How To Clean Makeup Brushes To Give Your Tools A Refresh

When was the last time you gave your makeup brushes or sponges a proper clean? If the answer’s anything longer than a week (or… you can’t remember), don’t worry, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: those trusty tools you use every day can collect a whole load of grime, think bacteria, product build-up, oil, and general makeup gunk. You could end up dealing with breakouts, uneven application, and a seriously patchy finish. Not ideal.

Keeping your brushes and sponges clean doesn’t just do wonders for your skin; it also helps your makeup go on more smoothly and saves your makeup tools from an early retirement. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean your makeup brushes and sponges, how often you should be doing it, and a few handy tips for getting the job done at home.

Why You Need To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Dirty brushes aren’t just a bit gross, they can be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you’re noticing more spots than usual or your skin’s feeling a bit clogged, your brushes could be to blame.

There’s also the makeup side of things. When brushes are loaded with old product, blending becomes a nightmare, and the finish is never quite right. A quick clean can transform how your makeup applies, and regular washing helps preserve the shape and softness of your brushes, so they’ll last longer and perform better. It’s a win-win.

How Often To Clean Makeup Brushes

The question now comes: how often should you actually be cleaning them? It depends a bit on how often you wear makeup, but as a general rule:

• Foundation brushes and concealer brushes: once a week (they’re the worst for build-up)
• Eye brushes: every 1-2 weeks
• Powder brushes: every 1-2 weeks
• Sponges: ideally after every use - yep, really!

If that sounds like a lot, think of it this way: a few extra minutes cleaning now could save you from a breakout later.

How To Clean Makeup Brushes At Home

Giving your brushes a deep clean is way easier than you think. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by rinsing the bristles under lukewarm water, just avoid getting the handle wet, as that can loosen the glue over time.
2. Add a brush cleanser (even baby shampoo works a treat).
3. Swirl the brush around in your palm or on a silicone cleaning mat until it lathers up.
4. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
5. Gently squeeze out any excess water, reshape the bristles and lay the brush flat on a clean towel to dry.

For a deeper clean, especially if you’re dealing with long-wear or cream products, try mixing a little olive oil with dish soap to break down stubborn makeup.

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How To Clean Makeup Sponges

Sponges are brilliant for that seamless base, but they do love to soak up everything - foundation, skincare, and unfortunately, bacteria too. That’s why regular cleaning is a must.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Soak your sponge in warm water until it expands.
2. Apply a bit of gentle sponge cleanser directly to the sponge and work it through with your fingers.
3. Squeeze and rinse it under warm water until the water runs clear.
4. Leave it to air dry somewhere clean and well-ventilated.

Need a deep clean fast? If your sponge is microwave-safe, pop it in a bowl of soapy water and microwave it for a minute. It’ll steam away the bacteria and come out practically brand new.

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Quick Tips & Tricks

• Use a brush cleaning mat or glove to speed up deep cleans and get right into the bristles.
• Always dry brushes flat; standing them up can let water seep into the handle and damage them.
• Skip the hot water and harsh soaps; they can be too drying and cause the bristles to frizz or fall out.
• For in-between washes, a daily brush cleaner spray is a handy option to keep things fresh without a full-on wash.

Every part of your beauty routine deserves some love and attention, particularly you’re makeup tools, and a thorough clean does a world of good for the tools, for your skin, and makeup application. For a deep dive on makeup brushes, check out our guide on the Types Of Makeup Brushes.