little time to wash your them, and you’ll notice the difference in how your makeup looks and your skin feels!
Do not use dish soap to clean makeup tools
One TikToker demonstrated using dish soap to wash her beauty sponges, but despite some people finding it acceptable, we advise against this method.
@sophiassrz cara bersihkan beautyblender in just 1minutes 😋😋 #beautyhacks #racuntiktok #fypmalaysia
Using dish soap to wash your makeup application tools are not ideal because it contains harsh chemicals that’s designed for cleaning dishes, removing grease and grime from kitchenware, not for your face brushes or beauty sponges!
These strong chemicals can be harsh for your skin, leading to irritation and dryness. If you don’t thoroughly wash and dry them well, the soap residue can remain, further aggravating your skin.
It’s safer to use products specifically designed for cleaning.
Best makeup tool cleansers
There are plenty of products available to keep your face brushes and sponges sparkling clean and always ready to slay your beauty game! Here are a few options that would be totally worth investing in.
SigMagic Brushampoo Foam Brush Cleanser
Get your hands on this natural brush cleanser that swiftly deep-cleans your brushes with its foam formula, enhancing both your skin and makeup application. The foam formula works its magic, providing a thorough cleanse while also preserving the longevity of your precious brush collection.
The SigMagic Brushampoo Foam Brush Cleanser retails for RM85 on Sephora.
@jessabeautyyy The million dollar question: how many times do you clean your beauty blenders 👀 #cleanyourmakeupbrushes #beautyblender #cleanyourbeautyblender #beautyblendercleaning #cleanbeautyblender #sigmabeauty
This TikToker uses the SigMagic Brushampoo Foam Brush Cleanser to clean her beauty blender.
Here’s how she does it: she sprays a few pumps of the liquid into the water containing all her dirty beauty blenders, and lets them soak for a while.
After that, she thoroughly cleans and squeezes out the soap from the beauty blenders. It’s an easy and effective way to keep her beauty blenders clean and ready to use.
Blendercleanser Solid Charcoal Sponge & Brush Cleanser
This latex-free beauty blender and brush cleanser takes care of your brushes and beauty blenders just like how you care for your delicate skin.
This travel-friendly cleanser comes with a silicone scrubbing pad and a soap that makes it a breeze to clean multiple products at once. Oh, and the delightful hint of lavender scent from the soap gives your makeup tools a pleasant fragrance.
The Blendercleanser Solid Charcoal Sponge & Brush Cleanser retails for RM259 on Sephora.
@bilintinamakeup Watch until the end to discover a new hack 😉💕 @beautyblender #wetme #beautyblender #beautyhack
In this video, Tiktoker @bilintinamakeup uses the Blendercleanser Solid Charcoal Sponge & Brush Cleanser to clean her both her makeup brushes and beauty blenders. Although this cleaning method is time-consuming, it ensures your makeup tools are clean, therefore minimising dreaded breakouts.
Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser
This product effectively cleans and removes makeup build-up from your brushes, ensuring they stay in top-notch condition. It’s recommended to clean your brushes monthly for better hygiene and to extend their lifespan.
To use, simply pump one spray on each side of the makeup brush. Then, gently wipe off any makeup residue with a tissue. Let the brush air dry for 1-2 minutes before using it again. Easy peasy!
The Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser retails for RM92 on Clinique.
MakeUp For Ever Instant Brush Cleanser
This alcohol-free brush cleanser clean your makeup brushes quickly without needing to rinse and it dries on the spot.
So, your brushes are ready to use again immediately. Its odourless and non-greasy formula effortlessly dissolves even the toughest waterproof and highly pigmented products, leaving your brushes fresh and clean for your next makeup session.
The Make Up For Ever Instant Brush Cleanser retails for RM94 on Sephora.
Sigma Beauty Express Brush Cleaning Mat
This handy silicone mat is here to help you swirl away all the product build-up, oil, and dirt from your brushes, giving you better skin and makeup application.
Just stick it to your sink, lather up with your cleanser, and glide your brush against the special textures for a gentle yet thorough cleanse. Plus, it’s safe to use as it’s made of high-grade silicone and contains no harmful substances like latex, BPA, or lead.
So, get ready to enjoy clean and fresh brushes hassle-free!
The Sigma Beauty Express Brush Cleaning Mat retails for RM140 on Sephora.
