Your makeup brushes help you blend foundation, buff blush and create that perfect smoky eye. But when was the last time they had a proper bath? If your answer involves an awkward pause, a vague 'last month' or absolutely no memory whatsoever, it might be time to rethink your beauty routine.
Between rushing through your morning makeup and tossing brushes back into a cosmetic bag, cleaning your tools can easily become an afterthought. Unfortunately, those soft bristles collect more than leftover eyeshadow.
Oil, dead skin cells, makeup residue and microorganisms can accumulate over time, leaving your trusty beauty tools overdue for a wash. And no, wiping your brush on a tissue between shades does not count as a full spa day.
So, How Often Should You Wash Your Makeup Brushes?
The short answer: more often than you probably do. According to makeup artists Eric Vosburg and Zac Hart, whose advice appears in NBC News Select's guide to cleaning makeup brushes, washing frequency depends on how often you use your brushes and the products you apply.
Vosburg recommends weekly cleaning as a general rule. Brushes used with liquid or cream products, such as foundation and concealer, need particular attention because these formulas leave residue behind. Powder brushes may be able to go longer between washes, with cleaning every two weeks a reasonable option for some users.
Your Quick Makeup Brush Cleaning Guide
Keep this cheat sheet handy when planning your next beauty clean-up.
- Foundation and concealer brushes: At least weekly, or more often with heavy daily use.
- Powder blush, bronzer and eyeshadow brushes: Weekly is ideal for frequent use; every two weeks may suit less frequently used brushes.
- Eye makeup brushes: Clean regularly and never share them unwashed.
- Beauty sponges: Wash after each use and allow them to dry completely.
- Brushes used while sick: Clean before returning them to your regular routine.
These are practical guidelines, not universal deadlines. Clean tools sooner if they look dirty, feel stiff or have accumulated noticeable product residue.
What Happens When You Skip Cleaning Day?
A dirty makeup brush is not automatically a skin disaster waiting to happen, but repeatedly using one without washing it can create problems. Brushes collect oils, dead skin cells and product residue, while microorganisms can accumulate on their bristles. Repeatedly sweeping that buildup across your face may contribute to irritation or breakouts, particularly if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
There is also the makeup-performance problem. Old product can stiffen bristles, make powders apply unevenly and leave streaks in foundation. Instead of achieving that seamless, airbrushed finish, you might end up blending yesterday's makeup into today's look.
Eye makeup tools deserve extra care. Sharing unwashed brushes can spread germs, potentially contributing to eye irritation or infection. If you develop an eye infection, avoid using potentially contaminated tools until the infection has cleared up, and follow appropriate medical advice. Clean brushes, then, are about more than a flawless finish. They also help support a more hygienic beauty routine.
How To Give Your Brushes a Proper Wash
You do not need an expensive cleaning gadget or a professional makeup artist on speed dial. A few simple steps will do the trick.
- Wet the bristles. Rinse with lukewarm water, keeping the handle dry to protect the adhesive.
- Add cleanser. Apply a small amount of mild soap or brush cleanser.
- Massage gently. Swirl the bristles against your palm or a cleaning pad to remove makeup without damaging them.
- Rinse thoroughly. Wash until the water runs clear and no cleanser remains.
- Squeeze and reshape. Press out excess water with a clean towel and reshape the bristles.
- Air-dry. Lay brushes flat on a clean towel and let them dry completely before storing.
One last tip: Avoid soaking the entire brush or standing wet brushes upright while they dry. Water can seep into the ferrule or the metal section connecting the bristles to the handle, and weaken the adhesive, potentially causing shedding.
Make Cleaning Day Less of a Chore
If washing your entire collection sounds overwhelming, start with the brushes you use most often. Keeping cleanser near your makeup station and setting a regular cleaning day can make the task easier to remember.
Between washes, store brushes in a clean, dry place and avoid sharing them without proper cleaning. Replace tools that remain damaged or become difficult to clean.
Your brushes do plenty of heavy lifting, from blending your base to perfecting that final swipe of blush. Giving them a regular wash helps maintain their condition and keeps makeup application running smoothly.
Consider this your friendly reminder: your brushes have been working overtime. It's time to give them a little self-care, too.
