how to clean makeup brushes?

Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly is important to maintain their performance and prevent the buildup of bacteria, oil, and product residue. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean your makeup brushes effectively:

1. Gather your supplies: You'll need a gentle brush cleanser or a mild shampoo, a clean towel or paper towels, a bowl or sink, and lukewarm water.
2. Wet the bristles: Take one brush at a time and hold it under lukewarm water, ensuring that only the bristles get wet. Avoid submerging the brush handle or getting water into the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles).
3. Apply cleanser or shampoo: Squeeze a small amount of gentle brush cleanser or mild shampoo into the palm of your hand or onto a clean surface. Gently swirl the wet brush into the cleanser, working it into a lather. Make sure to clean the bristles thoroughly.
4. Rinse the brush: Rinse the brush under lukewarm water, continuing to swirl it gently in your hand or on a clean surface. Rinse until the water runs clear and all the cleanser or shampoo is removed.
5. Squeeze out excess water: Gently squeeze the bristles from base to tip to remove excess water. Be careful not to pull or twist the bristles, as this can damage them.
6. Reshape the brush: Using your fingers, reshape the bristles to their original form. This step is important to ensure the brush dries properly and maintains its shape.
7. Dry the brushes: Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel or paper towels, with the bristles hanging slightly over the edge to allow air circulation. Alternatively, you can also hang them upside down to dry using a brush holder or a clothespin attached to a hanger. Avoid standing the brushes upright while wet, as water can seep into the ferrule and damage the glue holding the bristles.
8. Let them air dry: Allow the brushes to air dry completely before using them again. This process usually takes a few hours to overnight, depending on the brush size and density. Avoid using a hairdryer to speed up the drying process, as the heat can damage the bristles.
9. Repeat for all brushes: Repeat the steps above for each makeup brush you own. It's recommended to clean your brushes at least once a week, especially for brushes used with liquid or cream products.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your makeup brushes and maintain their cleanliness and performance for a longer time.