Cleaning Makeup Brushes
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
United States
July 2, 2012 12:10pm CST
Ladies! I'm sure you all know it's important to keep your makeup brushes clean because they collect a lot of bacteria and if you don't clean them they can make you get pimples!
I thought I would share my cleaning routine because I've found it works really well for me.
First I lay out a clean line of toilet paper (you can use a clean towel/cloth/etc). Then, one at a time, I take my brushes out of their holder and rinse them with warm water. Then I use Dawn Original Scent soap to clean them. Dawn works really well at getting the makeup and germs out. I usually do this twice to make sure my brushes are really clean. Not only does Dawn clean the brushes really well, but it also leaves them smelling good.
Now, be sure to rinse all the soap out of the brush (with warm water again). And then lay the brushes (not touching) on the towel to dry. Make sure they dry fully before using them again, so try cleaning them when you won't need to use them for a day. Or if you need to only wash half at a time so you always have a brush to use.
Hope this has been helpful!
2 people like this
7 responses
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
4 Jul 12
You're welcome! I hope this works as well for you as it has for me. Thanks for reading!
@psychoartist (756)
• United States
2 Jul 12
hi lilyofthethorns! this is a great suggestion and idea! i try to keep my art brushes clean, and i may get some dawn for that! i don't have as many makeup brushes, though...your response reminds me of a dilemma experienced by one of my high school friends...as young ladies we were all very excited about makeup and experimenting with makeup, etc...this young lady would get very upset because on a monthly basis her mother would confiscate and throw away the girl's makeup because of her concerns about bacteria, etc...it is a pity that her mother did not follow your advice, a lot of emotional drama could have avoided!
1 person likes this
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
4 Jul 12
Oh yeah I bet this could work just as well for paint brushes! I didn't think about that. Although, you may have to clean them a few times, paint is a little thicker than makeup! Haha
Throwing out makeup is just a waste! There is def. no need for that if you keep your brushes clean! I even clean my eyeshadow brushes! Too bad your friend didn't have this information earlier! 
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
2 Jul 12
As a part of hygiene, we must clean our things and make brushes should be clean and washed as well.
You are right, those brushes collect dirt and bacteria.
The make up residue is also bad when we keep using the brush without even cleaning or washing it.
Nice topic and good way to remind everyone too :)
@sreekutty (1051)
• India
2 Jul 12
very helpful indeed. you should be writing an article about this if you have the time in websites. All the best for that. The best paying ones are helium which has a style and beauty channel and so does knoji.com
1 person likes this
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
4 Jul 12
Thank you! :) I actually am a member of Helium, and while I like the site I have been very unsuccessful in making money with them. I have written 43 articles for them, I have been a member for I think about 3 years, and I have only made $8.95 with them. That's it, that's my lifetime earnnings.
Now, like I said I do like the site...I really like their whole rating system...but I just wish I could make more money with them! Not sure what I'm doing wrong.
Do you have any tips for me? Haha
@lovelydesigns (3)
• India
23 Jul 12
makeup is the most important in these days,..so i started new blog about makeup,..i mean i put best videos see once again(youtubemakeupvideos.blogspot.com)
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
24 Jul 12
Thanks for sharing the link lovely! I don't paint my nails but I think those nail designs you have are absolutely gorgeous! I love the black and white flowery/feathery one!
@besweet (9859)
• Ireland
2 Jul 12
I also use the same method if my brushes are not damaged too much from use. The difference is that I use my shampoo to clean them, I think a lady from the cosmetics store had told me to do that some years ago. I think it's time to clean my brushes again, thanks for reminding me :)
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
4 Jul 12
Lol you're welcome! I just cleaned mine this weekend, and that's what made me think to share this with you guys.
I heard the shampoo thing too, but I thought Dawn would work better for me and my skin. I'm prone to breakouts, and since it is good to wash your face with dawn every once in a while, I figured that would be the best way for me to clean my brushes.
