Dirty makeup brushes are more than just an eyesore – brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause breakouts, irritation, and uneven makeup application. Learning how to properly sanitize and clean your brushes is essential for maintaining not only the life of your tools but also the health of your skin. In this quick guide, we will cover simple steps, methods, products, and tips on how to clean makeup brushes and keep them performing at their best.
Why Cleaning Makeup Brushes Matters?
Every time you use a brush, it collects oils, leftover product, dust, and even harmful bacteria. If not cleaned regularly, dirty brushes can lead to clogged pores, skin infections, and patchy makeup. Experts recommend cleaning face brushes once a week and eye brushes every few days to maintain both hygiene and brush performance.
What You Need to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
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Gentle Brush Cleanser or Mild Baby Shampoo. Examples: EcoTools Makeup Brush + Sponge Shampoo, Johnson’s Baby Shampoo.
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Olive Oil. For deep cleaning foundation and concealer brushes.
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Textured Cleaning Mat or Glove. Optional, but speeds up the process.
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Antibacterial Spray or alcohol of 70%. For in-between deep cleans. It also helps to clean brushes when you need them be clean immediately.
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Lukewarm Water. Avoid hot water to prevent bristle damage.
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Cleaning Towel or paper towels
Simple Steps to Sanitize and Clean Makeup Brushes
Step one. Wet the Bristles. Run the brush bristles under lukewarm water, being careful to keep the handle dry to avoid loosening the glue over time.
Step two. Apply Cleanser. Add a drop of brush cleanser or mild shampoo onto your palm or a textured mat.
Step three. Lather Gently. Swirl the brush in circles, working up a gentle lather. Focus on the bristles without pressing too hard to avoid damage.
Step four. Rinse Thoroughly. Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Repeat if necessary for heavily soiled brushes.
Step five. Disinfect. Spritz the bristles with an antibacterial makeup brush spray for extra sanitization, especially after illness or shared use.
Step six. Reshape and Dry. Gently squeeze out excess water with a clean towel, reshape the bristles, and lay brushes flat with the heads hanging off a counter edge. Never dry brushes upright – it can cause water to seep into the handle and damage the brush.
Pro Tips for Keeping Brushes Clean Longer:
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Use a Daily Spray Cleanser on eye brushes to sanitize between uses.
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Never soak brushes fully in water – it can damage both bristles and handles.
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Replace heavily used brushes every 6–12 months, depending on wear and tear.
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Use a silicone cleaning mat for deeper, faster cleans.
Products for Cleaning Makeup Brushes
| Product | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| EcoTools Makeup Brush + Sponge Shampoo | Gentle, eco-friendly, affordable |
| Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner | Fast-drying, disinfects instantly |
| Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel | Specially designed for deep cleaning |
| Beautyblender Blendercleanser Solid | Travel-friendly and tough on grime |
| Baby Shampoo (Johnson’s) | Gentle, effective, and inexpensive |
Final Thoughts: Clean Brushes, Clear Skin
Taking just a few minutes each week to clean your makeup brushes can make a massive difference in your skin’s health, your makeup application, and the longevity of your tools. Plus, it feels amazing to use freshly cleaned brushes! Add brush cleaning to your beauty routine – you and your skin will absolutely notice the difference.
