Make-up brushes get dipped in liquids, creams, powders and gels, then daubed onto our faces, resulting in product and oil build-up in the bristles. They need to be cleaned and properly sanitized on a regular basis to minimize cross-contamination and bacteria growth and keep them working for you. And it’s easy to see why when you think of how brushes are constructed.

There’s a bundle of real or synthetic hair trimmed and bound to the handle. Between those two parts, a metal ring, called a ferrule, is clamped around the bundle of hair, connecting it to the handle. Even if the fringe of a brush appears clean, there is a real chance that moisture and bacteria has traveled down into the ferrule area. Proper and thorough cleaning will keep this to a minimum.

You really have two options when cleaning brushes. You can spot sanitize with a solvent or deep clean with a soapy wash. I suggest the combination of the two. Combining daily germ killing with a weekly thorough wash is the optimal routine.

Daily spot cleaning with a proper brush cleaner will destroy bacteria and remove superficial product build-up. Typically, the active ingredients will range from alcohols, citrus oils and natural germ fighters like tea tree oil.

A weekly bubble bath for your brushes is important for getting a thorough wash.  The tiniest bit of gentle shampoo or brush wash, brought to a lather, then rinsed well, will ensure they get squeaky clean. To dry your brushes, angle them with the brush tip leaning down, to prevent excess water from pooling into the ferrule.