The easiest way to clean your makeup brushes and sponges

 ... and the most affordable as well

It's no secret that the process of cleaning your makeup equipment isn't the most fun thing in the world. What also shouldn't be a secret is that you have to do it approximately once a week. If not, bacteria gets built up between the bristles of the brushes (or on the surface/inside of the sponge) and eventually ends up on your face, resulting to irritation and break outs.

For brushes

What you need

• a makeup cleaning pad or mat

I highly recommend getting one in case you haven't. The silicone surface of these tools is made for getting between the bristles the way your hand never could and removes any type of makeup left in there. Rubbing the brush on your hand could remove some makeup but unfortunately not all of it. These tools can be found at an affordable price, so don't stress about having to splurge.

• brush cleanser

Well, technically, you could use one. Is it necessary? No. Could it be good? Yes. Why don't you try with a gentle hand soap first? Chances are that it will be equally as effective and you won't need to purchase something you don't really need.

What to do

1. Wet the brush
2. Cover it with a bit of gentle hand soap
3. Rub that on the special equipment
4. Rinse with plenty of water

he ideal way for a brush to dry is upside down (the bristles facing downwards), so the water leaves it with its natural shape. I personally have found that laying them on a kitchen paper doesn't affect their shape but it's up to you.

 

For sponges

What you need

• a mug / a bowl
• some water
• some olive oil
• a microwave

What to do

1. Fill the mug/bowl with water about half way through
2. Put the makeup sponge inside the mug
3. Put it in the microwave for 30 sec
4. Wait a minute or two before you take it out so you don't burn yourself
5. Mix a bit of olive oil with the gentle hand soap you have and cover the sponge
6. Rinse with plenty of water

Putting your sponge in the microwave really helps to sterilize it and to get rid off all the excess bacteria that isn't visible. The olive oil along with the soap dissolve the makeup left on the sponge. It works wonders! You may need to cover it up with that mixture 1-3 times before it's truly clean. Do it until nothing comes off the sponge and you're good to go!

Additionally, I want to point out that, since I'm not an expert and I don't do my makeup on a regular basis (e.g. every day), I believe in finding pretty good brushes on a bargain. I wouldn't splurge on high-end equipment, as I wouldn't get my money's worth. Maybe sometime in the future, when I decide to invest more in my kit, I will consider it, but now it's not for me. So, I would advise you to look out for good quality and a reasonable price to your liking.

 

xox,

Eva