How Often You Should Wash Your Makeup Brushes and Why It Matters

Cleaning your makeup brushes may not be the most glamorous part of your beauty routine, but it’s one of the most important. Regularly washing your brushes keeps them free of bacteria, oil, and dirt, which can help prevent breakouts and maintain flawless makeup application.

Experts, including dermatologists and makeup artists, weigh in on how often you should wash your brushes, what happens if you skip this step, and the best techniques for keeping them squeaky clean.

How Often Should You Wash Your Makeup Brushes?

According to Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, and Pooja Rambhia, MD, another dermatologist, you should wash your brushes at least once a week. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, cleaning them two to three times a week is ideal.

“Cleaning your brushes regularly prevents bacterial buildup and minimizes skin irritation,” Dr. Rambhia says. Foundation and concealer brushes, which come into contact with heavier liquid products, should be washed after each use to avoid harboring bacteria.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Brushes?

Skipping brush cleaning can lead to a host of issues, including:

• Bacterial Overgrowth: Unwashed brushes accumulate oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. “This can clog pores, trigger acne, and lead to skin infections or inflammatory conditions like eczema,” Dr. Rambhia says.

• Poor Makeup Application: Dirty brushes can affect how your makeup looks, resulting in uneven finishes or patchiness.

• Skin Irritation: The buildup of dirt and bacteria can exacerbate sensitive skin, leaving it more prone to redness or breakouts.

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Cleaning your brushes doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step guide recommended by the experts:

1. Start with a Pre-Cleanse:

   • Use micellar water or an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup residue.

2. Deep Clean with a Gentle Cleanser:

   • Wet the bristles with warm water.

   • Apply a mild cleanser, such as CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, or a brush-specific cleanser like Beautyblender Liquid Blendercleanser.

   • Lather the bristles, gently swirling them on your palm or a cleaning mat like the Sigma Beauty Makeup Brush Mat Cleaner.

3. Rinse Thoroughly:

   • Rinse the brushes under warm water until the water runs clear.

4. Sanitize:

   • Spray the bristles with alcohol to kill lingering bacteria.

5. Dry Properly:

   • Lay brushes flat on a clean towel to air dry. Once partially dry, stand them up in a cup to prevent water from seeping into the handle and causing damage.

Do You Need to Wash Brushes After Every Use?

While washing every brush after each use isn’t necessary, Dr. Rambhia recommends cleaning brushes used with heavy, liquid products like foundation or concealer immediately after use. Brushes used for powders can be cleaned weekly.

Makeup artist Brielle Pollara warns against over-cleaning. “If you’re using brushes on yourself, washing them too often can damage the bristles,” she says.

The Bottom Line

Keeping your makeup brushes clean may feel like a chore, but it’s essential for maintaining healthy skin and flawless makeup application. Aim to clean your brushes weekly or more often if you have acne-prone skin or use liquid products.

A little effort goes a long way toward preventing breakouts and extending the life of your beauty tools. So, add brush cleaning to your self-care routine it’s a small step with big rewards.

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