It is easy to forget to clean makeup brushes, because they do not look dirty until they are very dirty. Brushes collect makeup, skin oil, dead skin cells and bacteria every time you use them. Washing them regularly is better for your skin, makes makeup go on more evenly and helps the brushes to last for years.
How often to wash them
| Brush or tool | How often |
|---|---|
| Foundation and concealer brushes | About once a week |
| Brushes for cream blush, bronzer, lip | About once a week |
| Powder, blush and bronzer brushes | Every one to two weeks |
| Eyeshadow brushes | Every one to two weeks; spot clean between colors |
| Eyeliner and brow brushes | After each use for gel products, otherwise weekly |
| Makeup sponges | After every use, or at least every few days |
Dermatologists commonly recommend washing brushes every 7 to 10 days. Wash more often if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, or an eye or skin infection.
What you need
- Lukewarm water.
- A gentle shampoo, mild soap or a brush cleanser.
- A clean towel.
- A textured silicone mat, if you have one. Your palm works as well.
Step by step
- Rinse the tips. Hold the brush with the bristles pointing down under lukewarm running water. Keep water away from the metal collar, where the bristles are glued.
- Lather. Put a small amount of shampoo or cleanser in your palm, or fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a little shampoo.
- Swirl. Gently swirl the brush tip in your palm or the bowl. Massage the bristles with your fingers to work the product out.
- Rinse. Rinse under running water, bristles down, until the water runs clear.
- Repeat for brushes used with foundation, which hold more product.
- Squeeze out the water with a clean towel. Do not pull the bristles.
- Reshape the brush head with your fingers.
- Dry flat with the bristles hanging over the edge of a counter, so that air reaches all sides. Leave them overnight.
What not to do
- Do not soak brushes or submerge the handle. Water loosens the glue and swells wooden handles.
- Do not dry them upright. Water runs down into the collar and loosens the bristles.
- Do not use hot water, which damages bristles and glue.
- Do not use a hair dryer or put them on a radiator.
- Do not use harsh detergents or alcohol for routine washing. They dry out bristles.
Spot cleaning between washes
To change eyeshadow color, or between full washes:
- Swirl the brush on a dry microfibre cloth or a color-removal sponge.
- Or spray a quick-drying brush cleanser on a tissue and wipe the brush across it.
Spot cleaning removes surface color. It does not replace washing.
Cleaning other tools
- Makeup sponges: see Makeup Sponges: How to Use, Clean, and Replace Them.
- Eyelash curlers: wipe the pads with a damp cloth or micellar water weekly.
- Tweezers and sharpeners: wipe with rubbing alcohol.
- Powder puffs: wash like a sponge and dry fully.
- Makeup bags: empty and wipe out regularly.
When to replace a brush
- Bristles shed heavily or feel scratchy.
- The brush has lost its shape and does not recover after washing.
- The collar is loose.
- It smells even after washing.
A well-kept brush can last for many years.
Why it matters for your skin
Applying makeup with dirty tools spreads oil and bacteria across the face and can contribute to breakouts and irritation. If you are dealing with acne, clean tools are part of the routine. See Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin. Sharing brushes can pass on infections, so keep your tools for yourself.
Make it a habit
Choose a regular time, such as Sunday evening, wash everything at once and let it dry overnight. Having a spare foundation brush or sponge means one can dry while you use the other.
Makeup Brushes: Types and What They Are Used For explains what each brush is for, Makeup Blending: Brushes, Sponges, and Fingers compares brushes with other tools, and Makeup Hygiene: How to Store and Handle Products covers hygiene for the products themselves.
Related on ArniSun
- Makeup Brushes: Types and What They Are Used For
- Makeup Sponges: How to Use, Clean, and Replace Them
- Makeup Hygiene: How to Store and Handle Products
- Makeup Blending: Brushes, Sponges, and Fingers
- Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can I use dish soap to wash makeup brushes?
A small amount can help with stubborn foundation, but it is harsher than shampoo and can dry natural bristles. Gentle shampoo is a safer routine choice.
How long do makeup brushes take to dry?
Small brushes dry in a few hours. Large, dense brushes can take overnight. Make sure they are fully dry before use.
Do dirty makeup brushes cause acne?
They can contribute, by carrying oil, old makeup and bacteria back onto the skin. Regular washing reduces that risk.