How to clean makeup brushes and beauty blenders (without breaking the bank)

The other day I made the fatal error of using a foundation brush I had not cleaned, nor used, in months.

Cut to a few hours later and my cosmetic rash started to break out at work and then spread to both my cheeks the next day. Imagine me sitting with each cheek smothered in sudocrem writing this.
It definitely gave a wake-up call that my brushes needed a clean and the brown tinge that had taken over my orange beauty blender meant that could also use a good wash.

Looking online it is clear that make up cleaner can range from £2 to £50 with the majority being between £5 to £10. Well if you are like me you won't want to buy cleaner when you can just use household items and save some storage and money.  So buckle up because I am going to lay out how to clean brushes and blenders using bare minimum and saving money.

BRUSHES

All you will need is a tap, a shallow container/bowl and some shampoo. Literally. It takes about 5 minutes depending on how gross your brushes are.

Step one: Apply a small blob of shampoo into the bottom of the container and then fill with warm (NOT hot) water. I just use Boots own anti-dandruff shampoo for sensitive heads (they no longer do this type but the men's one works just as good and only costs £1.50 per bottle) and a small Tupperware container when cleaning mine, but you can just use anything.

Step two: Give your brushes a little rinse under the warm (again NOT hot) to get rid of the initial residue. Use your fingers to push the bristles back and forth.

Step three: Place your brushes in the container to let them soak. To speed it along I tend to press down on the bottom of the container like I am applying foundation so it gets in between the bristles and needs fewer rinses. You may need to replace the water a few times.

Step four: Keep rinsing your brushes under the warm tap water until there is no residue in the sink or the brushes are back to their normal colour. Squeeze the water out and then place them to the side.

BEAUTY BLENDER

For your blender, all you will need is a tap and some hand soap (preferably with a pump).

Step one: Rinse the blender under some water. Use a squeezing motion to get as much initial residue off the sponge.

Step two: Use the pump to put a small amount of soap onto the sponge. I just use Imperial's Moisturising Hand Wash which costs £1 for a big bottle.  Rub it around the pointy bit of the sponge and then use a massaging motion to rinse it. Keep repeating this until the stains on your blender are mostly gone.

Step three: Make sure all soap is washed off the sponge and then give it a squeeze to remove as much water as possible.

Once you have done these steps to your blender and brushes you are done. Just push the bristles back into place so the brushes don't lose shape and place everything on a hand towel to dry out. I recommend doing this overnight so they have a bit of time to dry.

And you are done. No money spent and your equipment should be nice and clean ready for use the next day. Don't do what I did like an idiot and cause yourself a rash.

Until next time.