Properly storing makeup brushes is essential to maintain their quality and longevity. Despite its importance, many women overlook this aspect of their beauty routine and end up with bristles that are misshapen, bent, or even moldy. If you want to ensure that your makeup brushes stay in pristine condition and continue to provide flawless application, it is crucial to learn the correct way to store them.
Ahead, continue reading to discover the best practices for storing makeup brushes, including the materials and products that can help keep them clean and organized. Whether you are a makeup enthusiast or a professional artist, this guide will help you maximize the lifespan of your precious tools.
Photo: Pexels/Ruslan Khmelevsky Why it is important to store your makeup brush properly?
If the simple satisfaction of feeling more organized isn’t reason enough to reconsider how you store your makeup brushes, there’s an essential factor to consider: proper storage and cleaning significantly extend the lifespan of your brushes, maximizing their value for your investment.
And if that alone doesn’t persuade you, here’s something to ponder: makeup brushes are a breeding ground for dust, dirt, oil, and bacteria. Consequently, using improperly stored and dirty brushes can lead to breakouts, skin irritations, or even severe infections like E. coli, fungus, or staph infections.
To begin proper makeup brush storage, the initial step involves thorough cleaning. Below are the recommended methods for cleaning makeup brushes, according to a dermatologist:
Step 1:
Rinse the tips of each makeup brush under a gentle stream of lukewarm water, ensuring not to soak the entire brush. The brush head is often attached to the handle with glue, which can deteriorate if exposed to excessive water over time.
Step 2:
In a clean bowl (we recommend using a Stasher bowl), mix warm water with a mild shampoo, such as baby shampoo. Opt for shampoo instead of regular soap to prevent the bristles from drying out.
Step 3:
Submerge each brush tip into the bowl of warm, soapy water, swirling it around. For particularly dirty brushes, consider gently massaging the bristles. This is also an opportune moment to clean your hair brushes and combs.
Step 4:
Rinse the brush heads under running water. If the water doesn’t run clear, repeat the shampooing step.
Step 5:
Once all brushes are clean, gently blot the wet bristles with a paper towel, or, for reduced waste, use a clean towel or rag that you don’t mind staining if there’s residual makeup.
Step 6:
For the next day or two, lay the brushes flat on a clean, absorbent towel, rotating them periodically. Avoid storing them upright until they are completely dry, as doing so prematurely could harm the glue between the brush head and handle or lead to mold.
To prevent bacterial buildup, aim to clean your brushes at least every two weeks.
How to properly store makeup brushes at home
First and foremost, it’s crucial to store your brushes separately from your makeup collection. Keeping them apart prevents potential dirt or damage caused by being mixed in with your beloved products.
Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes is equally essential. These tools can accumulate bacteria, dust, and grime, so maintaining cleanliness by cleaning them once a week helps fend off breakouts and skin irritations.
How to store makeup brushes upright
Storing makeup brushes upright safeguards the bristles, reducing the risk of bending or distortion. However, the downside to this method is that brushes not used daily may collect dust.
To prevent this, regular cleaning is vital. You can store brushes vertically in dedicated makeup containers or repurpose items like coffee mugs, upcycled jars, vases, or cleaned-out candle holders.
Expert Tip: Worried about dust and grime but short on time for frequent brush cleaning? Opt for brush containers equipped with lids to shield your brushes from dirt and dust. Additionally, always keep your makeup away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, melting, or sun-induced damage.
Photo: Annie Spratt-B/Unsplash How to store makeup brushes in drawer compartments
Opting for a drawer compartment is another effective method to maintain the pristine condition of your makeup brushes. While this storage option may put a bit more pressure on the bristles, it ensures a clutter-free space and reduces the likelihood of dust accumulation.
Consider clear drawers over wooden ones for enhanced convenience for makeup brush storage. The transparency allows easy visibility of contents, simplifying organization. Invest in a dedicated makeup drawer organizer or repurpose a clean kitchen cutlery tray for storing your makeup brushes and essentials. Placing your go-to products and brushes in a top drawer facilitates easy access.
How to store makeup brushes in a makeup bag
Storing your makeup brushes loosely in a makeup bag is strongly discouraged. This practice not only leads to constant searching for the right brush but also turns your makeup bag into a breeding ground for bacteria, transferring it to your face each time you use a brush. Moreover, makeup bags can potentially cause damage to your brushes.
How to store makeup brushes for travel
If you have upcoming travel plans, it’s wise to arrange a suitcase-friendly storage solution for your brushes and makeup essentials sooner rather than later. Opt for quart-sized or smaller, leak-free bags that easily fit into a suitcase or carry-on.
The leak-free design ensures that your foundation brushes, eyeshadow palettes, or concealer won’t cause smudges on the rest of your belongings. Even better, some of these bags are TSA-friendly for liquids, making your makeup storage hassle-free from the airport security line to your makeup application time.
Photo: Pexels/Rene Asmussen Properly storing and caring for your makeup brushes may seem like a small detail, but it can make a significant impact.
By doing so, you extend the lifespan of your brushes, shield your skin from breakouts and infections (complemented by clean and minimal beauty routine tips), and add a touch of simplicity to your morning routine.
Photo: Rosa Rafael/Unsplash
