How To Clean A Mascara Brush

Why Cleaning Your Mascara Brush Is Important

Cleaning your mascara brush is an essential part of your makeup routine that should not be overlooked. Not only does it help to maintain the quality of your mascara, but it also plays a crucial role in safeguarding your eye health. Here are a few reasons why cleaning your mascara brush on a regular basis is important:

Prolongs the lifespan of your mascara: When you use your mascara regularly, it tends to build up on the brush over time. This accumulation can cause the mascara formula to dry out, leading to clumpy and less effective application. By cleaning your brush regularly, you can prevent this build-up and extend the lifespan of your mascara.
Prevents the growth of bacteria: Mascara wands are a breeding ground for bacteria. Every time you use your mascara, some bacteria transfer onto the brush. These bacteria can multiply and potentially cause eye infections or irritations. Regularly cleaning your mascara brush helps remove any bacterial buildup and minimizes the risk of eye-related issues.
Avoids clumpy application: A dirty mascara brush can lead to clumpy and uneven application, ruining the desired effect of long, voluminous lashes. By cleaning the brush, you remove any excess product and ensure a smooth, even application every time you use your mascara.
Maintains lash health: Cleaning your mascara brush helps to remove any debris, dirt, or dust that may have accumulated on the bristles. Keeping your brush clean ensures that your lashes stay healthier and less prone to breakage or damage.
Improves mascara performance: When you clean your mascara brush, you remove any dried-out formula or debris that may be hindering the performance of your mascara. A clean brush allows the mascara to adhere to your lashes better, resulting in more defined and longer-lasting results.

Now that you understand the importance of cleaning your mascara brush, let’s move on to the steps you can follow to ensure a thorough cleaning process and maintain the quality of your favorite mascara.

Gather the Tools

Before you begin the process of cleaning your mascara brush, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools. Having everything at hand will make the cleaning process quick and efficient. Here are the tools you’ll need:

Warm water: You’ll need warm water to soak and rinse the mascara brush. Make sure the water is not too hot to avoid damaging the bristles.
Mild soap or shampoo: Choose a gentle soap or shampoo that is suitable for cleaning makeup brushes. Avoid harsh chemicals or strong cleansers as they may cause irritation to the eyes.
A clean towel or tissue: You’ll need a clean surface to blot and dry the mascara brush after cleaning it. A soft towel or tissue will do the job.
A small bowl or cup: Use a small bowl or cup to hold the warm water and soap/shampoo mixture for soaking the mascara brush.
A toothbrush or brush cleaning tool: This tool will help you to gently scrub the bristles and remove any stubborn mascara residue.

Once you have gathered all these tools, you’re ready to move on to the next step: removing excess mascara from the brush.

Step 1: Remove Excess Mascara

Before you begin cleaning your mascara brush, you need to remove any excess mascara from the bristles. This step is crucial to ensure an effective cleaning process. Here’s how you can do it:

Scrape off excess mascara: Gently scrape the bristles of the mascara brush against the opening of the mascara tube to remove any excess product. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the brush.
Use a tissue or cotton pad: Take a tissue or cotton pad and gently press the bristles against it. This will help absorb any remaining mascara on the brush.
Repeat if necessary: If there is still mascara residue on the brush, you can repeat the process of scraping and pressing against a tissue until the brush looks clean and free from clumps.

Once you have removed the excess mascara, you’re now ready to move on to the next step: soaking the brush.

Step 2: Soak the Brush

After removing the excess mascara, the next step in cleaning your mascara brush is to soak it. Soaking the brush helps to loosen any remaining mascara residue and prepares it for thorough cleaning. Follow these simple steps to soak your mascara brush:

Fill a small bowl or cup with warm water: Fill a bowl or cup with warm water, ensuring that it’s not too hot to avoid damaging the bristles.
Add a small amount of mild soap or shampoo: Add a small amount of mild soap or shampoo into the warm water. Swirl the water gently to create a soapy mixture.
Submerge the mascara brush: Submerge the bristles of the mascara brush into the soapy water. Ensure that the entire brush head is fully immersed.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes: Allow the mascara brush to soak for 5-10 minutes. This will help to soften and dissolve any remaining mascara build-up.

While the mascara brush is soaking, you can move on to the next step: gently cleaning the bristles.

Step 3: Gently Clean the Bristles

Once you have soaked your mascara brush, it’s time to gently clean the bristles to remove any loosened mascara residue. Follow these steps to ensure a thorough cleaning process without damaging the brush:

Hold the brush securely: Hold the mascara brush firmly by the handle, ensuring that the bristles are facing downwards.
Use a toothbrush or brush cleaning tool: Take a clean toothbrush or a specialized brush cleaning tool and gently scrub the bristles in a back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or bend the bristles.
Focus on the bristle tips: Pay extra attention to the tips of the bristles, as this is where most of the mascara residue tends to accumulate. Make sure to clean each bristle individually.
Rinse in warm water: After scrubbing, rinse the mascara brush under warm running water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and all the remaining mascara is removed.

It’s important to note that when cleaning the bristles, you should avoid submerging the entire brush handle. Doing so can cause water to seep into the base and weaken the adhesive holding the bristles in place. This may result in bristle shedding or damage to the brush itself.

Once you have cleaned the bristles, you’re ready to move on to the next step: rinsing the brush.

Step 4: Rinse the Brush

After gently cleaning the bristles of your mascara brush, it’s time to rinse away any remaining soap or shampoo residue. Follow these steps to ensure a thorough rinsing process:

Hold the brush under running water: Hold the bristles of the mascara brush under running water, making sure the water is warm but not too hot.
Gently massage the bristles: Use your fingers to gently massage the bristles while they are under the running water. This will help to remove any lingering soap or shampoo.
Continue rinsing until water runs clear: Keep rinsing the brush under the running water until the water runs clear and all the soap or shampoo residue has been washed away. This is an important step to ensure that no residue is left on the brush.

It’s crucial to ensure that all the soap or shampoo is thoroughly rinsed off the brush as any residue left behind can affect the performance and hygiene of your mascara.

Once you have rinsed the brush, it’s time to move on to the next step: properly drying the brush.

Step 5: Dry the Brush Properly

Properly drying your mascara brush is essential to maintain its shape and prevent the growth of bacteria. Follow these steps to ensure your brush dries thoroughly and efficiently:

Blot the bristles with a clean towel or tissue: After rinsing the brush, gently blot the bristles with a clean towel or tissue to remove excess water. Be careful not to rub or twist the bristles, as this can damage them.
Reshape the bristles: Use your fingers to reshape the bristles to their original shape. This helps to maintain the brush’s functionality and overall appearance.
Air dry the brush: Place the mascara brush on a clean towel or a brush drying rack with the bristles facing downwards. Allow it to air dry completely before storing it. Avoid using a hairdryer or any other heat source to speed up the drying process, as this can damage the bristles.

It’s important to let the brush dry completely before using it again to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to the growth of bacteria. Aim to leave the brush to air dry for at least 24 hours, or until it feels completely dry to the touch.

Once the brush is completely dry, you can move on to the final step: storing your mascara brush correctly.

Step 6: Store Your Mascara Brush Correctly

Properly storing your mascara brush is essential to maintain its cleanliness and prolong its lifespan. Follow these steps to ensure your mascara brush is stored correctly:

Place the cap back on the mascara tube: After the brush is completely dry, make sure to securely place the cap back on the mascara tube. This helps to protect the brush from dirt, dust, and bacteria.
Store your mascara in a cool, dry place: Find a cool, dry place to keep your mascara tube. Excessive heat and humidity can cause the formula to degrade and the brush to become less effective. Avoid storing your mascara in the bathroom where humidity levels are typically high.
Avoid sharing your mascara: Sharing mascara with others can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of eye infections. It’s important to use your own mascara and not share it with anyone else.
Replace your mascara regularly: Mascara should be replaced every three to six months to ensure optimal hygiene and performance. Over time, the formula may dry out, and the brush may become less effective. Keeping track of the purchase date can help you remember when it’s time to replace your mascara.

By following these storage guidelines, you can help maintain the cleanliness and integrity of your mascara brush, ensuring that it remains in good condition for future use.

Now that you’ve learned the steps to clean and store your mascara brush correctly, you can enjoy the benefits of a clean brush and achieve beautiful, clump-free lashes every time you use your mascara!

Maintaining a Clean Mascara Brush

Keeping your mascara brush clean is not a one-time task; it requires ongoing maintenance to ensure optimal performance and hygiene. Follow these tips to maintain a clean mascara brush:

Clean your mascara brush regularly: Make it a habit to clean your mascara brush every two to four weeks, depending on your usage frequency. Regular cleaning prevents product buildup and keeps the bristles free from bacteria.
Use a brush cleaner: Consider investing in a brush cleaner specifically designed for makeup brushes. These cleaners help to deep clean and sanitize your mascara brush, ensuring a thorough clean every time.
Replace your mascara when it’s time: As mentioned earlier, mascara should be replaced every three to six months. Using expired mascara increases the risk of eye infections and compromises the effectiveness of the product.
Avoid pumping the mascara wand: Pumping the wand in the mascara tube introduces air and can cause the formula to dry out faster. Instead, gently swirl the wand inside the tube to pick up the desired amount of product.
Keep the brush protected: When not in use, make sure to keep the mascara brush covered with the cap to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on the bristles.
Avoid layering mascara: Layering multiple coats of mascara without proper cleaning in between can lead to clumping and product buildup on the brush. Clean the brush before applying additional coats to achieve a clean and even application.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your mascara brush remains clean, hygienic, and in optimal condition for a longer period.

Remember, a clean mascara brush not only helps to achieve flawless and clump-free lashes but also protects the health of your eyes. By incorporating regular cleaning and maintenance into your makeup routine, you can enjoy the benefits of a clean and well-performing mascara brush.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining a clean mascara brush is essential for both the longevity of your mascara and the health of your eyes. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing good practices for cleaning and storing your mascara brush, you can achieve clump-free application and minimize the risk of eye infections.

Regularly cleaning your mascara brush not only removes excess product and bacteria but also ensures that your mascara performs at its best. With a clean brush, you can achieve more defined, voluminous lashes without clumping or flaking.

Remember to gather all the necessary tools, remove excess mascara, soak the brush, gently clean the bristles, rinse thoroughly, dry properly, and store the brush correctly. By incorporating these steps into your beauty routine, you can maintain a clean mascara brush and enjoy beautiful lashes.

Additionally, don’t forget to maintain your mascara brush beyond the initial cleaning. Regularly clean the brush, use a brush cleaner, replace your mascara as needed, avoid pumping the wand, protect the brush, and avoid layering mascara without cleaning in between. These maintenance practices will ensure that your mascara brush stays in top condition and continues to provide you with fantastic results.

By following our guide and implementing these tips, you can take care of your mascara brush and enjoy the benefits of clean and clump-free lashes. Remember, a little extra effort goes a long way in maintaining your makeup tools and preserving the health of your eyes.