I realized the other day I haven’t washed by brushes in a longer period of time than I’d like to share. Then I figured I’m probably not alone, so I want to share a quick DIY makeup brush cleaner with you all. Let’s take advantage of the consecutive days we have been given in which we don’t have to wear makeup. You’ve been given the gift of isolation and now you don’t have to worry about your brushes drying in time for your next application.
Most likely if you’ve come to this post you’re already in possession of a collection of makeup brushes. However if you’re in the market for some new affordable brushes or wondering which ones to use, I wrote this post to answer every question you might have about makeup brushes.
Now back the cleaning party! This recipe is so simple and best of all it’s natural so you can sleep well knowing there’s no weird chemical residue on your brushes. First I want to remind everyone (including myself) the wonderful reasons why you should keep your brushes clean.
2 Reasons for Regular Brush Cleanings
- If you’re struggling with your skin and breakouts, try cleaning your brushes more frequently. The amount of bacteria that builds up on these things can make you want to throw them out entirely. Don’t fret, the recipe includes some essential oils that will knock out those pesky bacteria and save your brushes and (skin).
- Your brushes need some love. In order to keep up the strength of the brush hairs that gives you a smooth makeup application, you must keep them conditioned. Product buildup can also cause skin irritations. You want a cleaner that keeps them soft as well as clean.
Makeup Brush Cleaner Recipe
- 4 oz spray bottle or travel container
- 2 oz liquid castile soap
- a few drops of tea tree essential oil
- a few drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 tsp. of nourishing oil (coconut, almond, avocado, or olive)
- filtered or distilled water
Pour everything into the container and top off with the distilled or filtered water and give it a good shake. Don’t skip the oil! Castile soap can be drying on its own so in order to keep your makeup brushes in tip top shape use the oil. Then spray or pour a small amount into a dish and get to work! Dip and swirl your brush in the natural cleaner and either scrub it in the palm of your hand or use a handy brush mat. I wrote this previous post about brush cleaning if you’d like to use a brush mat and need some ideas.
Rinse and repeat as needed until the water runs clean. Then be sure to dry as much of the water from your brushes so they don’t sit soaking wet. This can loosen the glue over time. Once they’ve been dried, lay them flat on a towel and leave them be. By the next day you should have soft clean brushes ready to do their job.