Keeping your makeup brushes clean is essential for applying makeup smoothly and avoiding breakouts. Dirty brushes can harbor bacteria, oils, and product buildup that can irritate skin and cause acne. Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly removes residue and germs, extends the life of your brushes, and gives you the best application every time. With the right products and techniques, cleaning your brushes can be quick and easy.
Why You Should Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly is important for a few key reasons:
Prevents Bacteria Buildup
Over time, makeup brushes accumulate bacteria, dead skin cells, oils, and product residue. Not cleaning them allows harmful bacteria to multiply, which can lead to breakouts and skin irritation when applied to your face.
Improves Application
Product buildup and stiff bristles from dried makeup make application uneven and streaky. Clean brushes give you smooth, even application every time.
Extends Brush Lifespan
Preventing buildup of makeup inside the bristles keeps them supple and prevents shedding. Regular cleaning can double the lifespan of your makeup brushes.
Eliminates Colors Mixing
Cleaning between uses prevents leftover pigments from mixing together and muddying colors. It keeps each shade true when applied.
How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brushes?
How frequently you should clean your brushes depends on how often you use them:
- Daily use brushes – Clean every 1-2 weeks
- 2-3 times a week use – Clean every 2-4 weeks
- Occasional use brushes – Clean every 1-2 months
Brushes used with liquids and creams tend to build up more residue, so aim to clean those at the higher end of each timeframe.
It’s best to get in the habit of cleaning all your makeup brushes at least monthly. Set a reminder on your calendar to clean them regularly.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning Makeup Brushes
Cleaning makeup brushes is simple with just a few supplies:
- Brush shampoo or gentle baby shampoo
- Olive, coconut or jojoba oil (optional)
- Bowl of warm water
- Clean towel
- Brush cleaning mat, gloves or towel (optional)
Optional extras:
- Brush cleaning device or gloves
- Drying rack or stand
- Paper towels
How to Clean Makeup Brushes in 5 Easy Steps
Follow these simple steps for clean makeup brushes every time:
1. Rinse in Warm Water
Run bristles under warm water to loosen and rinse away makeup residue. Move gently in circular motions to release pigment trapped between bristles.
Avoid getting water on the brush handle or ferrule (the metal part where bristles are attached) to prevent damage.
2. Add Brush Cleaner
Pour a small amount of brush shampoo or baby shampoo into the palm of your hand or a bowl. Swirl brush bristles into the cleaner, working up a lather as you massage bristles.
To deep clean, let soak for 5-10 minutes. This breaks down oils and fully releases stubborn makeup residue.
3. Rinse Well
Rinse bristles again under running water, repeating until water runs clear and no more soap bubbles remain.
Squeeze out excess water gently with a clean towel, taking care not to bend the bristles.
4. Reshape Bristles
Gently reshape bristles into their original form while damp using fingers or a clean spoolie. Let air dry resting on its handle or drying rack.
Avoid drying upright, as water can seep into the ferrule and damage the glue.
5. Disinfect with Alcohol
For an extra level of disinfecting, spray brush head lightly with 70% isopropyl alcohol after deep cleaning and reshape bristles again after drying. Let air dry completely before next use.
And you’re done! Revitalized makeup brushes are ready for flawless application again.
Deep Cleaning Methods for Stubborn Buildup
Over time, makeup brushes can accumulate thick, stubborn residue that requires more effort to remove completely. Here are a few deep cleaning methods:
- Oil cleansing – Apply a small amount of olive, coconut or jojoba oil and massage into bristles before shampooing. The oil breaks up waxy/creamy products for easier removal. Rinse thoroughly.
- Brush cleaning glove – These textured gloves help scrub out built up makeup when used with brush shampoo.
- Brush cleaning pad – Swirl brushes in a circular motion on this silicone cleansing pad with soap and water to scrub bristles clean.
- Brush cleaning device – Battery operated cleaners have moving bristles that loosen residue so it rinses away easily with soap and water.
Use deep cleaning methods monthly or whenever you notice bristles resisting getting clean. Then maintain brushes with regular brush shampoo cleaning.
Cleaning by Makeup Brush Type
Certain types of makeup brushes may require particular care when cleaning to prevent damage.
Natural Hair Brush Cleaning
Natural bristles of sable, goat, pony, squirrel hair are delicate and more prone to shedding if handled roughly. Avoid submerging fully in water during cleaning. Instead, apply shampoo to a damp brush and work into a gentle lather before rinsing bristles. Reshape and allow to fully air dry.
Synthetic Brush Cleaning
Synthetic bristles made from nylon, polyester or synthetic taklon are durable but can be prone to getting bent during cleaning. Avoid harsh scrubbing and let soak in soapy water to loosen residue before rinsing.
Sponge Cleaning
Gently squeeze out excess product from sponges, then lather brush soap between your palms. Massage onto damp sponge & rinse until clean. Squeeze out water and allow to fully dry before next use.
Avoid harsh cleansers or heat as they can damage delicate sponges.
How to Sanitize Brushes
For an extra level of disinfecting, sanitize your brushes with 70% isopropyl alcohol regularly.
After deep cleaning and drying brushes:
- Spritz brush heads lightly with rubbing alcohol until damp but not dripping wet.
- Work the alcohol into bristles and let dry completely before next use.
The alcohol eliminates any remaining bacteria for completely clean brushes.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Makeup Brushes
When cleaning is no longer improving application, it’s time to retire old makeup brushes. Signs to look for include:
- Bristles are frayed or falling out
- Brush feels stiff and makeup doesn’t apply smoothly
- Ferrule is coming loose from the handle
- Rusted metal ferrule
- Soap and water no longer rinse brushes clean
Well cared for brushes can last many years. But when it’s time, replacing old makeup brushes gives you the best application possible.
Storing Makeup Brushes Properly
Proper makeup brush storage between uses helps keep them in optimal condition.
- Always completely dry brushes before storing to prevent mold growth. Air dry overnight upside down or horizontally.
- Store upright in a cup, holder or case. This protects bristle shape.
- Alternate brush placement in holders to allow air circulation.
- Keep them away from direct sun, heat or humidity which can damage bristles.
FAQs About Cleaning Makeup Brushes
Still have questions about the easiest way to clean makeup brushes? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Should you clean makeup brushes with alcohol or soap?
Soap and water are best for thorough cleaning, while alcohol disinfects. Use a gentle brush shampoo first to remove residue from bristles, then disinfect periodically with isopropyl alcohol spray.
How do you dry makeup brushes fast?
Lay brushes flat on their side on a clean towel and roll up loosely. The airflow will dry brushes faster than letting air dry bristles-up. Or use a brush drying rack which exposes air to all sides.
Can I wash my makeup brushes with regular shampoo?
Gentle baby shampoo or professional brush shampoo are best for cleaning makeup brushes. Regular shampoos can be harsh, damaging bristles and handles.
What ruins makeup brushes?
Excessive heat, harsh brush scrubbing, and submerging handles in water can ruin makeup brushes. Avoid blow dryers, handle-wetting, and rough cleaning motions to extend brush lifespans.
Do makeup brush cleaners work?
Yes, electronic and manual brush cleaning devices work great! The agitating motions help release deep-set makeup residue that regular washing may miss. Use occasionally for a deep clean.
How do you revive hard makeup brushes?
Over time, brushes can become stiff with hardened makeup residue. Gently massage olive, coconut or jojoba oil into the dry bristles and let sit for 10 minutes. The oil will soften and break up the residue so it rinses away easier. Then shampoo as normal.
Conclusion
Regular makeup brush cleaning removes residue, bacteria, and oils that build up with daily use. Deep clean brushes at least monthly and spot clean between regular washings for the best application every time you do your makeup. Investing just a few minutes into keeping brushes clean improves your skin and keeps brushes in optimal condition for years to come.
With the right cleaning products and techniques, it’s easy to keep your makeup brushes fresh and ready to create flawless looks. Implement a simple routine to care for your brush collection and achieve smooth, professional makeup application.