I’m probably not the only one to admit that she doesn’t really think about her beauty products too much after she has purchased them.
I forget how long a tube of mascara has been open (don’t worry though, it isn’t over 6 months!) and grab my makeup brushes to set my mineral foundation, but can’t recall the last time I’ve washed them.
Yikes, right?
Think about all of the bacteria that could remain on those makeup brushes after a sweaty day creating their own little haven – Germy Brush City. I have a professional brush cleaner liquid back in New York, but had simply forgotten about it here. So I set about researching how I could wash my makeup brushes.
1. I could use a DIY solution(outlined below) of baby shampoo and coconut oil. The baby shampoo (you could also use clarifying shampoo) gently cleanses the brush and the coconut oil is not only a conditioner, but also has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
2. I will occasionally use a professional brush cleaner which can thoroughly clean brushes. This Ulta version is less than $4 – I paid a lot more for my MAC brush cleaner!
DIY Gentle Brush cleaner
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baby or clarifying shampoo
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1/4 cup water
- shallow bowl
- towel
Preparation and instructions
1. Mix all liquid ingredients together in the shallow bowl.
2. Gather your brushes and rinse them quickly in warm water with the bristles facing downward. Try to only get water on the bristles and not on the metal part towards the handle.
3. Dip your brushes in the cleaning solution and rub it throughout the bristles. If you press the bristles down and rub the inner bristles, you will get to a lot of makeup!
4. Rinse the bristles in warm water and repeat step 3. Keep cleaning and rinsing until the water runs clear.
5. Shape the wet bristles back into the shape of the brush. Lightly pat dry with one end of the towel (you can also determine if the brush still needs to be clean if foundation comes off).
6. Place a clean end of the towel on a flat surface with a ledge (or create your own incline with a plate or marker). Lay the brushes down on the towel with the bristles pointing downward and handles slightly inclined. This will prevent water from seeping into the brush head where the brush hairs meet the glue.
Baby shampoo – what a great idea. I’ve two kids, and plenty of baby shampoo.
Yes, baby shampoo is such a great gentle cleaner! Definitely look for multiples uses for it!
Darling, this is great! I’m so bad at maintaining stuff in great conditions. Shame on me. But this tip seems so easy! Thanks for sharing! xo,
I always forget to do this! Thanks for the reminder! I will be trying out your diy solution, i haven’t seen one you can buy here specifically for this purpose. p.s I totally agree on the dresses reminding us of Marchesa.
Baby shampoo is my secret weapon for cleaning my makeup brushes, as well. It is so gentle! 🙂
I could never remember to clean my brushes. it always felt like such a CHORE. So I bought a nifty little cleaning spray. One spritz, wipe on a tissue, and done. I can even take it with me when I travel.
I love a brush cleaner in spray form! I had just noticed the Ulta one I listed above and it is super convenient!
I used to be terrible at cleaning my makeup brushes but I try to clean them once a month now. I use a MAC brush cleaner but I’ll have to try your DIY cleaner some time. I love that it incorporates coconut oil 🙂
You should totally get those J. Crew jeans!
Rowena @ rolala loves
I love the MAC brush cleaner! I do love whipping up easy and effective cleaners too and coconut oil rocks!
I must admit, I definitely wait a little too long to do this (& have always wanted to make a system that shows how long i’ve had my beauty products). Maybe I should get on that! Haha
xx Corinne
cateyesandthighhighs.blogspot.com
Corinne, yes a system to show usage dates for beauty products totally makes sense! Let me know if you do it and thanks for the inspiration!
You totally just reminded me that my brushes are in major need of a cleaning. Thanks!
Oh it looks so easy! And the materials needed are so affordable and easy to find, I’m so trying it!
Cee. ♥
Code Overdressed
Cee, yes I love creating DIYs with materials that are easy and affordable! Thanks for stopping by and let me know when you try it!
This is so important to do. Your skin will definitely thank you. If you don’t, skin break outs can happen. I just threw away some older cosmetics. I try to go through makeup. often.
for stubborn creme foundation or beauty blenders, i swear by the beauty blender solid cleanser. it is SO GOOD.
Nice! Thanks for the recommendation Elle! I haven’t really used beauty blenders yet, but want to try them and will get the special cleaner then!
I usually just use shampoo. Must try adding the coconut oil!
i seriously have to do this… tonight!
xo
MOSAMUSE
http://www.MOSAMUSE.com
I forget to clean my brushes, must do this!! This will help me too :)) Thanks my darling girl xx
I usually get the MAC brush cleaner which is costly. I will have to definitely try this diy and save some money!:-)
[…] – Beauty DIY/Tips: How to clean your makeup brushes […]