The ultimate quick guide to cleaning your makeup brushes and sponges like a pro

We know how dreary it can be to wash our makeup brushes every week, especially since they work just fine without all the scrubbing. But here’s the thing: we tend to forget about the germs and grime that stick to our brush bristles throughout the week; and we’re pretty sure all this build-up won’t be doing our skin any favours.

Not inculcating the habit to wash our brushes consistently leads not just to different eyeshadow colours (here are the best eyeshadow palettes below $50) building up (which prevents us from getting the true colour payoff), but it’s also pimple-inducing and that’s a huge no-no.

Here, we’ve rounded up some quick and easy ways you can get your brushes clean, and some notable tips that’ll make this process a breeze.

Photo: 123rf

ALSO READ: 6 MAKEUP BRUSHES EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN

Preliminary practice for beauty beginners: Grab a bowl of warm water, sprinkle in some shampoo  – a no-nonsense do-it-all like Ouai’s Clean Shampoo, works well – then bathe the bristles in the soapy solution.

Dispense a drop or two of tea tree oil (here’s a beginner’s guide to tea tree oil) into the basin to amp up on the antibacterial agents. Use your fingers to separate the strands under a running tap and you’re good to go.

Ouai’s Clean Shampoo, $45, is available at Sephora.

ALSO READ: THESE MAKEUP BRUSHES WILL TAKE YOUR BEAUTY GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Swap out your shampoo and give your brushes and makeup sponges a good wash with this liquid cleanser from BeautyBlender.

Formulated to be gentle yet effective, this cleanser removes stubborn makeup and grime while maintaining the integrity and shape of your makeup sponge. This paraben-free cleanser also has a light lavender scent that we just can’t say no to.

BeautyBlender’s Liquid BlenderCleanser, $30 for 150ml, is available at Sephora.

ALSO READ: 6 MAKEUP BRUSHES EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN

If you find it hard to give your brushes a thorough cleanse, here’s a tip for those makeup stains that feel like industrial-strength warpaint. Use a brush cleaning glove like this effective one from Sigma Beauty.

It’s compact, designed to fit both left and right hands, and has seven different textures to wash all types of brushes. For instance, if you’re washing your concealer brush, you might want to use the smaller bristles for deep cleaning. It’s definitely a must-have tool if you dread rubbing the brush bristles against your palm.

Sigma Beauty’s Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Glove, $40, is available at Sephora.

ALSO READ: THESE MAKEUP BRUSHES WILL TAKE YOUR BEAUTY GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Ever realised that your brushes are filthy but can’t give them a wash because you’re rushing to do your makeup?

That’s where this instant brush cleaner from Make Up For Ever comes in.

It instantly purifies and cleans both your brushes and makeup sponges so you can use them immediately. This alcohol-free formula also works on highly-pigmented and even waterproof makeup. But most importantly, it doesn’t require rinsing. Add to cart, please.

Make Up For Ever’s Instant Brush Cleanser, $34, is available at Sephora.

ALSO READ: 6 MAKEUP BRUSHES EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN

If you travel often, this pack of brush cleansing wipes from Artis Brush is a must-have in your makeup pouch. 

Each of the 30 wipes in one packet is saturated with a formula that helps to effectively clean and sanitise your brushes.

Just swipe your used brushes on the wipes and you’re good to go. The brushes should dry in a matter of minutes.

Artis Brush’s Brush Cleansing Wipes, $44, is available at Sephora.

ALSO READ: THESE MAKEUP BRUSHES WILL TAKE YOUR BEAUTY GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Once you’re done sudsing up and scrubbing down, blot your brushes and sponges with paper towels and lay them flat on a clean surface – never prop your damp brush upright in a container like you would your toothbrush, as gravity will cause water to drain back into the metal ferrule and weaken the adhesive holding it to the bristlehead.

And that’s it! Aim to give your tools a disinfecting dunk at least once a week; or every other day if you’re a facepaint enthusiast. Because hey, the bristles on your brushes deserve as much tender, loving care as the locks on your head.

Photo: 123rf

ALSO READ: 6 MAKEUP BRUSHES EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN