How I Clean My Brushes + Makeup

I've always thought there isn't really a right or wrong way to clean makeup brushes. Sure, there's the whole "don't dry them standing upright" rule but there aren't really any with regards to what to use and how to do it. Except you know...don't soak the buggers in bleach.

So this is what I do:

Every day, immediately after use:

White face towel - cheapies from ASDA, 50 odd pence for a pack of 4.
e.l.f. Daily Brush Cleaner, £3.50 from eyeslipsface.co.uk

1. Spray brush cleaner on brush
2. Swipe across towel a few times, then in a zig-zag motion
3. Spray again to make sure all product is gone

Once every two weeks:

Simple baby shampoo - available from Boots, Superdrug and most supermarkets, about £1.50
Alcohol, got mine for under a quid at the chemist down the road

1. Squeeze a palmful of baby shampoo into a dish
2. Add 2-3 drops of alcohol and mix.
3. Wet bristles with warm water, taking care not to wet the ferrule
4. Dip brush into the mixture and swipe across hand a few times, then in a zig-zag motion
5. Rinse product out of bristles with warm water, gently squeeze dry.
6. Repeat.
7. Lay flat on a towel, slightly tiled downwards. I do this by folding the edge of a hand towel over a few times to create a "pillow"

I hang kabuki brushes upside down to dry (elastic hairband, paperclips and the doorknob - it's all a huge operation) so they keep their shape.

I also disinfect my powder and cream makeup every 2 months. I lay all my products out - open - on a towel and lightly mist alcohol over them, wait for them to dry then put them away. This is also a good opportunity to throw away expired products or get rid of things I just don't use anymore.

Though there are a million videos and blog posts on this, I hope it helps someone out there!