How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes (and Why It Matters)

May 26, 2026

Cleaning your makeup brushes is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps in any beauty routine. Dirty brushes harbour bacteria, old product, and oils that can cause breakouts, affect the performance of your makeup, and shorten the lifespan of your brushes significantly. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Cleaning Your Brushes Matters

Prevents breakouts — dirty brushes transfer bacteria, old makeup, and oils directly onto your skin every time you use them; this is one of the most common causes of persistent breakouts
Better makeup application — clean brushes pick up and deposit colour more accurately; dirty brushes mix old colours into new ones, muddying your makeup
Longer brush lifespan — product buildup in the bristles causes them to stiffen, splay, and break down faster; regular cleaning keeps bristles soft and in shape
More hygienic products — dirty brushes contaminate your eyeshadow palettes and blushes with bacteria and old product every time you dip into them

How Often Should You Clean Your Brushes?

Foundation and concealer brushes — after every use; these brushes carry the most bacteria and product buildup
Blush, bronzer, and powder brushes — once a week for regular users
Eyeshadow brushes — once a week for deep cleaning; spot clean between uses when switching colours
Lip brushes — after every use, especially when using dark or bold colours

Deep Cleaning: Step-by-Step

Deep cleaning removes all product, bacteria, and oil buildup from the bristles. Do this weekly for brushes you use regularly.

What You'll Need

Gentle shampoo, baby shampoo, or dedicated brush cleanser
Lukewarm water
A clean towel or paper towels
A brush cleaning mat or the palm of your hand

Step 1: Wet the Bristles

Hold the brush with the bristles pointing downward and run lukewarm water over the bristles only — avoid getting water into the ferrule (the metal part that connects the bristles to the handle). Water in the ferrule loosens the glue that holds the bristles in place, causing shedding over time.

Step 2: Apply Cleanser

Place a small amount of gentle shampoo or brush cleanser into the palm of your hand or onto a brush cleaning mat. Swirl the wet brush bristles into the cleanser using gentle circular motions. You'll see the old makeup and colour releasing from the bristles immediately.

Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water, again keeping the water away from the ferrule. Continue rinsing until the water runs completely clear — any remaining colour means there's still product in the bristles.

Step 4: Reshape and Dry

Gently squeeze excess water from the bristles with a clean towel — never pull or tug. Reshape the bristles back to their original form with your fingers. Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel to dry — never stand them upright while wet, as water will run into the ferrule. Allow to dry completely before using — usually overnight.

Spot Cleaning: Between Uses

Spot cleaning removes surface colour from eyeshadow brushes quickly between uses without fully washing them. This is essential when switching between colours during a single makeup session.

Spray a brush cleaning spray onto a tissue or paper towel and swirl the brush bristles into it until the colour transfers to the tissue. The brush will be ready to use again within seconds. Spot cleaning is not a substitute for deep cleaning — it removes surface colour but not bacteria or deep product buildup.

Signs Your Brushes Need Replacing

Bristles are shedding excessively despite gentle use
The bristles have permanently splayed and won't return to their original shape
The ferrule is loose or the handle is cracking
The bristles feel rough or scratchy even after cleaning

Tips for Extending Brush Life

Always clean gently — aggressive scrubbing damages bristles
Never soak brushes in water — it loosens the ferrule glue
Store brushes upright in a brush holder or flat in a brush roll when dry
Avoid sharing brushes — this transfers bacteria between people
Invest in quality brushes — well-made brushes with properly secured bristles last significantly longer with regular cleaning

✨ Shop Professional Makeup Brushes at Brittany Cosmetics

Invest in quality brushes that last with proper care:

Glowy 'n' Glam Brush Set — 8 professional-quality brushes with well-secured bristles that withstand regular cleaning and last beautifully.
Blending Brush — A premium fluffy blending brush that maintains its shape wash after wash.
Large Blush Brush — Soft, durable bristles perfect for seamless blush and powder application.
Angled Brush — A versatile, durable brush for liner, brows, and precise colour work.
Highlighter Brush — A tapered brush that maintains its precise shape for accurate highlight placement.