How to Clean a Makeup Brush

Keep your makeup brushes clean

Professional makeup artists aren't the only ones who should take proper care of their tools; do not neglect hygienic practices in your makeup application just because you don't work with clients. Not only will the quality of your makeup be compromised if you use dirty brushes, you are also putting yourself at risk for blemish breakouts and eye infections. While you can clean your brushes after every use if you have the time, at least wash them once a week, and use a makeup brush spray cleaner for in-between washings if you are on a tighter schedule.

Things You'll Need

• Makeup brush shampoo or baby shampoo
• Warm running water
• Clean towel or paper towel
• Makeup brush spray cleaner

Instructions

1. Swirl the dirty brush in a drop of brush shampoo on your palm. You may substitute baby shampoo if you have it on hand, as it is gentle but can effectively remove makeup from your brushes.

2. Rinse the hairs of your brush in warm, running water. Make sure the water does not penetrate into the ferrule of the brush, which is the metal piece that holds the hairs in place. Water trickling into the ferrule can loosen the glue that binds the hairs of your brush together. Turn the faucet off only when the water that runs into the sink is clear.

3. Absorb excess water from the brush hairs with a clean towel or paper towel before laying the brush down on a table or countertop. Position the hairs over the edge of the counter or tabletop to speed up the drying process. Do not make your brush stand in a holder or container when waiting for it to dry, as this will allow water to drip down the ferrule.

4. Invest in a makeup brush spray cleaner so you can clean your brush and use it in between more thorough cleanings as described above. Spray the brush hairs with the cleaner and wipe the product off with a paper towel. Brush spray cleaner will remove any color on your brush so there is no transference from one product to the next.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not dry your brushes by laying them down on a towel to absorb the water from the brush hairs. This practice may cause mildew to form on the hairs of your brush.

Resources

• Videos on cleaning makeup brushes