The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Makeup brushes andBeauty Blendershelp us contour and apply products to enhance our natural beauty.

Just as with any tools liketweezers or eyelash curlersthat touch our skin, they should be cleaned regularly.

Cleaning removes any bacteria or embedded makeup and helps the brushes last longer and work more efficiently and effectively.

Soiled makeup brushes spilling out of a bag

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Learn how to clean your makeup brushes the right way.

For brushes used to apply liquid products like concealer or foundation, it’s best to clean them weekly.

Plan well when cleaning the brushes so they have time to air-dry before you use them again.

Overhead view of materials needed to clean soiled makeup brushes

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Using a wet brush, especially for dry makeup products, will not produce the results you desire.

Do not use hot water or hold the entire brush under the stream.

Hot water might weaken the glue that is holding the brush head to the handle.

Closeup of flushing soiled makeup brushes under the sink faucet

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Stir to disperse the shampoo.

Clean the Brush

Dip the brush in the shampoo water and swish to saturate.

Use your fingers to gently massage the bristles and create a lather to lift away the makeup.

Mixing a cleaning solution for soiled makeup brushes

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Do not soak the entire brush.

Repeat the cleaning and rinsing steps until the water runs clear of color and no more suds are present.

Do not twist or wring.

Cleaning off soiled makeup brushes with a solution

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

It can be used for cleaning or as a final rinse.

The vinegar odor will dissipate when the brushes dry.

Take care not to let the vinegar reach the ferule (the metal part) of the brush.

Rinsing off the makeup brushes under the faucet

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Good quality brushes used for powdered makeup will usually last 2-3 years.

Brushes used for liquid products should be replaced after 1-2 years.

Drying off the cleaned makeup brush

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley

Letting the makeup brushes dry after cleaning

The Spruce / Sarah Crowley