How Often Do I Need to Clean My Makeup Brushes?

Good quality products aren’t all that goes into flawless makeup looks that turn heads. You also have your brushes to thank. Cleaning your brushes properly and often enough is an important part of taking care of them and making sure they stay effective. Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know.

Why Is Cleaning So Important?

The more you use your brushes, the dirtier they’ll eventually become. Although some of the grime that accumulates on the brush is simply excess makeup, facial oils, dead skin cells, and dirt. Bacteria, which can easily lead to problems like rashes, acne, and clogged pores can also be present. Regular brush cleaning helps safeguard your skin and keep it looking beautiful.

Regular cleaning is also good for your brushes. It helps them last, meaning your favorite brushes will be with you that much longer, saving you money in the long run. Cleaner brushes also work better. Product is less likely to streak or cake when applied, so you’ll always look your best.

What’s the Ideal Cleaning Frequency?

If you wear makeup daily, you should be cleaning brushes you use daily (or nearly so) once a week. Specialty brushes you use less often can go longer in between washing, but all of your brushes should see a cleaning a minimum of once a month.

If you’re a makeup artist or otherwise work with makeup more frequently than average, you may wish to clean your brushes after each use. When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and clean more often.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Many makeup users like to use a dedicated cleaner made especially for makeup brushes, but you don’t need to do this unless you want to. Dish washing liquid works just as well, as it’s designed to help break up grease, oils, and stubborn dirt.

Step 1:  Lay the brush face down with its bristles closest to running warm water. Pinch the bristle fibers and gently squeeze any makeup residue or excess water.
 
Step 2:  Place a dime-sized dollop of olive oil (for natural bristles)  and mild soap onto your palm or apply directly to the bristles after running under medium warm water to remove excess makeup.

Step 3: Massage the brush bristles onto the soap solution on your palm while letting water run through the bristles. Move the brush bristles in a soft gentle circular motion.

Step 4: Once the running water through the bristles become clear, stop the water. Make sure you’re not submerging the bristles or getting the ferrule wet
 
Step 5:  Using a towel, softly squeeze out whatever excess water is left in the brush.  Air dry the bristles in an area with free flowing air.

As you can see, cleaning your brushes doesn’t have to be a chore. It’s really very simple and you’ll love how much better your brushes look, feel, and perform afterward.