Cleaning Makeup Brushes

A selection of brushes used to apply makeup.

Many types of cosmetics and skin care products require the use of a makeup brush for application, but those brushes need to be cleaned after use. This is a guide about cleaning makeup brushes.

Solutions: Cleaning Makeup Brushes

Read and rate the best solutions below by giving them a "thumbs up".

Use Vinegar To Clean Makeup Brushes

I use scar makeup, which is as thick as stage makeup. Well, a lot of that inevitably ends up on my powder brush, and after a bit it needs to be cleaned. I've tried expensive brush cleaners and high-end shampoos, but nothing worked! Then I soaked my kabuki brush in apple cider vinegar for 48 hours and it is brand new and softer again. Try it.

By Brianna from Dutch Harbor, AK

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Marble Jar For Cleaning Makeup Brushes

I found a cheap and decorative way to store AND clean my makeup brushes. The mason jar and marbles keep the brushes in place and add a cute shabby chic look to my vanity, and when it is time to clean the brushes I simply pop the lid on with some warm water and baby wash and they have never been cleaner!

Materials:

mason jar or some other jar with a tight fitting lid
marbles or other small filler
baby wash*
warm water

*Same ingredients as many more expensive brush cleaners and gentle on your face and brushes!

Step 1: Grab your clean mason jar with some marbles/decorative stones in bottom.

Step 2: Add a squirt of baby wash and slowly add warm water.

Baby wash and water in marble mason jar.

Step 3: Insert brushes and secure lid. Gently shake to agitate soap with marbles. This will help to loosen the dirt and get your brushes super clean. Repeat a few times.

Makeup Brushes added to marble mason jar to be cleaned.

Makeup brushes being cleaned in a mason jar with a lid.

Step 4: Pour out soapy water and rinse thoroughly with clean warm water. Gently squeeze excess water from brushes and lay on a clean cloth to dry.

Makeup Brushes after they have been cleaned in a mason jar with marbles.

Your brushes will be cleaner than ever with minimal mess and clean up! I do this weekly when I deep clean the bathroom. A few shakes in-between tasks and by the time I am done, so are the brushes.

Makeup Brushes in an empty mason jar with marbles.

By Teri M. from Omaha, NE

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Use Olive Oil to Clean Makeup Brushes

For my eyeliner brushes that are hard to clean, due to the fact that cream eyeliner is not water soluble, I clean with olive oil. I put a little oil on a paper towel, 'dip' the brush in the oil, and 'brush' the paper towel. I keep repeating it until no black appears on the the paper towel. Then I rinse my brush off in my regular brush cleanser. This is the best way to get rid of all that eyeliner buildup!

Source: My brain! Just like I need oily makeup remover to remove my eyeliner, I need oil to remove the eyeliner from the brush.

By Esther M. from Maryland

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