How To Clean Cosmetic Brushes
Mysterious breakouts? Makeup not applying the same as it used to? It may be time to clean your cosmetic brushes.
We all know that makeup brushes are essential tools in any beauty routine. They help you achieve a flawless makeup application, blend foundation and concealer seamlessly. While I’ll admit to using my fingers in a pinch for eye shadow or concealer, some things really can’t be applied without a brush (looking at you, setting powder!). But while brushes can be your best friend when it comes to creating that perfect finish, dirty makeup brushes can also become one of the biggest culprits behind clogged pores, breakouts, and skin irritation. When brushes aren’t cleaned regularly, dirt and oil build up in the brush hair, transferring unwanted bacteria back onto your face.
The good news? With regular cleaning, your cosmetic brushes will not only last longer but also deliver smoother, more consistent results. Today, I’m sharing a practical guide on how to clean your makeup brushes properly, why it’s so important, what products you can use, and my best tips for getting a true deep clean.
Whether you’re new to brush cleaning or just want to find some new brush cleansers, this post will help you wash your brushes like a pro. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to clean cosmetic brushes and keep them in top shape.
Guide To Clean Cosmetic Brushes
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
This post is designed to be a helpful, step-by-step resource for anyone who has ever wondered how to handle brush cleaning. You’ll learn:
- Why clean cosmetic brushes are so important for your skin and makeup performance.
- What to clean makeup brushes with, from everyday dish soap to a dedicated brush cleanser.
- Exactly how to clean your cosmetic brushes without damaging them.
- Pro tips for drying, maintaining, and storing your brushes to extend their lifespan.
If you’ve ever struggled with dirty makeup brushes or noticed streaky foundation and concealer during application, this guide will help you solve those problems once and for all.
Why Is It Important To Clean Makeup Brushes
Cleaning your brushes isn’t just about keeping brushes from looking gunky. It’s about protecting your skin, improving makeup application, and ensuring your tools stay in good condition. Here’s why:
Prevent Breakouts and Skin Irritation
When dirty makeup brushes accumulate dirt and oil, they transfer bacteria straight onto your face. This buildup can clog pores, leading to acne, irritation, and even infections. Regular cleaning helps keep your skin clearer and healthier.
Better Makeup Application
A clean brush head ensures smooth blending and even coverage. Brushes coated in old foundation and concealer (especially oily or cream-based formulas) can create streaks or patchy spots, making your makeup harder to perfect. Freshly cleaned brushes mean your makeup looks more professional and polished.
Extend the Life of Your Brushes
When you deep clean and rinse the brush thoroughly, you protect the brush hair from becoming brittle or shedding. Proper brush cleaning can keep high-quality tools performing well for years, saving you money in the long run.
Avoid Product Buildup
Dirty makeup brushes not only harbor bacteria but also hang onto leftover pigments, powders, and oils. This buildup changes the true color of your cosmetics, especially when switching between shades. With regular cleaning, you’ll always get the pigment payoff your products are meant to deliver.
What to Clean Makeup Brushes With
There are several effective ways to clean your makeup brushes, and you don’t need expensive tools to get the job done. Here are the most popular options.
Brush Cleanser
A dedicated brush cleanser is specifically formulated for brush cleaning. It’s gentle on the brush hair while still removing dirt and oil. These products often come in liquid or solid form, making them convenient for quick cleanups or a full deep clean.
My Pick: Luxury Vegan Makeup Brush Soap
Makeup Brush Cleaner Sprays
Quick-dry makeup brush cleaner sprays are excellent for spot cleaning between uses. While they don’t replace a full wash, they’re handy for disinfecting and removing surface pigment when you don’t have time for a full deep clean.
My pick: Spray Away Instant Makeup Brush Cleaner
Gentle Shampoo or Baby Shampoo
Gentle shampoos can double as brush cleaning products. They work well for natural hair brushes, leaving them soft and conditioned. Again, just be sure to rinse the brush carefully and remove all excess water.
My Pick: Griffin Remedy Daily Shampoo
Dish Soap
Plain dish soap is a budget-friendly way to deep clean dirty makeup brushes. It cuts through oils and product buildup effectively, especially for brushes used with foundation and concealer. Be sure to rinse the brush thoroughly to avoid leaving residue behind. This one isn’t my favorite becuase it can be a bit harsh if you don’t use the right kind. Be sure to use a natural or non-toxic, fragrance-free dish soap.
My Pick: AspenClean Unscented
How to Clean Your Cosmetic Brushes
Now that you know why cleaning matters and what products to use, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need your chosen makeup brush cleaner (dish soap, brush cleanser, or shampoo), a clean paper towel, a bowl of lukewarm water, and a flat surface for drying.
Step 2: Wet the Brush Head
Dip only the brush head into lukewarm water. Avoid soaking the entire brush — too much water can loosen the glue inside the ferrule and damage the handle.
Step 3: Apply Your Cleanser
Place a small amount of dish soap, brush cleanser, or shampoo into your palm or onto a cleaning mat. Gently swirl the brush head into the cleanser to break down dirt and oil.
Step 4: Rinse the Brush
Rinse the brush under running lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Make sure to rinse the brush in the same downward motion to avoid pushing water back into the handle.
Step 5: Remove Excess Water
Gently squeeze out excess water with your fingers or a paper towel. Be careful not to tug on the brush hair.
Step 6: Lay Flat to Dry
Reshape the brush head and lay brushes flat on a clean paper towel, ensuring the brush heads hang slightly over the edge of the surface. Never dry brushes upright, as excess water can seep into the handle. Keeping brushes flat is always best for protecting their structure.
Step 7: Schedule Regular Cleaning
For brushes used with foundation and concealer, a weekly deep clean is ideal. Eye brushes and powder brushes can go a little longer, but aim for regular cleaning to avoid buildup.
So Fresh & So Clean
Taking the time to clean your makeup brushes regularly makes a huge difference for both your skin and your makeup results. Not only does brush cleaning protect against clogged pores and bacteria, but it also ensures smoother, more precise makeup application.
If you’re committed to a clean beauty lifestyle, pairing clean cosmetic brushes with non-toxic makeup is a great place to start. You can check out my roundup of affordable clean makeup brands to discover safer products that perform beautifully.
Remember: when you wash your brushes, always be gentle, rinse thoroughly, and lay flat to dry. With regular care, your tools will serve you well for years to come.
*Affiliate links used. All opinions are my own.
