Make Sure To Do This With Your New Makeup Brushes

You just picked up a brand new makeup brush, and you can't wait to nail the latest strobing or contour trend. But if you're wondering whether you should you wash your makeup brushes when you first get them, I've got the answer for you. Here's a go-to guide for taking your new brush home.

It's a great idea to wash a new brush if you picked it up at your local department store or drugstore, especially if the bristles were exposed. Countless hands, faces, and who knows what else has touched them before you, so you should definitely give it a wash! Even if you've ordered a new makeup brush and it arrives enclosed in a package, I still recommend cleaning it. Let me explain why.

Cleanliness is a huge benefit from washing your brand new brush. Still, there are other reasons to suds up. Washing the brush first thing when you get home will remove any loose bristles and anything that may have come in contact with them during the manufacturing process. Seriously, who knows how long they were sitting in a warehouse. Washing will also remove that stale smell. What's more, you may also see some color bleed in the initial wash, removing any extra dye that you definitely don't want mingling with your foundation.

Washing will also help soften and condition your brushes, prepping them for use and extending their lifetime. If you didn't buy a fancy brush cleanser with the brush itself, no worries. You can DIY a natural solution or opt for gentle, antibacterial soap.

Johnson's Baby Head-to-Toe Wash, $6, Amazon

Spritz a daily brush cleaner in-between uses to keep from spreading bacteria.

Master Cleanse: Daily Brush Cleaner, $8, Amazon

All kinds of anti-bacterial soap will work to clean and disinfect your makeup. There's need to spend tons of money!

Honest Company dish soap, $4, Honest Company

If you can't spritz your brushes down after every use, be sure to clean your makeup brushes once a week to prevent breakouts.

e.l.f Studio Daily Brush Cleaner, $3, Target

When washing, try to focus the lather on your bristles instead of the handle to prevent mold and mildew growing in the handle.

Cinema Secrets Professional Brush Cleaner, $24/8oz, Amazon

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Images: Miles Willis/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images; Courtesy of Brands