Extend Your Makeup Brush Life: The Ultimate Cleaning & Drying Guide

Updated at: 23/02/2025

Investing in high-quality makeup brushes is a significant step in elevating your makeup application, but their longevity depends heavily on proper care. Dirty brushes harbor bacteria, leading to skin irritation and impacting the performance of your makeup products. Ignoring regular cleaning can result in a build-up of product residue, diminishing the brush’s effectiveness and ultimately shortening its lifespan. A well-maintained brush, however, can last for years, making your initial investment worthwhile. This translates to both cost savings and a consistent, flawless application every time you reach for your favorite tools.

This ultimate guide will walk you through a simple yet effective process for cleaning and drying your makeup brushes, extending their life and keeping your application pristine. From choosing the right cleaning solution to mastering the perfect drying technique, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to keep your brushes in top condition. Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to achieve flawlessly clean and long-lasting brushes.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Sigma Spa Glove (original model)
  • Baby Shampoo
  • Sigma Dry'n'Shape Tower
Safety Guidelines
  • Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use bleach, acetone, or rubbing alcohol on your brushes, as these can damage the bristles and handle.
  • Gently reshape wet brushes: After washing, gently reshape the bristles and lay them flat to dry. Avoid rough handling which can damage the brush head.
  • Air dry completely: Ensure your brushes are completely dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew growth. Never use heat to dry brushes as this can damage the glue and bristles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Washing the Brush

    • Wet the brush under running water.
    • Apply a small amount of baby shampoo to the brush.
    • Gently rub the brush against the textured part of the Sigma Spa Glove.
    • Rinse the brush thoroughly under running water, pinching gently while using the rinsing part of the glove.
    Rinse the brush thoroughly under running water, pinching gently while using the rinsing part of the glove.Rinse the brush thoroughly under running water, pinching gently while using the rinsing part of the glove.Rinse the brush thoroughly under running water, pinching gently while using the rinsing part of the glove.Rinse the brush thoroughly under running water, pinching gently while using the rinsing part of the glove.
    Washing the Brush

  2. Drying the Brush

    • Lay the brush flat on a towel and gently remove excess water, moving in the direction of the brush hairs (back and forth for paddle brushes, circular for round brushes).
    • Place the brush upside down in the Sigma Dry'n'Shape Tower to dry completely.
    Place the brush upside down in the Sigma Dry'n'Shape Tower to dry completely.Place the brush upside down in the Sigma Dry'n'Shape Tower to dry completely.
    Drying the Brush

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Makeup Brushes: Achieve Professional Results

Tips

  • Be very gentle when washing and rinsing to avoid damaging the brush. Avoid fully submerging the brush to prevent water from reaching the ferrule.
  • Always move the brush in the direction of the brush hair to maintain shape.
  • Don't let brushes dry flat; this can cause water to seep into the ferrule. Dry them upside down.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Harsh Cleaners

Reason: Strong soaps, detergents, or alcohol can strip the brush bristles of their natural oils, leading to breakage, shedding, and a shorter lifespan.
Solution: Use a gentle, pH-balanced brush cleanser or a mild baby shampoo instead.

2. Drying Brushes Bristles-Down

Reason: Drying brushes bristles-down allows water to seep into the ferrule (the metal part connecting the bristles and handle), causing rust and loosening of the bristles.
Solution: Always dry your brushes bristles-up or laid flat to prevent water damage.

FAQs

How often should I clean my makeup brushes?
The frequency depends on usage, but ideally, you should clean your face brushes weekly, and eye brushes after each use or at least weekly. Brushes used for cream products need more frequent cleaning than powder brushes.
What's the best way to dry my makeup brushes after cleaning?
Reshape your brushes and lay them flat on a clean towel, or use a brush drying rack to avoid bending the bristles. Avoid standing them upright in a cup, as this can warp the ferrule and damage the brush handle.
Can I use soap and water to clean my makeup brushes?
Yes, a mild soap (like baby shampoo or a specialized brush cleaner) and lukewarm water are perfectly suitable for cleaning most makeup brushes. Avoid using harsh detergents or hot water, as this can damage the bristles.