We all know that you’re supposed to clean your makeup brushes, but if you’re anything like me, it’s a chore you put off for as long as possible. But did you know that you can make and find natural, diy makeup brush cleanser?
Cleaning your brushes is one of those things that takes a back seat to all of the more exciting activities in life, and even ones that seem more important. However, makeup brushes that aren’t adequately cleaned can be serious trouble. As bacteria builds up on your dirty makeup brushes, it can spread to your skin. And bacteria on your skin means breakouts which we all want to avoid.
The build-up of old makeup on your brushes also causes them to deteriorate faster, and can even affect the quality of your makeup application. I know there have been times my makeup brushes have been so dirty that my foundation has spread unevenly.
While there are daily brush cleaning sprays on the market that can work in a pinch as a temporary cleanser, nothing compares to a deep cleaning. Give all your makeup tools a solid wash at least twice a month to preserve your brushes and your skin from bacteria build-up. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on pre-made brush cleaners that may be full of chemicals, try a DIY makeup brush cleanser. There are lots of products in your home that make great natural makeup brush cleaners. Below are tried and true recipes for a basic cleanser, a natural cleanser, and a cleansing spray.
Basic Brush Cleanser
A DIY makeup brush cleanser does not need many ingredients for it to be effective. One of the best DIY brush cleanser recipes has only two ingredients: soap and oil. Choose the right soap and oil, and your brushes will be cleaner than ever. Use an antibacterial soap, such as dish soap or liquid hand soap. Some recommend Dawn to be the most gentle. If you’re worried about residue, choose a soap that is organic and promises to be gentle on skin. Choose a nourishing oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, or even vitamin e oil. The soap will kill bacteria while the oil will help to both clean and condition your brushes.
Mix two parts antibacterial soap with one part oil, making sure to choose a plate or bowl where the oil will not soak through. Take the brushes you need to clean and wet them under lukewarm water, thoroughly saturating each brush. Make sure you wet your brushes with the bristles facing down, so the glue holding them doesn’t loosen and cause the bristles to fall out. Dip your brushes into the DIY makeup brush cleanser, coating all the bristles of each brush. Gently swirl the brush in your palm, working the cleaner through the bristles. You will want to continue this until the suds from the mixture no longer have makeup in them. If you haven’t been good about cleaning your brushes, you may need to rinse and re-apply the solution many times.
When the bristles look clean, thoroughly rinse them in lukewarm water and leave them flat to air dry. Placing them on a cotton cloth may help to soak up liquid, drying them faster. This DIY makeup brush cleanser will have your makeup brushes back to mint condition and bacteria-free.
Natural Brush Cleanser
If you are looking for a DIY makeup brush cleanser that is free from harmful ingredients, try this all-natural recipe. Combine a half cup of witch hazel, with 2 teaspoons of liquid castile soap, 1 cup of distilled water, and 1 teaspoon of a nourishing oil like olive, jojoba, or almond oil. Use a container with a lid so you can thoroughly shake ingredients to combine. The witch hazel contains antibacterial properties to kill bacteria, the castile soap removes dirt, and the oil will break down makeup and nourish your brushes.
Once you’ve created the mixture, place your brushes in the cleaner and allow them to soak for 5-10 minutes. When your brushes have soaked for several minutes, rinse them thoroughly under lukewarm water. Lay your brushes flat on a counter or table so they can air dry. Placing your brushes with bristles up in the air may loosen the glue and cause the bristles to fall out.
Daily Cleansing Spray
A cleansing spray may not deep clean your brushes, but it is a great way to keep your brushes clean on a daily basis. Choose a spray bottle that holds at least eight ounces. Use five ounces of isopropyl alcohol, two ounces of distilled water, and ten to fifteen drops of your favorite essential oil. If you want to choose an essential oil with antibacterial properties, try eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, or tea tree oil. In this mixture, the alcohol works as an antibacterial and helps the mixture to dry faster while the essential oil is used to cover the strong alcohol smell. Shake the spray well each time before using it so all ingredients are well-mixed.
Each day, after using your makeup brushes, but before putting them away, use this DIY makeup brush cleanser. Spray each brush with the cleanser, then gently run the brush over a towel or paper towel to help them dry.
Other Tips for DIY Makeup Brush Cleanser
If you’re looking for other simple DIY makeup brush cleansers, both bar soap and shampoo works well. Use a bar soap with your brushes, simply massaging dirty brushes against the bar, working the cleanser deep into the bristles. Rinse with warm water and dry gently with a towel. Using shampoo is my personal favorite to cleanse brushes. Apply a small drop of shampoo to the makeup brush bristles and massage into your palm to loosen makeup. If you’re looking to add extra nourishing properties, add a little conditioner as well. While the soap and oil combination will work better, these methods can work great in a pinch, and you already have them available at the bathroom sink.
Conclusion
Cleaning your makeup brushes does not have to be a chore, it can be a quick and simple addition to your routine. Try out these DIY makeup brush cleanser recipes, and you’ll notice an improvement in the quality of your brushes and the clarity of your skin. Let us know what works for you in the comments below!
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