Skip to main content

BlissMark may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How to clean makeup brushes the right way

You can’t apply your makeup without your tools. Well, you can certainly use your fingers, but you won’t get that seamless blend without some high-quality brushes and sponges.

Just investing in the right set of tools isn’t all you have to worry about. If you don’t clean your brushes properly, your skin will pay the price. You wouldn’t eat dinner with a dirty fork, so why apply your makeup with dirty brushes? Keeping your tools clean can be as simple as dunking them in soapy water, so let’s go over the best way to clean your makeup brushes so your skin stays beautiful.

A woman smiling holding up a makeup brush to her mouth.
Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Why you should clean your tools

You may be wondering, “If I use my brushes every day, do I need to clean them every day too?” Not quite. We suggest cleaning foundation brushes and sponges as often as possible, but at least once a week. It’s best to do it every time you use them, but you certainly don’t need to. Brushes that you use for other things, like eye shadow, need to be cleaned about every week or two.

This is so crucial because, when you apply your makeup, all of the product doesn’t transfer from the brush to your face. Excess makeup and dirt can settle on the brush, and you can end up applying this old dirt back on your face. Gross.

Beyond protecting your skin, cleaning your tools also ensures you apply your product evenly. The old makeup on the brushes mixed with the fresh product you’re about to apply don’t blend well. You’ll end up looking splotchy with an uneven blend.

A row of makeup brushes.
Dids/Pexels

How to clean your makeup brushes

Cleaning your brushes is like cleaning a sensitive part of your body. You want to be gentle but thorough. Here’s how to clean your brushes the right way:

  • To begin, wet the brush, then add soap or cleanser.
  • Lather up the soap, only scrubbing in the direction of the bristles.
  • Rinse out the soap and use a microfiber cloth or towel to get rid of the extra water.
  • Reshape your brush to ensure all of the bristles dry in the correct direction. Finally, let your brush dry over the sink or clean counter.

You don’t need any crazy tools or gadgets to clean your brushes, either. Gentle soap — ideally a facial cleanser — and water are fine. Makeup brush bristles are a little more delicate, so using a harsh soap will dry them out and make them brittle. To treat your brushes well, we recommend Aveeno Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, so it will treat your tools with care as well.

While soap and water certainly get the job done, many brands make brush cleaners specifically formulated to treat your tools with care. This set from Sephora is the perfect size to keep in a travel bag so you can have clean brushes wherever and whenever you’re ready to apply your makeup.

Don’t have the time or energy to scrub your brushes all the time? Enter: RICRIS Makeup Brush Cleaner Set. This little machine will clean and dry your brushes quickly and effectively, all in about a minute.

To make sure you’re really getting all the dirt and grime out of your tools, grab this handy scrubber brush. Bird&Fish Silicone Makeup Brush Cleaning set is a fun and cute way to keep your brushes clean, and it also gives them a place to stand when you aren’t using them.

A woman is having her makeup applied by another woman using a makeup brush.
Lucas Pezeta/Pexels

When you should buy new brushes

Even with consistent cleaning, you’ll still need to replace your brushes every so often. Like with your toothbrush, wear and tear are going to happen. It’s best to replace your tools every few months, but you may have to replace them sooner if you notice them looking especially ragged.

If you find yourself running through brushes at a pretty quick rate, opt for a larger brush set. Buying in bulk will save you time and money so you aren’t running to the beauty store every few weeks to stock up. The BESTOPE Makeup Brush Set offers sixteen pieces, including brushes and sponges. These high-quality tools are long-lasting, so you won’t have to replace them as often.

Now you know how to take care of and clean your makeup brushes, it’s time to add this crucial step to your makeup routine. Just keep your tools and skin clean, and you’ll be shining in no time.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Dannielle Beardsley
Dannielle has written for various websites, online magazines, and blogs. She loves everything celebrity and her favorite…
Check out these 4 extreme makeup trends for fall
A woman in fall fashion and makeup.

Crisp, clean air. A rainbow of warm colors. Pumpkin and apple everything. Oh, fall is here. Not only are the inviting scents of cinnamon and campfires begging us to grab our favorite scarf, but the fall makeup trends are the most striking we've seen in a long time.

No matter how heavy or light you like to wear your makeup, these fall makeup trends will keep you in style but also allow you to express yourself. Grab your hot apple cider and let’s get to it.

Read more
How to make your own personal fragrance using essential oils
how to make cologne with essential oil mathilde langevin ymkjbly4jmm unsplash

Are you looking for a signature scent? Instead of spending a pretty penny on an expensive perfume or cologne, try making your very own bottle of fragrance by using essential oils. Creating your own scent can guarantee a personalized fragrance made with clean ingredients that won't break the bank. Whether your preference is floral scents or musky aromas, a DIY cologne is the perfect beauty accessory for you or a gift for a loved one. 

If you’re on board to try creating your fragrance, we’ve broken down all the steps and materials you need to get started.

Read more
You are going to want to try these 5 best fall eyeshadow looks for 2021
best fall eye shadow looks makeup artist applies  beautiful woman face perfect

Fall eyeshadow trends are in full swing, and 2021 is bringing new looks to the table. Fall 2019 brought us a fresh take on white shadows and liners; fall 2020 brought back metallics, now 2021 is serving new looks in the best way!

From earthy tones to vibrant shades, there's a full spectrum of jaw-dropping eye-looks to play around with this season. When it comes to putting together fall eyeshadow looks, we'll outline the trend-to-try as well as which products will help you achieve the latest trends and makeup looks.

Read more