The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Makeup Brushes: Achieve Professional Results

Updated at: 22/02/2025

Maintaining pristine makeup brushes is crucial for achieving flawless makeup application and preventing skin breakouts. Dirty brushes harbor bacteria, old product residue, and can transfer impurities to your face, leading to clogged pores and irritation. Investing a little time in regular cleaning not only extends the lifespan of your beloved tools but also significantly elevates the quality of your makeup application, resulting in a more professional and polished look. You'll notice a difference in the blendability of your products and the overall evenness of your complexion. Investing in good brush care is as important as investing in the makeup itself.

This ultimate guide will take you through a comprehensive, step-by-step cleaning process that will leave your brushes feeling soft, looking brand new, and ready to create stunning makeup looks. Let's dive into the techniques and products you need to achieve truly professional results.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Brush Soap (e.g., Da Vinci, curd soap, or French savon de Marseille)
  • Brush Guard
  • Clean towel
  • Cold water
Safety Guidelines
  • Avoid getting the metal ferrule (the part connecting the bristles and handle) wet. Prolonged exposure to water can loosen the glue, causing bristles to fall out.
  • Always reshape your brushes after washing and lay them flat to dry. This prevents warping and helps maintain their shape.
  • Use a gentle cleanser specifically designed for makeup brushes. Harsh soaps or chemicals can damage the bristles and potentially irritate your skin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preparation & Wetting

    • Thoroughly wet your brush with cold water to loosen makeup.
    Thoroughly wet your brush with cold water to loosen makeup.
    Preparation & Wetting

  2. Lathering and Cleaning

    • Lather the brush with brush soap or curd soap, swirling the bristles gently on your palm. Avoid pressing too hard.
    Lather the brush with brush soap or curd soap, swirling the bristles gently on your palm. Avoid pressing too hard.
    Lathering and Cleaning

  3. Rinsing and Excess Water Removal

    • Rinse the brush thoroughly, avoiding getting water into the ferrule to prevent mold growth.
    • Gently squeeze out excess water and flick the brush to remove remaining water.
    Gently squeeze out excess water and flick the brush to remove remaining water.Gently squeeze out excess water and flick the brush to remove remaining water.
    Rinsing and Excess Water Removal

  4. Drying and Shaping

    • Dry brushes flat on a clean towel. Avoid standing them upright in a glass.
    • Use a brush guard to maintain the brush shape while drying.
    Use a brush guard to maintain the brush shape while drying. Use a brush guard to maintain the brush shape while drying.
    Drying and Shaping

Read more: Deep Clean Your Makeup Brushes & Sponges: Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Tools

Tips

  • For natural-haired brushes used only on yourself, wipe off powders and eyeshadows between uses if the color isn't too strong.
  • Avoid alcohol-based cleansers as they can be harsh and drying.
  • Oil-based soaps like French savon de Marseille are ideal for removing makeup and work on both natural and synthetic hairs.
  • This soap cleaning method also works well for makeup sponges.
  • If water gets on the handle, dry it immediately to prevent it from leaking into the ferrule.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the Wrong Cleaning Method

Reason: Harsh soaps or improper techniques can damage brush bristles, leading to shedding and a shorter lifespan.
Solution: Use a gentle brush cleaner or mild shampoo and always massage the bristles gently instead of aggressively scrubbing.

2. Insufficient Rinsing and Drying

Reason: Residual soap or makeup can build up, harboring bacteria and affecting the performance and hygiene of your brushes.
Solution: Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm running water until all soap residue is gone and reshape the brush head before laying it flat to dry.

FAQs

How often should I clean my makeup brushes?
The frequency depends on usage. For face brushes (foundation, powder), aim for weekly cleaning. Eye brushes (eyeshadow, eyeliner) should be cleaned at least every 2-3 uses, or after each use if you have sensitive skin.
What's the best way to dry my makeup brushes after cleaning?
Reshape the brushes and lay them flat on a clean towel, bristles facing upwards, to air dry completely. Avoid placing them upright in a container, as this can cause water to accumulate in the ferrule (metal part) and damage the brush handle.