Content

• Method 2 of 3: Natural Cleanser
• Method 3 of 3: Consumable cleaner
• Tips
• What do you need
• Elementary Brush Cleaner
• Natural brush cleaner
• Consumable brush spray

1 Mix detergent and olive oil. Combine 2 parts antibacterial dish soap with 1 part olive oil in a small bowl. Beat them with a spoon until smooth.

• Antibacterial soap will kill germs and bacteria, while olive oil will help break down dried-on makeup, allowing you to clean your brushes.
• Do not mix the cleaner in a paper bowl, as oil will seep through the paper.

2 Wet your brushes. Take the brushes you want to clean and soak them in warm water. Rub the bristles with your fingers so that they are completely wet.

• When soaking your brushes, lower them with the bristles down. If water gets inside the sleeve holding the bristle tuft on the handle, it can weaken the adhesive and cause the bristles to fall out.

SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

"I recommend washing your makeup brushes at least once a week."

Katya Gudaeva

Professional makeup artist Katya Gudaeva is a professional makeup artist and founder of the Bridal Beauty Agency in Seattle, Washington. Has worked in the beauty industry for over 10 years, including for companies such as Patagonia, Tommy Bahama and Barneys New York, and with clients such as Amy Schumer, McLemore and Train.

Katya Gudaeva
Professional makeup artist

3 Dip the brushes into the cleaner and rub it into the bristles. Lubricate all the bristles of the brush with soapy water. Then, brush across your palm to work the cleaner into the bristles. Continue rubbing the brush until there are no makeup traces in the lather. Repeat with each brush you want to clean.

• If the brush is very dirty, you may need to wipe off the lather and dip the brush into the cleaner again.

4 Rinse and dry your brushes. Once the lather stops staining from makeup, rinse your brushes under warm water to rinse out any lather from the bristles. Using your fingers, gently line the damp bristles and air dry.

• If possible, place your brushes on the edge of a table or counter with the bristles hanging over the edge. This prevents water from entering the magazine.

Method 2 of 3: Natural Cleanser

1. 1 Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Add ½ cup (120 ml) witch hazel, 2 teaspoons (10 ml) liquid castile soap, 1 cup (240 ml) distilled water, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) nutritious oil (olive, almond, or jojoba oil) to a ceramic jar or other capacity. Cover the container with a lid and shake well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
   • Witch hazel acts as an antibacterial agent that will kill germs on your hands. Castile soap will remove makeup residue and other contaminants. The oil, in turn, will help remove makeup and moisturize your brushes.
   • Since oil can separate from other ingredients, shake the cleaner well before each use.
2. 2 Dip the brushes into the cleaner so that the bristles absorb the solution. When it's time to clean your brushes, pour some cleaner into a small bowl or glass. Dip brushes in cleaner and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
   • If you wish, you can pour the cleaner into a spray bottle, spray onto the brushes, and then wipe the bristles with a towel.
3. 3 Rinse your brushes and let them dry. After a few minutes, remove the brushes from the cleaner. Rinse them under warm water in the sink, gently squeezing the damp bristles with your fingers. Spread the brushes out on a counter or table to air dry.
   • Do not leave brushes to dry with the bristles pointing up, otherwise water may drain back into the holder and cause the bristles to fall out.

Method 3 of 3: Consumable cleaner

1. 1 Pour alcohol into a spray bottle. Pour 150 ml of isopropyl alcohol into a clean plastic or glass spray bottle. There should be enough room in the bottle for water and oil.
   • For best results, use 70% isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol not only serves as a disinfectant, but also helps the cleaner dry faster so that brushes can be used immediately after cleaning.
   • The spray bottle must hold at least 240 ml of liquid.
2. 2 Add water and oil. Pour 60 ml of distilled water and 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil into a bottle of alcohol. Shake the bottle to mix all the ingredients.
   • The purpose of the essential oil is to kill the alcoholic scent of the purifier, so you can use any scent you like. Alternatively, add an antibacterial oil such as eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, or tea tree oil.
   • Since the oil can separate from other ingredients, be sure to shake the bottle well before using the spray.
3. 3 Treat brushes with cleaner and towel dry. Spray some of the cleaner onto the brush bristles. Run your brushes over a tissue or paper towel. Wait a minute or two for the brushes to dry, then use them as directed.
   • Touch the bristles before using the brushes to make sure the cleaner is completely dry.

Tips

• Wash your makeup brushes regularly to get rid of bacteria and germs that can cause acne, skin irritation, and various infections. Deep-clean your brushes at least once a week to keep them clean.
• The consumable brush cleaner is ideal for a quick clean if you're in a hurry. It's also an effective way to remove one color from a brush to blend in to another.

What do you need

Elementary Brush Cleaner

• Small plate
• A spoon
• Running water

Natural brush cleaner

• Ceramic vessel or other container
• Running water

Consumable brush spray

• Spray
• Cloth or paper towel