Beauty on a Budget: Cleaning Makeup Brushes

How many different types of makeup brushes do you use? I have one for my setting powder, one for my blush, & one to blend. Sometimes I'll use another one for my eyeshadow instead of an applicator sponge.

Do you realize how much gunk builds up on these brushes? Pathogens (bacteria, virus, or other organism that cause infectious DISEASES) can also build up on dirty brushes. CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES, PEOPLE!

One thing to remember is that brush bristles are like hair: They need to be cleaned, but will be stripped too dry if not cleaned properly.

Another thing to remember is that it does not take special products to clean your brushes. You can use what you already have in your kitchen: Dawn dish soap & olive oil.

Why not just Dawn dish soap? Well, the soap will dry out your bristles, making them more brittle and weak over time. Olive oil is like a conditioner for brushes - it will allow the bristles to stay moisturized, which will give more flexibility and longevity. Here's what I use:

Can you GET any more simple? Here's what you do!

1 - Put a little of each on a plate next to each other:

2 - Rinse your brush, then swirl in the middle of the two liquids so you get a good mixture of the soap & oil:

3 - I rub the brush on my fingers for a minute to give it a good scrubbing. I then rinse very well in lukewarm water, then lay out kind of flat:

I let them dry completely. I usually wash them in the morning then dry until the next morning.

Here's a before & after:

I highly recommend cleaning your makeup brushes at least once a month; not only to avoid bacteria build-up but to keep your skin as health as it can be.

What do you recommend to clean makeup brushes? How often do you clean them?