You May Be Cleaning your Makeup Brushes and Sponges Wrong

 

 

Whether concealing, bronzing or strobing (whatever that is?!), we use our makeup brushes – including easy to use makeup brushes and makeup sponges like Yubi – everyday to create the masterpiece that is our face. But…for real…how often are you cleaning those brushes and sponges? According to a recent poll we conducted, most women might not be cleaning them often enough. And forget frequency, a lot of women aren’t exactly sure how to clean their makeup brushes and sponges. 

 

There is a lot of advice on how to clean your makeup brushes and sponges out there, but in this new era of (a) increased concern for sanitization and (b) decreased "free" time, we think it’s time for a new process:  the double cleanse.  We’ll answer all your questions about double cleansing your makeup brushes and sponges in this post.

 

What should I use to clean my makeup brushes?

 

We recommend water and a gentle soap, like our all natural Deep Clean solution. In general, you’ll want to use a formula that helps dissolve the oils and product that might be built up deep in the bristles of your tool. Though you can use dish soap or baby shampoo, it’s a good idea to use an organic soap or gentle shampoo because it won’t dry out your hands or cause health issues.

 

But there’s nothing new about this advice – literally every blog and website suggests doing the same.  But what those blogs and websites don’t take into consideration is the non-compliance rate.  If everyone had the time and presence of mind to diligently wash their brushes every week, we would be fine.  However, the realities of a demanding life – even more so these days – makes adding this additional chore on a near impossibility for some whose “to do” lists already span both sides of the paper.  The result is that fewer and fewer makeup wearers are cleaning their tools, leaving them susceptible to a host of skin-impacting bacteria and viruses. 

 

To simplify your life, at Yubi we also recommend using a makeup brush cleaning spray like our One, Two, Fresh!.  This easy to use, instant drying formula will help lift surface dirt and makeup and leave your brush dry and ready to be used again immediately.  Makeup artists swear by quick-dry formulas like this to help sterilize their tools in between clients.  By using a makeup brush cleaning spray you can stretch out the time in between deep cleanings and make your life easier and skin safer. 

 

How exactly do I double cleanse my makeup brushes?

 

Step 1: The Surface Clean. Using your brush cleaning spray, spray the surface of your brush a few times – don’t saturate it or it might get sudsy.  Rub the bristles against the surface of a clean microfiber towel.  If you have a Yubi Clean Towel (available in our Complete Clean Kit), use the mesh side to lift even more product from the brush and quickly restore your makeup brush to like-new freshness.  Repeat if necessary.

 

Step 2:  The Deep Clean.  Get your bristles good and wet and add a dime sized drop of your favorite cleanser. Gently massage the cleanser deep into the bristles to lift oil, dirt and product from your brush.  Swirl your brushes under lukewarm water until water runs clear. If you use your makeup brushes to apply a lot of oil-based makeup you'll likely need to start again from the top and give the makeup brush a second cleansing.

 

Do I have to double clean my makeup brushes and sponges every day? 

 

As noted, many dermatologists recommend deep cleaning your makeup brushes every 7 to 10 days.  This is especially true for foundation makeup brushes, powder brushes and other tools you use every day. Since these tools are often dipped into or swiped across your makeup products you’ll want to make sure they aren’t transferring bacteria and contaminating your makeup with each use. 

 

The same goes for eye makeup brushes. Because these tools are used around the eyes, dermatologists recommend cleaning them well once per week. This way you can avoid pesky eye infections and irritations that may be painful or difficult to cure.  There's nothing cute about pink eye.

 

At Yubi, we recommend performing your surface clean every 2 or 3 days (Step 1) and deep clean every 10 – 14 days (Step 2).  This way you can help make sure your tools and skin stay clean and safe and still protect your busy schedule.

 

A note on animal hair brushes:  Though we are a vegan, cruelty-free beauty brand, we recognize many of our friends and customers use animal hair brushes.  If you are using animal hair brushes, you may want to give those tools a soak more frequently. This is because the cuticles in the hairs of those tools may trap bacteria, product and oils more aggressively than synthetic bristles. The downside: cleaning animal hair brushes more frequently may also increase the risk of damage. Takeaway: a good synthetic brush will be more durable, less high maintenance and fit better into your busy lifestyle.

 

How do I get my makeup brushes to dry faster after deep cleaning?

 

For many women, the prospect of waiting for your brushes to dry alone makes them put off washing altogether. It’s important after deep cleaning that you gently squeeze out any excess water with a clean towel. Then, the real secret to drying makeup brushes fast is to hang them bristles-down and let gravity be your friend. This tip will also help make your brushes last longer - drying them bristles-down helps prevent water from settling in the ferrule and loosening the glue that holds some of your favorite brushes together. With a makeup brush like the Yubi Buff Brush you’re in luck – our design lets you rest your brush bristles down on a clean towel (or paper towel in a pinch). Wash at night and your Yubi will be dry and ready for you by the morning! 

 

 

Should I put my makeup sponges in the dishwasher to clean them?

 

 

Please don’t! Cleaning your makeup sponge is super easy, so no need for a dishwasher.  Basically follow the steps above for double cleaning your sponges, too.  Spray your sponge with makeup brush cleaning spray and squeeze it gently, then rub it against the surface of your towel.  When performing deep clean,  instead of massaging with your thumb, gently squish the sponge against the palm of your hand. This motion will help press cleanser into the sponge and lift out dirt, but will help keep your sponge from tearing. Preventing tears is the most important thing in cleaning your sponges – once they have a rip you’ll need to replace them.

 

Wait, I need to replace my makeup brushes and makeup sponges?

 

Yes! If you notice tears in your sponge it is time to trash it! A tear makes it super easy for bacteria to hide inside your sponge – bacteria that can cause a host of skin issues. You’ll also generally want to replace your sponge every 2 – 3 months to protect your skin. 

 

As for your brush – in general the kinder you treat it, the longer it will last. Still, you’ll want to throw your brush away when you notice the bristles start to shed or splay. With the Yubi Buff Brush, you’ll want to replace your brush head when the brush loses some of its luxe, fluffy softness at around month 3 or 4.

 

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