Makeup artist shared how to clean makeup brush like a pro

Have you ever washed your brushes for makeup? This often overlooked task is crucial for the health of your brushes, your skin, and your overall health.

Jillian Dempsey is a celebrity and editorial makeup artist who has worked with Julia Roberts, Kristen Stewart and Emilia Clarke. She says that brushes can build up bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Badly maintained brushes can cause problems that will affect their ability to perform at the same level as if they were clean and fresh.

Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi is an associate clinical professor in the department of dermatology at George Washington University Medical Center. Tanzi warns that poor brushing and breakouts can also lead to gnarly infections. She says that bacteria, such as E.coli and staph, can survive on bristles for long periods of time. Keep your makeup brushes clean by reading the following tips.

How often you should clean your makeup brushes

Tanzi says that some people don’t wash their makeup brushes. She recommends cleaning them at least once per month and preferably once per week. Jo Baker, a celebrity makeup artist from Los Angeles, suggests that you pick one night per week – mine is Sundays. This day is a good day to do chores before the week starts – and take five minutes to clean your brushes.

Dempsey cleans her brushes usually after two to three uses, but she says it’s okay to do it once a week. To make brush-cleaning easier, Dempsey keeps a small makeup brush cleaner in her brushes.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Dempsey recommends that you use a spray cleaner to clean your brushes, such as the Sonia Kashuk Makeupbrush Cleaning Spray ($6, Target.com). Warm water, liquid soap or bar soap can also be used.

She says, “I gently massage the bristles with my palm or on a silicone brush cleansing pad. Then, I rinse the bristles to remove any soap or product. Next, I use a towel to gently remove any moisture. For a better performance, it’s important that the brushes are shaped to their preferred shape after drying.”

The Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat ($25) is a fast way to clean your makeup brushes. It speeds up the process with its patented textures, which help to pull product from each brush more effectively. MelodySusie Brushegg ($5 each) is a smaller version.

Shampoo to clean makeup brushes

The shampoo cleaning hack for makeup brushes is another option. Baby shampoo or gentle shampoos are possible, such as Neutrogena Anti-Residue shampoo ($5, amazon.com). You can also use a shampoo specifically designed for makeup brushes like EcoTools Makeup Brush Shampoo ($8, Ulta.com). A hair conditioner can be used to condition your brushes.

How to dry makeup brushes after washing them

Lay your makeup brushes flat on a towel or hang them upside-down with a JackCube Design Bamboo Brush Makeup Makeup Cosmetic Air Drying Rack ($18, Amazon.com).

Clean Liquid Product Off Makeup Brushes More Often

You should clean your brush after each use of liquid foundation, blush, concealer or any other wet product. There are a few quick solutions to help you clean your brushes between regular cleanings. You can use a makeup removing towelette such as EcoTools Makeupbrush Cleansing Cloths ($8) to clean makeup brushes. Or spray them with a non-rinse cleanser like Cinema Secrets Makeupbrush Cleaner Spray ($9). This will help dissolve oil buildup and dead skin cells.

The same procedure is used to clean your Beautyblender or reusable makeup sponges. To ensure that all liquid product is removed, wash your sponges with warm water.

How to Clean Eyeshadow brushes Between Colors

It doesn’t make sense to clean your eyeshadow brush between each color when creating multi-colored eye looks. There is another way to do this. Alison Raffaele Tatem is a New York City-based makeup artist who suggests that you can use a sponge to remove powder from between shades. She says that the sponge’s rough texture will remove pigment from bristles, allowing you to change palettes without switching brushes. Sephora Collection Color Switch by Vera Mona Brush Cleaner ($18; sephora.com).

Gadgets that Clean Makeup Brushes Fast

There are a few options that can be automated to make your job easier. The E-Senior Makeup Brush Dryer and Cleaner Automatic Spinner ($21.99 on Amazon.com) does most of the work for you. And the Lilumia 2 Makeup Brush Cleaning Device ($119 on Amazon.com) requires that you only push one button to clean your brushes.

Keep your brushes covered when not in use

Properly storing your makeup brushes will ensure they last longer. Tanzi suggests that you keep your makeup brushes in a sealed container to stop dirt and dust from getting on your bristles. They can be kept in a makeup bag, pencil case, or acrylic organizer such as the MUJI Acrylic Stackable drawer ($52.50 on Amazon.com).

When should you replace your makeup brushes?

Makeup brushes made from high-quality materials that have been washed and dried correctly can last many years if they are properly cared for. Bristles that fall out, are brittle, frayed, or can’t be shaped properly are all signs that they need to be thrown out.

Michiko Boorberg from New York City, says that a set of quality makeup brushes is an investment. Your tools will last a long time if you treat them with respect and clean and care for them properly.