How To Dry Your Makeup Brushes Fast After Washing Them

Want to know how to dry your makeup brushes fast after washing them? You’ve come to the right place.

Heaven knows we all don’t clean our makeup brushes enough. And it’s only made less frequent by the fact it sometimes takes a day or two for the suckers to dry. So unless you’re happy to go makeup-free for as long, giving your kabuki brush a shampoo just makes it further down your to-do list.

If you’ve been tempted to use a hair dryer or throw them in on ‘gentle’ in the tumble dryer to speed up the dry time — let us stop you right there. Makeup brushes are delicate tools, and if you want them to last you’ll need to stay away from heat (so it doesn’t melt the binding) and friction as much as possible.

But all is not lost, as the good people of the Internet have revealed some genius hacks for making your makeup brushes dry a hell of a lot faster…

6 ways to dry your makeup brushes fast

#1 Secure them upside down with hair ties

The most popular answer involves a bar of some sort (think: towel rack) and plenty of hair ties. After giving brushes a gentle pat down with a towel, secure them upside down along the bar (with said hair ties), allowing any moisture to escape from the tip of the brush hairs. This hack is both hygienic and clever, as the makeup brush handles will stay dry, keeping the glue intact and avoiding any bacteria from getting trapped at the root of your brush hairs. 

Source: Reddit user SuzyWatson

#2 Prop them on an angle

If finding enough hair ties for your makeup brushes is anything like finding just one bobby pin when you need it, then you may prefer Reddit user Kay_Money’s option. Simply lay out a towel, folding a section of one end under once or twice, until there is a noticeable incline. Then, place your brushes side by side on the towel, ensuring the bristle end is pointing downwards to encourage the moisture to escape in this direction. 

#3 Get crafty with magnets

If you’re a talent with a glue gun, another Reddit user suggests attaching small magnets to the handles of your brushes, and using this rather than hair ties to secure them upside down to your (presumably metal) towel rack.

#4 Use a pool noodle

Yes, a pool noodle. That piece of pliable foam can bend to your makeup-drying will with just a few clever slits cut here and there. Gail, you’re a goddamn genius. And kids, we’re sorry.

Source: Facebook

#5 Get yourself a Styl Pro

If you’re after a true time-saver and don’t mind spending some cash to get it, the Styl Pro ($69.99, styltom.com.au) has earned its dry-time stripes. Its high-speed spinning function literally whips out the water before it has a chance to stick, meaning you can use your brushes again the very same day. Invaluable for makeup artists and addicts alike. 

#6 Try Isocol when you’re short on time

If you don’t have time to give your brushes a deep wash (let alone wait for them to dry) Isocol ($6.49 at Chemist Warehouse) is a speedy solution. The disinfectant can be used on the go for a quick wipe down as needed, or as a once-weekly dip ‘n wipe. It kills 99 per cent of germs too, which helps to eliminate any dirt and bacteria that can lead to breakouts.

Do you have any hacks for cleaning or drying makeup brushes?