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Using dirty makeup brushes and sponges can lead to not only skin irritation, but also potentially infections.
10'000 Hours
Thats not to mention how cleaning your makeup brushes can affect the longevity of your brushes themselves.
So, lets talk washing.
How often should you be cleaning your makeup brushes?
The makeup artists we spoke with suggested the same.
Nam also recommends using rubbing alcohol wipes for more delicate tools like lip brushes.
Formakeup spongesin particular, NYC makeup artistHolly Gowersrecommends cleaning after every single use with liquid soap or bar soap.
When should you replace your makeup brushes and sponges altogether?
That being said, there are some clear-cut signs its time to throw away a brush.
Another sign is when your brush or makeup sponge begins to emit a foul smell.
When your Beautyblender is cracking, or smelling funky, you should replace it, Gowers says.
These are handy and convenient for quick and easy cleanings.
However, theyre not totally necessary to clean your brushes.
Another popular option is a liquid brush cleanermore on how to use one below.
All of the makeup artists that we spoke with preferred to use liquid brush cleaners on their own brushes.
One of Schumachers favorites is the Parian Spirit cleaner, which she uses for quick, daily cleanups.
It removes and disinfects in one step, she says.
My brushes dont smell like chemicals, and they feel soft and ready to use again afterwards.
If you use it properly, she says, its a deeper clean than soap and water.
Theyre gentle enough to use on makeup brushes and contain the right ingredients to break down oils and powders.
Schumachers go-to gentle soap for deep-cleaning her brushes isDr.
Bronners Hemp Tea Tree Castile Soap.
I love it because its made from organic ingredients and it breaks down makeup buildup easily, she says.
It leaves a clean smell and gets all of the color off of my brushes, she says.
Certain types of cleansers may be more effective atremoving certain makeup products.
I love using the Beautyblender soaps, she says.
The brands liquid and bar soaps gets everything out.
Mats also usually have suction cups on the back to prevent them from slipping and sliding in your sink.
We distilled all their methods below, with some additional tips from each expert.
