How to give your make-up brushes, storage and other beauty products a deep clean this autumn

how to clean your makeup brushes and products

Credit: Getty

Beauty


How to give your make-up brushes, storage and other beauty products a deep clean this autumn

By Chloe Burcham

2 years ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

3 min read

Give your beauty bag the ultimate autumn clean-up with these sanitising tips and tricks…


Spring might have the reputation for being the season to clean and organise but autumn presents just as good an opportunity. When it seems like everyone is coming down with a cold, it’s important to ensure your everyday essentials are kept clean and sanitised and we’re talking about more than just your make-up brushes.

Because yes, while we all know that we should be cleaning our make-up brushes more regularly than we actually do (dermatologists recommend once a week!), it’s not just our brushes that harbour bacteria. Our make-up products could be awash with germs that can cause infection and blemishes. And be honest: when was the last time you gave your make-up bag a wash? No judgment – we can’t remember either.

In fact, a study published in the Journal Of Applied Microbiology found that the majority of “in-use make-up products, such as beauty blenders, mascara and lip gloss are contaminated with potentially life-threatening superbugs”, including things like E.coli (a sickness bug) and staphylococci (which can cause skin infections and conjunctivitis). Now if that doesn’t make you want to instantly wash your make-up bag, we don’t know what will. 

Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up some brilliant products that can make a quick autumn spruce up a breeze. From the best make-up brush cleansers to beauty bags that only require a speedy wipe down, here’s how to ensure your favourite beauty bits are kept hygienic and fresh all year round…


Omnicare Makeup Brush Cleaner Gel

Omnicare Makeup Brush Cleaner Gel

This brilliant gel is ideal for speedy make-up brush cleaning on-the-go. In less than 60 seconds, it gently lifts away make-up, oil and dirt, ensuring your brushes are kept clean and fresh. Simply dispense a few pumps of the gel directly onto the brush fibres before swirling onto a clean paper towel. The clever formula kills 99.9% of bacteria and there’s no need to add water – meaning your brushes are dry and ready to use, minutes later. Win-win. 

Shop Omnicare Makeup Brush Cleaner Gel, £19.99

buy now

The Pro Hygiene Collection Antibacterial Makeup Sanitizer Spray

The Pro Hygiene Collection Antibacterial Makeup Sanitizer Spray

We’re told that we should throw out our make-up after a few months of use but hands up who has a powder palette hanging around in their make-up bag from 2019? This antibacterial sanitizer spray is used by make-up artists to refresh palettes and lipsticks in between clients. Simply spritz from a distance and let dry. 

Shop The Pro Hygiene Collection Antibacterial Makeup Sanitizer Spray at Amazon, £9

buy now

Brushworks Brush Cleaner Tool

Brushworks Brush Cleaner Tool

If you find that you can never really get deep into the bristles of your make-up brushes when cleaning them, this handy ergonomic tool makes cleaning a breeze. The textured surface effectively removes dirt, impurities and product build-up from bristles. Use together with your favourite brush cleanser for a really deep-down clean. 

Shop Brushworks Brush Cleaner Tool at Lookfantastic, £3.99

buy now

STYLPRO Original Brush Cleaner

StylPro Original Brush Cleaner

One of the main gripes of cleaning your make-up brushes is the waiting around for them to dry time. This innovative tool uses centrifugal spin technology that aims to clean and dry your brushes in under 30 seconds.

Shop StylPro Original Brush Cleaner at Asos, £29.99

buy now

Space NK Travel Bag

Space NK travel bag

These brilliant beauty bags not only make it super easy for finding fiddly make-up bits but their wipe-clean transparent panels are a breeze to clean. Simply spritz with an antibacterial spray and wipe with a washcloth. Et voila! Sanitised in seconds.

Shop Space NK Travel Bag, £26

buy now

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands

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