Need help on how to remove oil on my make-up brushes

Sep 10, 2012

Idah H.

Recently i tried washing my make-up brushes using olive oil & shampoo.But somehow,the oil is still stuck on my brushes,my heart drop as i cldnt removeD it no matter what i did.Such as using rubbing alcohol,re-wash again with warm water and shampoo.I am desperately in need of solution right now,please...any one who has encounter this frustrating moment before?Any useful tips?

Sep 10, 2012

Jennifer T.

I experienced that once. Try buying a brush cleaner or use a good conditioner to rewash them again. If not, you may have to discontinue them which is sad!

Sep 10, 2012

Jennifer T.

Did you watch that tutorial by Michelle Phan or something? I got that idea from her and it killed some of my makeup brushes that i had to buy a whole new set again. Lame! 

Sep 11, 2012

Nancy-Lee C.

As costly as it will be to replace them, if you cant eradicate the oil,you run the risk of the oil turning rancid and creating a haven for bacterial growth in your bristles. This is my only solution for you: fill a cup/glass with fine table salt and put the brushes, bristle side down, in the salt. The salt should draw the oil from your brushes. I recommend that you put the brushes in the cup and pour the salt around the head. If you jam the brushes in the salt, you could have another problem on you hands. 

Sep 11, 2012

Laura T.

Use an antibacterial dish soap. Dish soap is a degreaser and will take it right off, it's also gentle and non-toxic. I did the same thing to some of my eyeshadow brushes and thought i'd lost them for good until I saw a tutorial using palmolive, now it's the only way I clean my brushes.

Sep 11, 2012

Idah H.

@ Jeniffer : Damn!ive been thinking abt getting new cheaper brush set too
Like coastal scents or something.
@Nancy lee & Laura T : thanks ladies for ya'll tips,for now some of the oil from my brush has disappeared.Will try using both of ya"ll suggestions soon...;)

Sep 11, 2012

Jennifer T.

@Idah coastal scents brushes are good! Try getting the ELF ones or other ones on amazon.com

Sep 11, 2012

Elizabeth F.

I saw this on Pinterest- 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of
Vinegar and 1 tablespoon of Dawn dish washing liquid. I've only used it on one foundation brush so far but I was impressed on how clean it was afterwards. There's no strong vinegar odor because of the dish washing liquid. Just rinse brushes under warm water for a few minutes after soaking

Sep 15, 2012

Toni S.

At most art stores you can get a product called master brush cleaner. http://www.generalpencil.com/index.cfm?page=content&cid=10
It also doubles as a preserver. I have brushes that are many years old. This is the only brush cleaner I'll use. :)

Sep 15, 2012

Holly N.

Try using some washing up liquid and warm water on them it should work 

Sep 20, 2012

Idah H.

@Holly Hey!!im glad i did use the dish washing liquid & most of brushes are back to normal!!yay!except the elf's,but thats ok i can replace with some brands which are more better.Thanks everyone for ya'll ideas & solutions;)

Sep 20, 2012

Mary P.

Don't use olive oil anymore, go out & get a good brush cleaner, in your case, try a name brand one such as MAC, i believe its $11 for a bottle.

Sep 20, 2012

Aley A.

I have a video on how to clean them and remove oil, dirt, sebun and BACTERIA :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poOTEv21avs&list=UUBoVuFn21Q6vo96RfDFmvYQ&index=1&feature=plcp

Sep 20, 2012

Toni C.

When I clean my brushes I use Nivea body wash and it works really good. Then I lay them on a towel and let them dry over night

Sep 24, 2012

Jessi J.

I would use a small amount of dish washing liquid, it will break down the oil x

Oct 24, 2012

Holly N.

Glad i could help :) x

Jun 1, 2016

Ciara B.

@Laura T Oh my gosh you just saved my brushes. I bought £34.50 worth of brushes and I ruined them with baby oil and they where stained and the detergent got it all out!