The Ultimate Guide to Washing Your Makeup Brushes: Why, How, and How Often

Your makeup brushes are a must have and the ultimate staple of your beauty routine. Seriously, makeup brushes are the unsung heroes in your makeup bag. They help blend, contour, and apply products seamlessly, making your face and makeup look its absolute best. But if you're not cleaning them regularly, they could be doing more harm than good.

Dirty makeup brushes can harbor bacteria, cause breakouts, and even degrade your makeup's quality. Let’s dive into why, how, and how often you should wash your makeup brushes.

Why you should wash your makeup brushed often!

1. Prevent Bacteria Build-Up: Brushes collect oils, makeup residue, and bacteria over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent skin irritations and breakouts.

2. Prolong the Life of Your Brushes: Dirty bristles become stiff and prone to breakage, shortening their lifespan.

3. Ensure Flawless Application: Clean brushes pick up and distribute product evenly, giving you a smoother finish.

How Often Should You Wash Them?

• Foundation and Concealer Brushes: Once a week. These brushes handle liquid or cream products, which are more likely to harbor bacteria.

• Eyeshadow Brushes: Every 1–2 weeks, depending on how often you use them and how many shades you apply.

• Lip and Eyeliner Brushes: After every use to avoid transferring bacteria or pigments.

• Powder Brushes: Every 1–2 weeks, as powders are less prone to bacteria build-up.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Brushes

What You’ll Need

• Gentle brush cleanser

• Lukewarm water

• A clean towel

• Optional: Brush cleaning mat or glove

Instructions

1. Wet the Bristles:
   Hold the brush under lukewarm water, angling the bristles downward to avoid soaking the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles). Water in the ferrule can loosen the glue and cause shedding.

2. Apply Cleanser:
   Squeeze a small amount of brush cleanser onto your palm or a brush cleaning mat.

3. Lather Up:
   Swirl the brush gently in the cleanser, creating a lather. Focus on working out makeup residue without pressing too hard on the bristles.

4. Rinse Thoroughly:
   Rinse the bristles under running water until the water runs clear. Make sure there’s no soap residue left.

5. Reshape and Dry:
   Gently squeeze out excess water and reshape the bristles. Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter. This allows them to air-dry completely without moisture seeping into the ferrule.

Quick Tips for Busy Days

• Use a daily brush cleanser spray for in-between washes. Spritz the cleanser onto a paper towel and gently wipe your brushes to remove surface product and bacteria.

Brush Care FAQ

Q: Can I use dish soap to clean my brushes?
A: Dish soap can be harsh on bristles over time. Stick to gentle cleansers or shampoos designed specifically for makeup brushes. Some of my favorite makeup brushes cleansers includes this one

Q: How do I clean beauty sponges?
A: Wet the sponge, apply a cleanser, and squeeze out the product under running water. Repeat until the water runs clear.

Q: Do natural and synthetic brushes require different cleaning methods?
A: Not really, but natural brushes may need a conditioning step to keep bristles soft.

By keeping your makeup brushes clean and cared for, you’ll not only extend their lifespan but also improve your skin health and makeup application. Set a schedule, make it a habit, and your brushes (and skin!) will thank you.