How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes and How Often You Should Wash Them
Expert tips for cleaning your makeup brushes, preserving their quality, and keeping your skin healthy and breakout-free.
Introduction
Cleaning your makeup brushes is one of those beauty routines that often gets skipped, but it’s absolutely essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin and prolonging the life of your favorite brushes. Dirty brushes can harbor bacteria, oil, and old makeup, leading to breakouts, irritation, and even infections. Plus, caked-on product can alter the performance of your brushes, making them less effective and more difficult to use.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about cleaning your makeup brushes—from step-by-step instructions to the best tools and tips for drying and storage. Whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or a professional artist, keeping your brushes clean should be a non-negotiable part of your beauty regimen.
Why Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes offers several important benefits:
- Prevents Breakouts and Infections: Dirty brushes can transfer bacteria, oil, and old makeup to your skin, clogging pores and causing breakouts or even more serious skin infections.
- Extends Brush Lifespan: Proper care keeps bristles soft and intact, so your brushes last longer and perform better.
- Improves Makeup Application: Clean brushes pick up and deposit product more evenly, giving you a smoother, more professional finish.
- Maintains Color Integrity: Washing removes pigment buildup, so your eye shadows, blushes, and foundations stay true to color.
How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
The frequency with which you should clean your brushes depends on how often you use them and what kind of products you apply. Here’s a general guide:
| Brush Type | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| Foundation, Concealer, Cream Products | Weekly |
| Powder, Blush, Bronzer, Eye Shadow | Bi-Weekly |
| Brushes used on multiple people (e.g., pro artists) | After each use |
If you notice your brushes are shedding more than usual, feeling stiff, or your skin is breaking out, it’s definitely time for a deep clean.
What Do You Need to Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
You don’t need expensive tools or a professional kit to clean your brushes effectively. Here’s what you should have on hand:
- Brush Cleanser: Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser specifically formulated for makeup brushes. You can also use baby shampoo or a mild facial cleanser.
- Lukewarm Water: Hot water can damage bristles, while cold water won’t remove oils and makeup as effectively.
- Cleansing Mat or Textured Surface: A mat with ridges or a textured silicone pad helps loosen stubborn product from the bristles.
- Clean Towel or Paper Towels: For blotting and shaping brushes after washing.
- Brush Drying Rack (Optional): Helps brushes dry with bristles facing downward, preventing water from seeping into the ferrule and loosening glue.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes
Follow these steps for a thorough clean that preserves your brushes and keeps your skin healthy.
Step 1: Wet the Bristles
Hold your brush under lukewarm running water, making sure only the bristles get wet. Avoid soaking the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles) or the handle, as water can loosen the glue and cause bristles to fall out.
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Step 2: Apply Cleanser
Place a small amount of brush cleanser (about a tablespoon) in the palm of your hand or onto a cleansing mat. If you’re using a solid cleanser, simply hold the bar in your hand.
Step 3: Saturate and Massage the Bristles
Gently swirl the wet brush in the cleanser, working up a lather by massaging the bristles with your fingers. Focus on the base of the bristles, where product buildup is often heaviest. For stubborn buildup, repeat the process until the water runs clear.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water, again keeping the ferrule dry. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and no more suds or pigment come out.
Step 5: Remove Excess Water
Gently squeeze the bristles with your fingers or a clean towel to remove excess water. Avoid twisting or pulling, as this can damage the brush shape and integrity.
Step 6: Reshape and Dry
Lay your brushes flat on a towel or hang them upside down (with bristles downward) to dry. Allow them to air-dry completely—ideally overnight (6–12 hours)—before using them again.
Quick Clean Methods for Busy Days
If you’re pressed for time or need to switch colors quickly, a spot clean can help keep your brushes fresh between deep cleans. Here are two easy methods:
Instant Brush Cleaner Spray
Spray a brush cleaner directly onto a tissue and swipe your brush back and forth until no more pigment transfers. Let the brush air-dry for a few minutes before reuse.
Soak Method
Mix a small amount of brush cleanser with water in a glass, let your brushes soak for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry as usual.
How to Deep Clean Stubborn Brushes
For brushes with heavy buildup (like liquid foundation or cream concealer brushes), you might need a little extra effort:
- Use a Comb: Gently comb through the bristles with a clean comb to remove caked-on product from the center.
- Olive Oil & Soap: Mix a bit of olive oil with your cleanser to help break down stubborn makeup. Rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving oily residue.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Makeup Brushes
- Don’t Soak the Entire Brush: Water can damage the handle and loosen the glue holding the bristles. Only wet the bristles.
- Don’t Use Harsh Detergents: Harsh soaps can strip bristles of their natural oils, making them stiff and brittle. Stick to gentle cleansers.
- Don’t Dry Brushes Upside Down in a Cup: This can cause water to pool at the base, loosening the ferrule. Lay them flat or hang bristles-down.
- Don’t Rush Drying: Make sure brushes are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew and odor.
How to Store Your Makeup Brushes
Proper storage is just as important as cleaning. Here’s how to keep your brushes in top condition:
- Keep Them Dry: Always store brushes in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Use a Brush Holder: Store brushes upright in a cup or holder with bristles facing up to maintain their shape.
- Avoid Humidity: Don’t store brushes in the bathroom, where moisture can promote bacterial growth.
- Travel Smart: Use a brush roll or case to protect bristles when traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use dish soap to clean my makeup brushes?
A: While dish soap can remove makeup, it can also be too harsh and drying for brush bristles. Stick to gentle cleansers or baby shampoo for best results.
Q: How can I tell if my brush is clean?
A: Your brush is clean when the water runs clear during rinsing and no more pigment or suds come out.
Q: What’s the quickest way to clean brushes between colors?
A: Use a brush cleanser spray or dip the brush in a small amount of cleanser mixed with water, then wipe on a tissue until clean.
Q: Can I use a hairdryer to speed up drying?
A: Avoid using a hairdryer, as heat can damage bristles. Always let brushes air-dry naturally.
Q: Why are my brushes shedding after washing?
A: Shedding may indicate that the glue in the ferrule has loosened, often due to soaking the ferrule or using harsh cleansers. Handle brushes gently and avoid soaking the metal part.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly is a simple habit that pays off in healthier skin, better makeup application, and longer-lasting brushes. With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, you can keep your brushes in pristine condition and your complexion clear. Make brush cleaning a part of your weekly beauty routine, and your skin—and your makeup bag—will thank you.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a799/how-to-clean-your-makeup-brushes-0110/
- https://www.cosmochics.com/mac-brush-cleanser-review-demo/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/clean-your-brush-with-this-wishful-skin-product
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/27003-how-to-clean-makeup-brushes-so-they-look-brand-spankin-new
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/a31990480/how-to-clean-makeup-brushes/
- https://gb.readly.com/magazines/cosmopolitan-uk/2018-01-03/5a446ee1dae33638712f47a5
- https://www.aol.com/exclusive-paige-desorbo-chats-cosmo-120000579.html
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