We shampoo our hair, cleanse our faces, and wash our clothes diligently (*side-eyeing that growing pile of laundry on my bed*), but how often do we actually clean our makeup brushes? You know, the brushes and sponges we’re dabbing, blending, and swiping our faces with daily to perfect our makeup look? If you can’t remember the last time you gave yours a good scrubbing, it’s probably (scratch that— it’s definitely) time for a makeup brush bath.
Your makeup brushes hold onto product really well, but they also cling to dirt, oils, product buildup, and bacteria that, if not properly cleaned away, can get transferred back onto your skin. This can cause all kinds of not-so-fun problems like breakouts, clogged pores, and skin irritation—and not to mention, dirty makeup brushes just don’t do their job very well for a flawless application, and we wanna look our best all the time, right?
No idea how to clean makeup brushes? We don’t judge. The good news is, it’s actually really easy to DIY (and super satisfying, TBH to watch all of that gunk come off!). Think of it as another measure to take to aid in your skincare journey!
Ready to Start Cleaning Your Brushes? Here’s What You’ll Need:
Your brushes, of course
A bowl of lukewarm water
A gentle soap, gentle shampoo, or makeup brush cleanser.
A clean, dry towel or paper towels
How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes Like a Pro
Natural hair brushes are best used with powder products, whereas synthetic brushes are best used with liquids and creams. Synthetic brushes can handle a wider range of cleaning agents where natural bristles, and those comparable, can become dry and rough quicker. Brush material checked? Now let’s get scrubbing.
First, separate your brushes by how they need to be cleaned and set up your station with soap, access to warm water, a clean towel, and a clean space to lay your brushes to dry.
Then, take your brush and wet the bristles with warm water. Avoid wetting the ferrule, as it can loosen the glue holding the bristles in place
Get soap or makeup brush cleaner on the bristles and swirl the brush in a circular motion on your palm or a brush glove, adding water as needed. Use your fingers to get in between the brush hairs, as dirt and oil can hide in the center.
Rinse all of the soap from the bristles. You may need to repeat, but try using less soap the second or third time.
Squeeze the excess water from the brush with your hand or towel and be mindful not to pull on the bristles while doing so.
Finally, shape any brushes that may have lost their shape while washing and lay them flat to air dry in a clean, warm place. For extra sanitization, wipe down the ferrule and handle with 70% alcohol.
More Ways to Clean Your Brushes
When it comes to well, anything, we love to have options. Lucky for you, you can clean your makeup brushes in many ways. When you don’t have time for a hands-on brush washing sesh, here are three foolproof methods to get them squeaky clean.
1. Use a brush cleaning solution: Opt for a quick ‘no water’ solution. I've been using the CINEMA SECRETS quick-dry brush cleaner solution - it’s my favorite. It can dry out natural hair brushes if used too frequently, but it’s great for synthetic brushes, in-between cleanings, and quick sanitization if you don’t have time or access to water. Using a soap with moisturizing benefits will hydrate your bristles and give them a longer life span overall. We love a hydrating solid soap like JAPONESQUE Coconut Solid Brush Cleaner.
2. Use a specialized brush cleaning tool: A deep-cleaning mitt like SIGMA BEAUTY 2X Sigma Spa® Brush Cleaning Glove has two specially textured sides, one for face-makeup brushes and the other for eye-makeup brushes, to thoroughly remove all traces of residue and buildup. There are also tons of silicone brush cleaning mats on Amazon.
3. Try a DIY cleanser: A popular homemade brush cleanser is a mixture of dish soap and olive oil at a one-to-one ratio. The dish soap kills germs, while the oil helps break down built-up product. When you’re in a bind, cleaning your brushes with a non-drying shampoo, baby shampoo, face wash, or mild dish soap once a week is better than not cleaning them at all.
How Often to Clean Your Makeup Brushes? 📅
There are a few things to consider, but the basic rule of thumb is once a week. If you have sensitive skin, are prone to breakouts, or use creamy, heavier products, consider cleaning them more often. If you’re applying makeup on others, they should be washed thoroughly before and after.
Worried about time? Deep cleaning is best with soap and water, but brushes can be spot cleaned for on-the-go with brush cleansers that dry quickly, so you don’t have to wait to use them after washing. Cleaning your brushes doesn’t always have to be a complicated chore.
When Is It Time to Say Goodbye to a Brush? 👋
We know it’s hard, but sometimes breaking up with your brushes is the way to go. High-quality natural brushes should last for years with regular upkeep, while synthetic bristles can typically handle more wear and tear. When a brush gets coarse, it's definitely time to replace it. If a brush has lost its shape or is fraying, replacing it is also a good idea.
How to Extend the Life of Your Makeup Brushes
Separate your lights and darks.
Avoid heat and humidity.
Minimize dust.
Keep them separated.
Thank you for tuning in with me today! Keep those brushes cleaned!
-Mimi ❤️