While household products like olive oil and vinegar are often mentioned as solutions for brush cleaning, it's best to keep those in the kitchen, says Wizemann.
"Small mats that come with cleaning soap ( like this one from beautyblender) are perfect: They are adequate to do the job well and require no additional storage."
Our pro favorites are EcoTools Makeup Brush Shampoo, Real Techniques Brush Cleaner, and French Nerds Nerdiest Brush Cleanser. Better yet, its gentle enough to be used daily without damaging or affecting the surface of your makeup brush or blender. Boasting a unique formula that battles even stubborn bacteria build-up, liquid cleanser works its magic in just one session of use. Makeup brush cleansers specifically made for cleaning makeup brushes. Another option for cleaning makeup brushes is a liquid cleanser.Dawn dish soapis great for deep cleaning makeup sponges and beautyblenders to quickly emulsify oil-based foundations and concealers.Use it to break down these heavier formulas. " Ivory soaptakes liquid makeup off brushes quite well," says Wizemann." Baby shampoos are widely used to clean brushes and they work really well," says Wizemann, who recommends these gentle formulas especially for cleaning natural fiber brushes.You have some options, according to our pros: What should I use to wash my makeup brushes? As far as cleaning your makeup sponge and beautyblender, it "should be washed after every use they can harbor bacteria much easier than brushes as they are used wet and stay wet for a while after use," says Wizemann. For liquid foundations, concealers, and eyeshadows, these "should be cleaned daily as they are more prone to harbor bacteria that can potentially cause infections," says Wizemann. For brushes used with liquids or creams: Daily."Once or twice a week is probably adequate for brushes used for powder makeup such blushes and bronzers," Wizemann says. For brushes used with powders: 1-2 times a week."Ideally, the brushes should be cleaned every time you use them but that may be a real challenge to most of us," says Sabina Wizemann, senior chemist at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab. Here's what you need to know: How often should I clean my makeup brushes? Many makeup artists believe brushes are the most important step for achieving great makeup, so if it's been quite a while since you lathered up your own, it's time to get deep-cleaning.
But according to the pros, it's essential to spend at least a few minutes each week getting the gunk out to prevent bacteria growth, acne, and more gross skin issues. Most of us are guilty of neglecting our makeup brushes, letting powder and cream formulas build up on the bristles for weeks, or using more than one color without cleaning in-between.