How often should you clean your makeup brushes?

Makeup brushes are a staple in every beauty routine but they’re also one of the most overlooked sources of bacteria in your kit. Using dirty brushes can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and even skin irritation. Worse yet, it can affect how your makeup applies and wears throughout the day. If you’ve ever asked yourself “How often should I actually be cleaning these?” - this post is for you.

Why Brush Cleaning Matters
Every time you use a makeup brush, various things can collect in the bristles. Letting that build up over time turns your brushes into breeding grounds for breakouts and uneven application.

• Product residue (foundation, powders, creams)
• Natural skin oils
• Dead skin cells
• Environmental debris
• Bacteria

How Often Should You Clean Your Brushes?
Here’s a general guideline for brush cleaning frequency:

• Foundation & concealer brushes: Once a week
• Powder, blush & bronzer brushes: Every 1–2 weeks
• Eye brushes (eyeshadow, liner): After every few uses
• Lip brushes: After every use
• Beauty sponges/blenders: After every use

How to Properly Clean Your Brushes
Avoid soaking the entire brush or letting water seep into the ferrule (metal part), as it can loosen the glue over time.

1. Wet the bristles under lukewarm water, avoiding the handle.
2. Add a gentle cleanser or baby shampoo to your palm.
3. Swirl the brush in circular motions to lather and lift residue.
4. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
5. Squeeze out excess water and reshape the bristles.
6. Lay flat to dry with the bristles hanging over the edge of a counter.
   

Pro Tip: If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, clean your tools even more frequently to avoid flare-ups.

What About Quick-Clean Sprays?
For in-between washes or when you're working with multiple shades, quick-dry brush cleaners are great. They sanitize and remove pigment instantly, but they’re not a replacement for a deep clean.

Keep Your Tools (and Skin) Beautiful
Keeping your brushes clean is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin, prolong the life of your tools, and ensure your makeup goes on flawlessly. Beautify’s demo store showcases brush kits and cleaning accessories that complement every routine because healthy beauty starts with clean tools.