Let’s Talk About Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes (Because You’re Probably Not Doing It Enough)

Let's be honest: we all enjoy a perfect blend, but when was the last time you cleansed your makeup brushes?

If your response falls anywhere between "a few weeks ago" and "wait, I'm supposed to clean them?" don't be concerned; you're not alone. But here's the thing: unclean makeup brushes not only look bad, but they also serve as a breeding ground for germs, product accumulation, and even outbreaks. Furthermore, filthy bristles might interfere with your application; nobody likes murky eyeshadow or a streaky foundation.

Whether you're a makeup artist or simply enjoy getting glam on weekends, here's a step-by-step cleaning guide to keep your tools — and your skin — happy. 

Why Clean Makeup Brushes Matter

Before we get into the how, let's first discuss why. Brushes come into contact with your face and its oils, powders, and creams, collecting dead skin cells, germs, and residual product.

Skipping brush cleaning can result in:

• Clogged pores and outbreaks.
• Patchy foundation.
• Changed cosmetics colours (particularly with eyeshadows)
• Shorter brush lifespan

Think of your brushes like toothbrushes. You wouldn't spend weeks without cleaning it, right?

How to Clean Foundation Brushes (Liquid or Cream) 

Because they adhere to creamy formulations, these brushes become the gunkiest. To Clean:

• Wet the bristles with lukewarm water (but never saturate the handle).
• Put a light brush cleaner or a few drops of baby shampoo in your palm.
• Swirl the kabuki or flat makeup brush through the soap.
• Rinse and repeat until the water clears.
• Squeeze out any excess water using a clean cloth.
• Lay flat to dry; never upright, since this will dislodge the adhesive.

Pro Tip: Clean foundation and concealer brushes once a week to ensure optimal performance and skin health.

How to Clean Eyeshadow Brushes (Blending, Smudge, Crease) 

These are little but powerful—and because they're used with powders, they appear cleaner than they are.

• Use a light soap or brush cleaner.
• Swirl warm water lightly through the blending or crease brush.
• Rinse and reshape the bristles.
• Lay flat to dry, keeping the brush head slightly off the counter to maintain form.

Pro Tip: If you change colours frequently, use a colour switch sponge between washes to swiftly remove pigment.

How to Clean Lip and Eyeliner Brushes

Because these brushes are used with creamy or gel treatments, they solidify quickly.

• Use oil-based removers to dissolve waxy or coloured products.
• To remove any remaining residue, use soap and water.
• Wash at least twice a week, especially if used with dark or vivid colours.

Pro Tip: Reshape the tip while moist to keep your fine liner brush exact.

How to Clean Blush, Bronzer & Powder Brushes

These brushes puff up nicely while clean, but flatten when full of substance.

• Use lukewarm water with a sulfate-free soap or brush shampoo.
• Swirl your blush or powder brush in your hands or on a brush cleaning pad.
• Rinse until the water is clear, then blot dry gently.
• Allow them to dry naturally overnight.

Pro tip: Clean powder-based brushes every 1-2 weeks, depending on how frequently you use them.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Makeup Brushes 

• Do not saturate the entire brush; this loosens the adhesive and damages the handle.
• Avoid aggressive detergents and alcohol, which dry out natural bristles.
• Do not blow-dry or microwave your brushes (yes, some people do this).
• When wet, do not keep them upright as this can harm the brush head and base. 

Optional: Tools That Make Cleaning Easier

• Brush cleaning mats or gloves (which have ridges to aid scrub)
• Colour change sponges for dry cleaning between hues.
• Use brush drying racks to maintain proper form and airflow.

Cleaning your makeup brushes is more than simply a hygiene practice; it's an essential element of your skincare and creativity. Your foundation will blend more smoothly, your eyeshadow will seem more vibrant, and your skin will thank you.

Try setting a reminder once a week (maybe on Sundays?) to wash your brushes while watching Netflix. Your future face will be radiant as a result.