Makeup is an integral part of your daily routine. In the mornings when you’re rushing to get ready for work, the last thing you need is the lip brush applying pink when you’re trying to put on red. If your brushes aren’t cleaned regularly, that’s exactly the kind of makeup disaster that can happen. Further, to protect your skin from bacterial infections, you must clean your brushes every now and then using an organic DIY makeup brush cleaner. Taking these simple precautions can prevent the bacteria and dirt from building up in your delicate makeup tools.

Prevent Skin Irritation and Other Infections with Regular Brush Cleaning

You need not invest in expensive or chemical brush cleaners solutions available at the store. Make a mixture of a few regular ingredients you have at home and create an effective solvent that can remove the dust, dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants from your brush. Whatever may be the DIY makeup brush cleaner you use, keep these basic rules in mind:

• When washing the brushes, do not keep them soaked in the liquid or the soap can dissolve the glue holding the bristles in place.
• Swirl the makeup brushes in the solvent gently until clean. Use a shallow dish so you can press the brush to the bottom gently. As the brush cleans, you should see the colors run into the solvent.
• Never allow the ferrule or the stem to touch the solvent. That’s because the soap can cause the bristles to fall out.
• After rinsing the brushes with clean water, pat dry with clean tissues.
• Lay the brushes on a clean towel to air dry. Take care not to stand them up or let the water drip into the ferrule.
• Always add a little olive oil or almond oil to the solvent to keep the brushes soft and conditioned. This tip is especially useful in case you’re using brushes made with natural fibers.

Organic Solvents You Can Make at Home

Keep in mind that DIY makeup brush cleaner solvents have a short shelf life. So, you may want to prepare a small quantity and discard the leftovers when you’re done.

1. Make a solution of 2 tbsp rubbing alcohol (vodka works too!), 1 ½ cup distilled water, organic dishwash soap, ½ tsp olive oil, and 10 to 15 drops tea tree essential oils. Instead of dipping your makeup brushes in the solution and washing them, you can also pour the liquid into a spray bottle and spritz it on the makeup tools for a quick clean.
2. Use olive oil and an old towel. Dip the brush in the oil and dap it on the towel. Repeat until the oil on the towel runs clean and shows no signs of color.
3. A solution of water and baby shampoo is one of the mildest and safest ways of cleaning your brushes. But, shampoo alone cannot get rid of bacteria. Dip the brushes in a teaspoon or two of rubbing alcohol for a few seconds, and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Use this tip at least once a week.
4. Use a shallow dish to make a mixture of castile soap or any other natural soap. Choose any nourishing oil you prefer such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and sweet almond oil. Add it in equal quantity to the dish and move the brush heads around in the solution. Rinse with clean water and dry flat on tissues.
5. White vinegar is another excellent cleansing agent. Combine a cup of warm water with a tablespoon each of white vinegar and baby shampoo. Swish the brushes in the solution and rinse with warm water.

Cleaning and maintaining your tools using organic DIY makeup brush cleaners once a week won’t take up much of your time. But, the simple process will keep your skin safe from infections.