How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes (And How Often You Should Do It)

It’s not something we think about doing, but it’s definitely something that we need to start doing. Every day, we paint and contour our faces with makeup brushes, but how often do we think about cleaning them when we’re finished? Apparently, not enough.

First off, how often should you clean your makeup brushes?

To prevent product buildup, most dermatologists will tell you that you need to clean your brushes at least once a week at minimum, especially your foundation and concealer brushes. We recommend that your clean your brushes 1 to 2 times weekly. Considering these brushes are used on your face, the cleaner the better. [Note: don’t forget about those eye makeup brushes! They’re equally as important].

You can extend the life of the bristles on your brushes by regularly cleaning them, and it also makes for an even better makeup application. Brushes hold onto debris, oil, and bacteria because sponges and brush hairs are porous. Dirty brushes equal spotty application and a difficult time blending.

What should you use to clean your makeup brushes?

There’s a simple and thorough method for cleaning your makeup tools that requires only water and a gentle soap (the brush’s bristles can be easily dried out by regular soap formulas, especially if the bristles are made from natural hair).

How do you clean the brushes?

Here’s some steps to help you obtain cleaner, good-as-new brushes and blenders.

1. Get the bristles wet with lukewarm water.
2. Place a dollop of soap or makeup brush cleanser into the palm of your hand.
3. Gently massage the tips of the bristles into your palm.
4. Rinse the bristles.
5. Use a clean towel to squeeze out the excess moisture.
6. Reshape the brush head.
7. Let the bristles dry by hanging the end off the edge of the counter. In this way, the bristles will dry into the correct shape. You never want to dry your brushes on a towel as the bristles can become mildewed.

While you’re cleaning your brushes, keep the base of the brush away from the soap and water. The bristles are glued to the base and any water and detergent can cause the glue to disintegrate which will make the bristles come loose and shed. Do not dry your brushes vertically. This will cause the water to leak down into the ferrule (the piece that connects the bristles to the wand), which will loosen the glue and lead to bristle loss.

How often should you replace your makeup sponges?

If you buy the regular makeup sponges (the cheap kinds that are bought in bulk) you really shouldn’t reuse them. The pricier kind, like from the brand BeautyBlenders, are microbial resistant sponges and are meant to be reused and can safely be used for three to four months. Just like with your makeup brushes, make sure to regularly clean your reusable microbial sponge at least once a week. Dead skin cells can fill your sponges and bacteria can grow causing mild breakouts to become even more serious levels of acne.

When should I retire my makeup brush?

Once the bristles start to fray, shed, or lose their shape, it’s time to say goodbye. If you want to get the look you desire from your makeup, the right tools are just as important, which means making sure those tools are in the right conditions. If your brushes have taken on a squashed or pinched quality, they simply will not give you the results you want.