How Do Makeup Artists Clean Their Brushes?

Makeup brushes can play host to many different kinds of bacteria and pathogens. Improperly cleaning makeup tools can cause breakouts and easily spread infections from person to person.

Using sanitary processes is a quality that separates a professional makeup artist from an inexperienced one; but how do you makeup artists clean brushes between clients?

Read our full step-by-step guide to cleaning makeup brushes, including quick cleaning hacks and how to deep clean your brushes properly:

The Importance of Cleaning Makeup Brushes

As a professional makeup artist, hygienic practices are your foundation. A person’s skin can harbour a range of bacteria that must not be passed from client to client. Cleaning your makeup brushes is makeup artistry 101.

Why do you need to clean your makeup brushes?:

• To stop a buildup of bacteria gathering, preventing the spread infections, fungus, or herpes to your clients
• To reduce the risk of allergic reactions
• To ensure smooth application of products; left over products can impact your colours and make blending difficult
• To prolong the life of your brushes

How Often Should A Make up Artist Clean Their Brushes?

In between each and every client!

On-the-go brush cleaning involves a quicker sanitising process using fast-drying products. Use an alcohol based brush cleaning spray, preferably with antibacterial ingredients, as they evaporate quickly.

Lip brushes should be cleaned thoroughly between every client by soaking the bristles in cleanser or brush cleaner and squeezing out the moisture.

Spot cleaning in between clients gets rid of surface oil and dirt, and kills bacteria. This is the bare minimum of makeup hygiene you should be completing between each client to protect their skin from bacteria such as E.coli and Staph.

You should give all of your natural and synthetic brushes a deep clean regularly, ideally once a week. Here we teach you how:

Guide to Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes for Client Work

Professional makeup artists clean brushes regularly, using different products depending on which kind of makeup brush they’ve used: natural bristle brushes absorb more oil and product and are therefore more difficult to clean.

Alcohol-based cleansers may damage natural brushes, so it is recommended you use an alcohol-free cleanser, though bare in mind your drying time will be longer.

How to Spot Clean Brushes

This quick cleaning method is designed to remove product build up and bacteria effectively without compromising the quality of the makeup application.

You will need:

1. Alcohol based solution (70%)
2. Spray bottle
3. Paper Towel

Step 1: Spray your alcohol sanitiser onto the paper towel

Step 2: Swirl your brush onto the damp area

Step 3: Let your brush dry for around 60 seconds (alcohol products evaporate quickly without needing to rub off moisture), and discard the used paper towel

Pro Tip: Always ask your client if they have any sensitivities to products. In some cases, a more gentle, alcohol-free cleanser may be required.

How to Deep Clean Makeup Brushes

Natural hair brushes absorb more; that includes makeup products AND bacteria! You will also need to be more careful washing natural brushes, using specially made cleansers, brush shampoo or even baby shampoo.

Synthetic brushes are more tolerant of cleansers and soaps and will return to their original shape after you mould them.

You will need:

1. Clean Water
2. Brush Cleanser or a gentle dishwashing soap (for natural hair brushes, steer clear of dish soap as it can dry out the bristles)

Step 1: Wet your brush in warm water with the bristles facing down

Step 2: Dip the wet brush head into your cleanser

Step 3: Swirl the brush around in the palm of your clean hand

Step 4: Rinse the soap out in a stream of warm water with the bristles facing down until the water runs clear

Step 5: Squeeze out excess water and reshape the bristles into their original shape

Step 6: Dry makeup brushes overnight, laying them on a flat surface

You should take this opportunity to wipe down the handles of your makeup tools with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol cleanser.

Drying Brushes for Your Next Client

Using a quick-drying sanitiser to spot clean means you don’t have to sit around waiting for damp brushes to dry; this process typically only takes about 60 seconds.

See our spot cleaning method above.

As a back up, you should always have a second set of brushes to use. Place any particularly dirty brushes into a separate bag for a deep clean that night, if need be.

Tips for Storing Makeup Brushes

Brushes should be stored separate from each other; using a brush roll with individual slots for each brush is an easy way for a makeup artist to stay organised. Brush rolls will help maintain the shape of your brushes and reduce the likelihood of damage.

How Often Should You Replace Makeup Brushes?

Look for these signs of wear and tear:

• Fraying bristles, or bristles falling out
• Loss of shape
• Discolouration
• Musty smell

The same goes for all of your makeup tools, whether it’s foundation brushes and powder brushes or beauty sponges. If you notice signs of wear, it’s time to replace your tools for the sake of hygiene and proper application of products.

Summary

The cleanliness of your brushes impacts both the makeup you create and the health of your clients.

Prevent cross contamination and the spread of bacteria with a regular cleaning routine, which includes both spot cleaning when you’re on the go, and deep cleaning in your down time.

It’s important to use high quality brush soap or cleanser when cleaning brushes to preserve their shape and quality.

Learn more about hygienic practices and unlock industry insights by completing a course in makeup artistry; Beginner and Advanced Courses in Makeup Artistry at Bela Beauty will teach you about efficient cleaning practices and professional techniques to take your career to the next level!