A former Great British Bake Off champion shared her homemade cleaning paste that can be used on just about anything – including make-up brushes
Former Great British Bake Off winner Nancy Birtwhistle recently appeared on ITV’s This Morning to sing the praises of a homemade cleaner that can be used for just about anything, including make-up brushes. Make-up brushes can harbour hidden bacteria when they aren’t cleaned regularly or properly.
This can lead to skin issues like acne, breakouts, and even infections. However, if you’re unsure where to start, Nancy explained that a homemade paste made with just two household ingredients can do the trick.
This handy paste doesn’t just work for cleaning make-up brushes either. For cleaning kitchens, it can also be used as a degreaser.
How to clean make-up brushes
All you need to do is create a paste using baking soda and some eco-friendly washing up liquid in a bowl. Then transfer a small amount of the paste to a tea strainer or sieve, reports the Express.
Nancy demonstrated how you can use this paste to clean your grubby make-up brushes. Take your make-up brush, one by one, and push the bristles into the paste.
Gently push and twist the brush’s bristles into the paste. This will help draw out any residue stuck on the brush. From stubborn stains to dirty make-up brushes, this quick hack is a game-changer and it’s super simple too
Nancy said: “And here again, make-up brushes, make-up grease, all that sort of thing, in with that paste. And then I use, you know, a tea strainer… And it just gets into… into those bristles.”
Host Rochelle Humes replied: “I wouldn’t have thought it for a make-up brush.”
Nancy said: “Yeah, it is so good!”
Baking soda is touted as a wonder product for cleaning make-up brushes due to its slightly abrasive nature, letting it scrub away clinging dirt and grime. The grainy paste is perfect for getting to grips with stubborn make-up residue, making rinsing a doddle.
Besides its cleansing prowess, baking soda doubles up as an odour eliminator, nipping any funky smells in the bud – a marvel for anyone with a nose for freshness. Healthfully.com sheds light on the topic, noting: “Moist areas are particularly prone to bacterial growth.”
Brushes used for liquid cosmetics should be first in line for a wash, but if your cupboard’s bare of baking soda, Illamasqua has a DIY solution for you – olive oil and washing up liquid can whip up a handy cleaner. Illamasqua recommends mixing the two, with olive oil breaking down the makeup and the dish soap delivering a thorough clean.
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