How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo and Hannah Madden

If you wear makeup often, you’ve probably noticed that your makeup brushes tend to get a little dirty after a few uses. Cleaning your makeup brushes will help keep your skin clear and your makeup application flawless. Try cleaning your brushes quickly after every use and doing a deep clean about once a week to keep your brushes in tiptop shape.

1

Wipe off excess makeup.

This is the first step in the deep cleaning process. Before you get to deep cleaning, grab a paper towel or a clean hand towel and give your brush a good wipedown, handle and all. You’ll probably be surprised at how much makeup comes off with this quick once over, and it can really make your cleaning job easier.^{[1]
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- Try swirling your makeup brush onto a paper towel a couple of times to remove all the excess makeup.

2

Run the bristles under water.

As you rinse, keep the bristles pointed downward. This will help avoid the water running back and into the center of the brush, which can dissolve the glue that holds the brushes together. Move and separate the bristles to really penetrate into the center of the brush.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Alicia D'Angelo
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
- Stick to lukewarm water, not hot. Hot water can damage the bristles on your brush over time, especially if you clean them often.

3

Mix warm water and shampoo.

You can use baby shampoo or clarifying shampoo. Fill up a bowl or a shallow dish with water from the sink, then mix in your shampoo of choice. Your measurements don’t have to be exact, but make sure there’s enough water to cover the bristles of your brush.^{[3]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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- You can also use makeup cleansers or detergents, but shampoos work just as well.
- While some makeup experts recommend using dish soap for its degreasing properties, others warn that the harsh soap could dry out your bristles over time.

4

Add olive oil or coconut oil.

You only need about 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of oil to help clean your brush. If you use an oil-based foundation or concealer, mix in 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil or coconut oil along with your water and shampoo. The oil will help break down the makeup much easier, leading to a cleaner, fresher brush.^{[4]
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- This is a great way to cleanse natural brushes to keep them in tiptop shape.

5

Swirl the brushes in your mixture.

Try to get a good lather going for the best results. This should only take around 20 seconds. You’ll probably notice the water getting cloudy or dirty as the makeup comes off your brush, which is a good sign!^{[5]
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- If your brush is really dirty, swirl it around in the palm of your hand to work up a lather. This will help agitate the bristles more, which can lead to a deeper clean.

6

Rinse the brush.

Continue massaging the bristles to really clean them off. Keep the brush pointed downwards so the water doesn’t run back into the handle, and keep rinsing until all of the soap or shampoo is completely gone. Don’t worry if your brush isn’t completely clean yet—you’ll still have a chance to cleanse it further.^{[6]
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- If the water runs completely clean, your brush is good to go! You don’t need to cleanse it again.

7

Shampoo the brush again.

Thick makeup might be a little tricky to get out. If your brush needs it, empty out your dirty bowl and fill it back up with warm water and shampoo. Swirl the brush around again, then rinse it using warm water.^{[7]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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- For most brushes, cleaning it a second time will be enough for a thorough cleansing. But, if your brush isn’t completely clean after a second shampoo, feel free to keep washing it until the water runs clear.

8

Squeeze out excess water.

Make sure your brushes aren't dripping wet. Use your hands or a clean paper towel to gently squeeze the bristles until they’re damp. Don’t wring or rub the brushes, as that could damage the bristles.^{[8]
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- While the brushes are still dripping wet, try not to tilt them upwards so the water doesn't run into the handle. After you pat them dry, you can be a little less cautious about this.

9

Lay your brushes out to dry.

Put a clean towel down to catch any extra moisture. Hang the tip of the brush off the edge of a counter or a table so the bristles dry normally instead of flattening out. Try to keep the brushes lying flat until they’re fully dry to prevent any water damage to the handle or the glue inside.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
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Go to source}
- Depending on the size and thickness of your brushes, they could take a few hours or a full day to dry.
- Although it might seem like a good idea, don’t use heat to dry your brushes! Hair dryers can damage and warp the bristles on your brushes, especially if they’re synthetic.

10

Spritz your brushes with rubbing alcohol after every use.

Cleaning every day can help keep your brushes germ and bacteria-free. After you use any of your brushes, spray a bit of rubbing alcohol onto the bristles of your brush, then gently wipe it on a clean cloth. Leave the brush out to dry before you use it again.^{[10]
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- You can find rubbing alcohol at most drug stores or pharmacies.
- If you’re really worried about germs on your makeup brushes, consider investing in a makeup brush sterilizer. This machine uses a UV light to disinfect your brushes in minutes, leaving them 99.9% germ-free.

11

Deep clean once a week.

Using dirty makeup brushes can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. If you use your brushes often, try to clean them thoroughly every 7 to 10 days. Your skin will thank you!^{[11]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- This is especially true for foundation and concealer brushes, since those are usually coated with thick layers of makeup.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What can I use to clean my makeup brushes?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

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A mild soap such as baby shampoo can be mixed with water and used to clean makeup brushes. You can also clean them with alcohol. Let the brushes dry completely before using or storing them.
Question

How do you dry a kabuki brush?

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You can dry it in the same way as a normal makeup brush: lay it flat or hang it upside down so water doesn't run back into the handle. Wait for a few hours or a full day until it's fully dry before using it again.
Question

If I don't use my eyeshadow brushes daily, should I still clean them bi-weekly?

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You can try spot treating them after every use instead of doing a deep clean bi-weekly. Once you notice a buildup of powder or gunk, it's time to do a deep clean.