How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Clean tools for clearer skin

Haven’t cleaned your brushes in awhile? Don’t slack on this—allowing product to build up on brush bristles can wreck their function and wreak havoc on your skin. So, give your tools a little love and attention—it’s easier than you think.

Step 1

Know your brushes Different brushes require a different cleaning routine. Clean foundation and concealer brushes with synthetic bristles weekly with a brush cleanser or antibacterial face wash to prevent buildup. (Synthetic brushes for dry product can be cleaned once a month.) Brushes with natural bristles should be treated with extra care—deep clean them every 1–2 months with a product specially designed to clean brushes or a gentle shampoo.

Step 2

Soak, lather, rinse & repeat Start by soaking your bristles in a bowl of lukewarm water. Be careful not to submerge them below the glue line that holds the bristles in place—this can weaken its grip. For each brush, drop a dime-size bit of soap onto the back of your hand and twirl the bristles in a circular motion, avoiding the glue line. Finally, lather and rinse under warm water until the water runs clear.

Extra credit

Cleaning tools Using your hand as a lathering tool totally works, but there are other super-efficient options out there, too—like silicone brush cleaning gloves, mats and palettes.

Step 3

Dry & reshape Once your’e in the clear, very gently wring out the bristles. Natural bristles will need a bit of re-shaping help to keep them fluffed. Lay the brushes out on a clean towel, letting them dry flat on the edge of a counter or table to allow bristles to fully dry.

Step 4

Spot clean For a touch-up in between cleanings or on the go, try brush cleanser wipes or a fast-working spray formula—just spray onto a dry paper towel, cloth or tissue and gently wipe the brush bristles across until clean.