The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Natural Brushes

You’ve probably heard how important it is to clean your makeup brushes regularly. But did you know that brushes with natural bristles (such as goat, squirrel, or fitch) should be treated differently than their synthetic counterparts? Though natural brushes normally shed when you first use them, with proper maintenance, you can minimize shedding and help your brushes stay soft and supple for years to come. Keep reading for a rundown on the best way to clean and care for your natural brushes.

Between Makeup Applications
Washing your natural brushes too frequently can damage their delicate bristles. Keep them clean and conditioned between uses with these tips:

1. Wipe off any excess product onto a microfiber towel. Fine, natural hair is not very porous, so it should release pigment easily.

2. Spot clean with a no-rinse spray cleanser, such as BeautySoClean Conditioning Brush Spray. This step is crucial if you’re a makeup artist or have oily, acne-prone skin. BeautySoClean uses food-grade alcohol to gently sanitize your brush and emollients to keep the hairs soft between washings.

Bi-monthly Bathtime
Deep clean your natural brushes every 1-2 months with a gentle brush cleanser like beautyblender’s blendercleanser solid, a solid cleanser formulated with coconut oil and nourishing aloe to banish dirt, oil, makeup, and bacteria—all without stripping your brushes. (Pro tip: You can also use this on synthetic brushes and sponges too!) Bathe your brushes by following these steps:

1. Wet the bristles under lukewarm running water, angling downward to ensure that the metal ferrule of the brush doesn’t get wet. Water in your brush’s ferrule can eventually break down the glue holding the handle and the bristles together.

2. Swish the wet brush directly into the brush cleanser to create a delicate lather.

3. Continue to swish the wet, foamy bristles gently in the palm of your clean hand. You’ll begin to see makeup pigment release.

4. Rinse the brush just like you did in the first step, pointing the brush tip downward under lukewarm running water. Use your fingers to gently move the hair around to ensure that all makeup and soap has been rinsed clean.

5. Gently squeeze out any excess water and place your brush in a Brush Guard. These breathable mesh sleeves help to maintain your brush’s shape and keep bristles in like-new condition.

6. Allow your brushes to dry upside down overnight so that water doesn’t leak into the ferrule and loosen the bristles.