How Do You Clean Makeup Brushes? A Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
"Your Brushes Deserve Some TLC—Let’s Get Them Clean and Fluffy Again!"
Hey, gorgeous! 💖 Let’s talk about something super important but often overlooked—cleaning your makeup brushes! If you’ve ever wondered why your foundation isn’t blending right or why you’re suddenly breaking out, your dirty brushes might be the culprit.
I get it—life is busy, and the last thing we want to do after a long day is clean our brushes. But trust me, once you make it a habit, your skin (and your makeup game) will thank you!
So, grab a cup of coffee (or wine—no judgment! 🍷), and let’s dive into why, when, and how you should clean your makeup brushes like a pro.
Why Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes is Important
Think about it: you use your brushes every day, swirling them into powders, liquids, and creams, then applying them to your face. Over time, they collect dirt, oil, bacteria, and old makeup, which can lead to breakouts, clogged pores, and uneven makeup application.
Not to mention, dirty brushes don’t blend as well. Your highlighter won’t glow, your foundation will look streaky, and let’s not even talk about what happens when you try to use a fluffy brush that’s caked with old product—yikes!
By keeping your brushes clean, you’ll:
✅ Prevent breakouts and skin irritation
✅ Make your makeup look flawless
✅ Extend the lifespan of your expensive brushes (because good brushes aren’t cheap!)
Bottom line? Cleaning your brushes = glowing skin + better makeup. Win-win!
How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
Okay, let’s be real. If I told you to clean your brushes after every single use, you’d probably roll your eyes at me. (I would too! 😂) But here’s a realistic breakdown:
Foundation & Concealer Brushes – Once a week – since they hold onto liquid/cream products, they build up bacteria fast! If you have acne-prone skin, consider cleaning them every 2-3 days.
Powder Brushes (Blush, Bronzer, Setting Powder) – Every 2 weeks – less prone to bacteria but still need love.
Eyeshadow Brushes – Once a week (especially if you love bold colors—you don’t want yesterday’s blue ruining today’s neutral look!)
Lip Brushes – After every use (since they touch your mouth, which naturally has bacteria)
[If you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, you might want to clean them more frequently—your face will thank you!]
The Best Products for Cleaning Makeup Brushes
Lucky for you, you don’t need expensive, fancy brush cleaners. Here are some highly-rated Amazon products that will make brush cleaning a breeze!
1. Ecotools Makeup Brush Cleansing Shampoo
A gentle yet powerful cleanser that removes dirt and oil without damaging your brushes. Plus, it’s eco-friendly!
2. Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner
A holy grail for pro makeup artists—it cleans and dries brushes instantly!
3. StylPro Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer
If you’re lazy like me, this gadget will clean AND dry your brushes in seconds. Total game changer
4. Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Palette
A silicone scrubbing mat that makes deep-cleaning your brushes effortless
P.S. If you’re looking for the best makeup brushes that are worth investing in, check out my detailed guide here: Best Makeup Brushes: A Guide to Choosing the Right Tools for Flawless Application You’ll find my top recommendations for pro-quality brushes that last years with proper care.
Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Washing Makeup Brushes
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—cleaning those brushes! Follow these steps, and your brushes will look (and perform) like new.
What You’ll Need:
- Brush cleanser or mild soap
- Warm water
- A brush cleaning mat or glove (optional)
- A clean towel
Step 1: Wet the Bristles
Hold your brushes under lukewarm water, making sure to only wet the bristles. Avoid getting water into the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles), as it can loosen the glue and ruin the brush.
Step 2: Apply Cleanser
Add a small amount of your chosen cleanser to the bristles. If you’re using a brush cleaning mat, swirl the bristles over the textured surface to work up a lather. This helps remove all the gunk trapped inside.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the bristles under running water until the water runs clear. Be gentle—you don’t want to damage the bristles.
Step 4: Reshape the Bristles
Gently squeeze out the excess water and reshape the bristles with your fingers. This helps maintain the brush’s shape as it dries.
Step 5: Dry Flat
Lay your brushes flat on a clean towel to dry. Never dry them upright, as water can seep into the ferrule and damage the brush.
Quick Tips for Drying and Storing Your Brushes
Once your brushes are clean, you want to make sure they stay that way. Here are some tips for drying and storing them:
- Dry Them Flat: As mentioned earlier, always dry your brushes flat to prevent water damage.
- Use a Brush Guard: If you want to maintain the shape of your brushes, consider using a brush guard while they dry.
- Store Them Properly: Keep your brushes in a clean, dry place. A brush holder or organizer can help keep them upright and dust-free.
- Avoid Humidity: Don’t store your brushes in the bathroom, as the humidity can encourage mold growth.
You really should have a small makeup bag for carrying and storing your brushes correctly everywhere you go. Check out our detailed guide here –The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Small Makeup Bag
There you have it, my love! Now you know exactly how to clean your makeup brushes like a pro—no more excuses! 🙌
Not only will your makeup apply flawlessly, but your skin will stay healthy and breakout-free. Plus, your brushes will last WAY longer, saving you money in the long run.
So, set a reminder on your phone, grab one of the amazing brush cleaners I recommended, and make brush cleaning a regular part of your beauty routine.
Now tell me—when was the last time you cleaned your brushes? Be honest! 😂 Drop a comment below and let’s chat! 💬✨