How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Washing your face is usually the first step of any skin care routine. It helps remove dirt, grime and leftover makeup.

But washing your makeup brushes should also be at the top of your to-do list, especially if you’re breaking out.

Dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD, explains how to clean your makeup brushes and how often you should wash them.

Why you need to clean your makeup brushes

Using an unwashed brush can cause:

• Acne and breakouts
• Skin irritation and rashes
• Bacterial infections, like staph (Staphylococcus)
• Eye infections, like pink eye (conjunctivitis)

Why? Because every time you touch an unwashed brush to your face, you’re not just applying new makeup. You’re also applying old makeup and whatever dirt and oil the brush picked up since the last time you used it.

“Most makeup products are formulated with preservatives to keep bacteria and yeast from growing,” explains Dr. Piliang. “But if you let the makeup build up over time and it sits there for months, you could develop a bacterial infection if you had a cut in your skin that allows bacteria to enter.”

It’s not just about old makeup either. If you store your brushes in a cup on your bathroom counter or out in the open where you get ready, they can also pick up dust, sneezes and other bacteria floating around in the air.

“Keeping your makeup tools clean can go a long way toward keeping harmful bacteria from getting on your face,” she continues. “If you develop a very red eye, eye drainage or any eye pain after applying makeup, it’s time to call your doctor.”

How to clean makeup brushes

To clean them, you’ll need:

• Gentle/mild soap (like baby shampoo or dish soap)
• Warm water
• A clean towel
• A flat surface

Dr. Piliang recommends these steps:

1. Rinse the tip of your makeup brush under warm water.
2. Apply a drop of mild soap to your palm and gently rub it into the brush.
3. Wash the brush under warm water, using your fingers to remove the soap and rinse the brush clean.
4. Repeat the process of lathering the brush with soap and rinsing it until the water runs clear.
5. Squeeze out any extra water.
6. Lay the brush flat on a clean towel, with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter to prevent them from breaking. Don’t leave it upright, as water could damage the brush over time, depending on its material.
7. Leave the brush to dry overnight.

How often should you wash them?

Different brushes have different recommended cleaning schedules:

• Brushes used with wet products (like concealer or foundation) should be washed once a week.
• Most makeup brushes used for dry cosmetics (like powder and blush) can be washed once a month.
• Any brushes you use around your eyes (like for eye shadow or eyeliner) should be washed every two weeks.

“Your eyes are more prone to infection, so makeup brushes you use in that area should be washed regularly,” states Dr. Piliang.

If you use sponges to apply liquid makeup, pay special attention to keeping them clean, too. Sponges absorb makeup, and the moisture can potentially lead to bacteria and yeast overgrowth.

And finally, when your makeup brush becomes frayed or worn, or when a brush loses its shape, it’s time to replace it with a new one.

“Keeping your makeup brushes and other tools clean and intact is an important step in keeping your skin healthy,” says Dr. Piliang.