How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning your makeup brushes isn’t just about keeping them looking nice—it’s a crucial step in maintaining healthy skin, extending the life of your tools, and ensuring flawless makeup application. Dirty brushes can harbor bacteria, oil, and old product, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Luckily, cleaning your brushes is simple and doesn't take much time.

How Often Should You Clean Them?

For brushes used with liquid or cream products (like foundation or concealer), aim to clean them once a week. Brushes used for powders can be cleaned every two to three weeks. Sponges, which absorb more product, should ideally be cleaned after each use or at least several times a week.

What You’ll Need:

• Gentle shampoo or brush cleanser

• Lukewarm water

• A small bowl (optional)

• A clean towel

• Brush cleaning mat or the palm of your hand

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:

1. Rinse the Bristles:Hold the brush under lukewarm water with the bristles facing downward. Avoid getting water on the handle, especially where it's glued, as this can loosen the bristles over time.

2. Apply Cleanser:Add a small amount of gentle shampoo, baby shampoo, or brush cleanser to your palm or a brush cleaning mat.

3. Lather and Swirl:Swirl the brush in the cleanser using gentle circular motions. You’ll see old makeup and residue lifting off. For sponges, gently squeeze the cleanser through until water runs clear.

4. Rinse Thoroughly:Rinse under lukewarm water until the brush runs clear. Avoid getting water into the ferrule (metal part) to preserve the glue holding the bristles.

5. Gently Squeeze Out Water:Use your fingers or a towel to squeeze out excess water without pulling on the bristles.

6. Reshape and Dry:Reshape the bristles and lay the brush flat on a clean towel with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter. This ensures they dry in the correct shape and prevents water from seeping into the handle.

Final Tip:

Avoid standing brushes upright to dry—water can trickle into the handle and cause damage. Clean brushes not only perform better, but they also help you put your best face forward—literally.