The Dirty Little Secret of Your Makeup Brushes and How to Clean Them

Ready to Face the Truth? Here's What Lurks in Your Brushes!

Alright, confession time—when was the last time you gave your makeup brushes a little TLC? If it's been a while, no judgement here. We all get busy, and sometimes cleaning those brushes falls to the bottom of the to-do list.

But here's something to think about: every time you use your makeup brushes, they pick up oils, makeup residue, and even environmental pollutants. Over time, they can turn into a bit of a science experiment. We're talking bacteria like E. coli, mould, and yeast setting up camp in your bristles.

This can sound a bit dramatic, but it's not about scaring you into a cleaning frenzy—it's about giving your skin the best chance to stay clear and healthy. We spend so much time (and money!) on skincare routines and products to keep our skin looking its best. The last thing we want is for dirty brushes to undo all that hard work.

So, let's break down an easy, natural cleaning method to keep those brushes looking fresh and your skin glowing.

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes Naturally

So, let's get those makeup brushes looking (and feeling) like new again with our simple, natural cleaning method:

1. Gather Your Gear: Grab either Figgy Bar Soap or our Home Cleaning Castile Soap —along with some warm water and a towel.

2. Lather It Up: Wet the bristles of your brush with warm water and give them a good lather with Figgy bar soap or castile soap. Make sure you’re getting all the way into the centre of those bristles, but be gentle.

3. Rinse and Repeat: Rinse the brush under warm water, keeping the bristles pointing downward (we don’t want water sneaking up into the handle and messing with the glue). If your brush is looking like it’s seen one too many smoky-eye looks, give it another round of lather and rinse.

4. Dry Time: Give your brushes a gentle shake, then lay them flat on a towel to air dry. Standing them upright while wet is a no-go; we don’t want water dripping down and loosening those bristles.

Why You Should Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Dirty makeup brushes aren't just a little bit gross—they can actually mess with your skin big time. Think breakouts, irritation, and even pink eye. Yes, pink eye! The bacteria lurking in your unwashed brushes can lead to all sorts of skin dramas, including fungal infections

And here's a fun but slightly horrifying fact: a recent study found that unclean makeup brushes can harbour more bacteria than a toilet seat. When you use dirty brushes, you risk spreading germs and bacteria across your face, which can lead to clogged pores and an imbalance in your skin's natural microbial community.

Makeup Brush Storage

Now that your makeup brushes are fresh and clean, let's make sure they stay that way with these simple, no-fuss storage tips:

• Keep Them Upright: Store your brushes standing up in a container like a jar or a cup. This helps maintain their shape and allows airflow to dry them out completely, preventing any leftover moisture from lingering.
• Avoid Humid Environments: Storing brushes in humid places like the bathroom can cause bacteria to grow. Instead, keep them in a dry, cool area, like a vanity or dresser, where they're protected from moisture.
• Use a Brush Roll or Case: If you're on the move, a brush roll or case with individual slots is a great way to keep your brushes organised and protected. It keeps them clean and stops the bristles from getting bent or damaged.
• Clean and Dry Before Storing: Always ensure your brushes are completely dry before storing them. Damp bristles can lead to bacteria build-up, which is the last thing you want near your skin.

These steps will help keep your brushes in top condition, ensuring they're always ready to go when you need them!

Make Regular Cleaning a Habit

If you’re using your makeup brushes daily, aim to clean them once a week. For the occasional makeup wearer, every other week should do the trick. Regular cleaning not only makes them last longer but also keeps your skin in tip-top shape​.

So, there you have it—a simple, natural way to keep your makeup brushes (and your skin) happy and healthy. Go on, give those brushes the spa day they deserve, and enjoy the glow-up!

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