Imagine spending hours perfecting a smoky eye or creating the perfect foundation base, only to realize that your makeup brushes haven’t been cleaned in weeks.
The difference between a mediocre application and a flawless one often comes down to one factor: cleanliness. In the same way that skincare routines have become second nature, maintaining your brushes should be just as instinctual.
Cleaning your brushes like a makeup professional isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about mastering the craft of makeup itself. To elevate your makeup game, you might want to explore the natural makeup look or learn why the Beauty Blender is a must-have tool.
For a deeper dive into makeup culture, find out who invented makeup and how it evolved into the art form it is today.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Brushes
Before diving into the how, let’s talk about why cleaning your makeup brushes is so important. Makeup brushes collect more than just makeup—they also pick up oils from your skin, dirt, dead skin cells, and even bacteria. Over time, all of this can build up on your brushes, creating a perfect breeding ground for germs.
Using dirty brushes can clog your pores, leading to breakouts and skin irritation. Plus, all that gunk can interfere with the performance of your brushes. A dirty brush doesn’t distribute product as evenly, which can mess with your makeup application. It can also lead to patchy or streaky results.
So, whether you’re a makeup enthusiast or a casual user, keeping your brushes clean is key to ensuring your makeup looks flawless and your skin stays healthy.
How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?
This is a common question, and the answer varies depending on the type of brush and how often you use it. Here’s a quick guide:
- Foundation and concealer brushes: These should be cleaned at least once a week because they come into contact with liquid or cream products, which tend to trap more bacteria and dirt.
- Eyeshadow, blush, and powder brushes: These can be cleaned once every two weeks or so, depending on how often you use them. If you use them daily, aim for a weekly clean.
- Eyeliner and lip brushes: Since these are used with products that can be prone to bacteria buildup, clean them after every use if possible, or at least once a week.
Regular cleaning not only keeps your skin happy, but it also extends the life of your brushes.
What You’ll Need
Cleaning your makeup brushes doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Gentle soap or brush cleaner: Look for a sulfate-free soap or a dedicated brush cleaner. Baby shampoo is a great, budget-friendly option.
- A clean towel: This will be used to dry your brushes.
- Lukewarm water: Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the glue that holds your brush bristles together.
- A silicone brush cleaning mat (optional): This can help remove deep-set makeup and oils from your brushes. If you don’t have one, you can use the palm of your hand.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Like a Pro
Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, let’s get down to business. Here’s how to clean your makeup brushes like a professional:
Step 1: Rinse the Brush
Start by rinsing the bristles of your brush under lukewarm water. Hold the brush with the bristles facing downward to avoid getting water into the ferrule (the metal part that connects the bristles to the handle). Water can loosen the glue that holds the bristles together, so it’s important to avoid soaking this area.
Gently squeeze out any excess water.
Step 2: Add Soap or Cleaner
Place a small amount of your chosen soap or brush cleaner into the palm of your hand or onto your silicone cleaning mat. Swirl the damp brush into the soap, working up a lather. If you’re using a mat, use its textured surface to help loosen any makeup, oil, or dirt trapped in the bristles.
For especially dirty brushes, you might need to repeat this process a few times.
Step 3: Massage the Bristles
Take your time massaging the bristles in the soap, focusing on the tips where makeup tends to build up. For larger brushes like foundation or powder brushes, be sure to work the soap all the way through the dense bristles.
For smaller brushes, like eyeshadow or eyeliner brushes, a gentle swirl will do the trick. Be careful not to tug or pull on the bristles, as this can damage them.
Step 4: Rinse Again
Once you’ve thoroughly lathered and massaged the bristles, rinse the brush under lukewarm water. Keep the bristles facing downward again to protect the glue in the ferrule. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, ensuring all the soap and residue are gone.
Step 5: Squeeze Out the Excess Water
Gently squeeze the bristles to remove excess water. Be careful not to twist or wring the bristles, as this can cause them to lose their shape or even fall out.
Step 6: Reshape and Dry
After rinsing, gently reshape the bristles with your fingers and lay the brush flat on a clean towel to dry. Don’t stand the brush upright while drying—this can cause water to seep into the ferrule, weakening the glue and causing the bristles to shed over time.
For faster drying, you can roll up one end of the towel and place the handle of the brush on the elevated part, so the bristles angle downward. This allows any remaining water to drip out of the brush rather than soaking into the handle.
Let the brushes air dry completely before using them again. Depending on the brush and climate, this can take several hours or overnight.
What About Sponges?
Makeup sponges like beauty blenders need just as much attention as your brushes, if not more. Since they’re typically used with liquid or cream products, they tend to hold onto makeup, oil, and bacteria. Here’s how to clean them:
- Wet the sponge: Rinse it under lukewarm water until it’s fully saturated.
- Apply soap: Squeeze a small amount of gentle soap or sponge cleaner onto the sponge. You can also use solid cleansers made specifically for sponges.
- Massage the soap in: Squeeze the sponge repeatedly to work the soap into the material and to break up the makeup inside.
- Rinse and repeat: Rinse the sponge under running water, squeezing it until the water runs clear. You may need to repeat this process if the sponge is particularly dirty.
- Dry: After cleaning, gently squeeze out any excess water and lay the sponge on a clean towel to air dry.
Sponges should be cleaned after every use if possible, as they tend to harbor more bacteria than brushes. Plus, they work best when they’re free of built-up makeup.
Tips for Keeping Your Brushes in Top Condition
To keep your makeup brushes in peak condition, follow these pro tips:
- Store them properly: Keep your brushes in a clean, dry place. Ideally, store them in a holder or a case with the bristles pointing upward to prevent damage.
- Don’t share your brushes: Sharing makeup brushes can transfer bacteria and oils between users, which can lead to breakouts and infections.
- Replace old brushes: Even with regular cleaning, brushes won’t last forever. If you notice that the bristles are shedding, fraying, or losing their shape, it’s time to invest in new ones.
- Spot-clean between deep cleans: If you’re short on time, you can do a quick spot-clean by spraying your brush with a makeup brush cleaner and wiping it on a clean towel. This helps remove surface makeup and dirt, but it doesn’t replace deep cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use dish soap to clean my makeup brushes?
A: While dish soap is effective at removing oils and makeup, it can be too harsh on the delicate bristles of makeup brushes. It’s better to use a gentle soap or a dedicated brush cleaner.
Q: How often should I replace my brushes?
A: With proper care, high-quality brushes can last for years. However, if you notice shedding, fraying, or a loss of shape, it’s time to replace them. Brushes used with liquid products tend to wear out faster than those used with powders.
Q: Is it okay to dry my brushes with a hairdryer?
A: It’s best to let your brushes air dry to avoid damaging the bristles or loosening the glue in the ferrule. If you’re in a rush, use a cool setting on your hairdryer, but be sure to hold it a good distance away from the brush.
Conclusion
Cleaning your makeup brushes might seem like a chore, but it’s an essential step in maintaining a healthy skincare routine and ensuring flawless makeup application. With these simple steps, you can clean your brushes like a pro and extend the life of your favorite beauty tools. Make brush cleaning a regular part of your routine, and both your skin and your makeup will thank you.