Makeup Brush Cleaning 101: How to Keep Your Brittany Cosmetics Brushes in Perfect Condition

Cleaning your makeup brushes is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps in any beauty routine. Dirty brushes harbour bacteria, cause breakouts, muddy your makeup colours, and wear out faster. The good news? Keeping your Brittany Cosmetics brushes in perfect condition is quick and easy when you know how. Here's everything you need to know.

Why You Should Clean Your Brushes Regularly

  • Hygiene: Brushes accumulate bacteria, dead skin cells, and product buildup that can cause breakouts and skin irritation.
  • Performance: Clean brushes blend more smoothly and pick up colour more accurately than dirty ones.
  • Colour accuracy: Old product residue can muddy new colours, making it harder to achieve true-to-pan shades.
  • Longevity: Regular cleaning extends the life of your brushes significantly, protecting your investment.

How Often Should You Clean Your Brushes?

  • Face brushes (foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer): Clean at least once a week, as these come into direct contact with your skin and liquid products.
  • Eye brushes: Clean every 1–2 uses, especially if you're switching between dark and light shades.
  • Lip brushes: Clean after every use to prevent colour transfer and bacterial buildup.

How to Deep Clean Your Brittany Cosmetics Brushes

A deep clean removes all product buildup and bacteria from the bristles. Do this at least once a week for face brushes.

What You'll Need

  • Gentle brush cleanser or mild shampoo (baby shampoo works well)
  • Lukewarm water
  • A clean towel or paper towels
  • A brush cleaning mat or textured surface (optional but helpful)

Step-by-Step Deep Clean

  1. Wet the bristles with lukewarm water, pointing the brush downward to avoid water getting into the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles).
  2. Apply a small amount of brush cleanser or shampoo to the bristles or onto a cleaning mat.
  3. Gently swirl the brush in circular motions against your palm or the cleaning mat to work the cleanser through the bristles.
  4. Rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water, again pointing downward, until the water runs completely clear.
  5. Gently squeeze out excess water with a clean towel — never wring or pull the bristles.
  6. Reshape the bristles with your fingers and lay the brush flat on a clean towel to dry. Never dry upright — water can seep into the ferrule and loosen the glue.

How to Spot Clean Between Uses

For quick cleaning between eyeshadow shades during a makeup session, use a brush cleaning spray and a clean tissue or paper towel. Spray the bristles lightly, then swirl the brush on the tissue until no more colour transfers. This takes seconds and keeps your colours true.

Caring for Specific Brush Types

The Glowy 'n' Glam Brush Set

The Brittany Cosmetics Glowy 'n' Glam Makeup Brushes Set (available in Taffy, Plum, and Ruby) features soft, high-quality bristles that respond beautifully to regular cleaning. Always reshape after washing and lay flat to dry to maintain the shape of each brush.

Shop the Glowy 'n' Glam Brush Set →

The Party 4Life Crystal Brushes

The Party 4Life Crystal Brushes (Blue and Pink) have crystal-effect handles that should never be submerged in water. When cleaning, keep water away from the handle and focus only on the bristles. Dry flat away from direct sunlight to preserve the crystal finish.

Shop the Party 4Life Crystal Brushes →

How to Store Your Brushes

  • Store brushes upright in a brush holder or cup once fully dry to maintain the shape of the bristles.
  • Keep brushes away from direct sunlight and humidity.
  • When travelling, use a brush roll or case to protect the bristles from being bent or crushed.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Brushes

  • Bristles are shedding excessively even after gentle use.
  • The brush no longer holds its shape after cleaning.
  • The ferrule is loose or the handle is damaged.
  • The bristles feel scratchy or rough against the skin.

When it's time for a refresh, explore the full Brittany Cosmetics brush collection → for your next set.

Shop Brittany Cosmetics Brushes

Shop all Makeup Brushes →

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