Dirty brushes can irritate skin and make makeup look patchy. A regular wash keeps them in good shape.
Quick look
- The American Academy of Dermatology suggests washing makeup brushes every 7 to 10 days.
- Rinse only the bristle tips, and use a gentle shampoo rather than soap.
- Dry brushes flat with the tips hanging over the edge of a counter, not upright in a cup.
- Never share your makeup brushes.
Makeup brushes collect old product, oil and dead skin cells. Over time, that build-up can irritate your skin and make makeup go on unevenly.
How often to clean them
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests washing makeup brushes every 7 to 10 days. Brushes used with liquid or cream products, such as foundation brushes, tend to need it most.
Step by step
- Rinse the tips of the brushes under lukewarm running water, keeping the rest of the brush head dry.
- Mix a tablespoon of gentle or clarifying shampoo into a bowl of lukewarm water.
- Swirl each brush tip in the bowl, or work it gently in your palm to make a lather.
- Rinse the tips under running water, and repeat until the water runs clear.
- Squeeze out excess water with a clean paper towel.
- Lay the brushes flat on a towel to dry, with the tips hanging over the edge of the counter.
Little trick
Don’t dry brushes upright in a cup. Water runs down into the base, loosens the glue and makes the bristles shed.
Sponges and puffs
Sponges hold on to moisture and product, so wash them often with a gentle cleanser, squeeze them until the water runs clear, and let them dry fully somewhere airy. Replace sponges and puffs when they start to tear or stay stained after washing.
Keep them to yourself
The AAD advises never sharing your makeup brushes, because sharing can spread bacteria and skin infections. The same goes for eye makeup. Our guide to how long makeup lasts has more hygiene tips.
Good to note
If you notice more breakouts or irritation where you apply makeup, check your brushes and products first. See a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist if it continues.
Make it a habit
Pick one evening a week, such as Sunday, to wash your brushes so they’re dry and ready on Monday. It takes about ten minutes and fits easily alongside an everyday makeup routine.
Ask away
How often should I wash a makeup sponge?
Sponges used with liquid products hold on to moisture and product, so wash them often, and replace them when they start to tear or stay stained.
Can I use washing-up liquid?
A gentle or clarifying shampoo is a better choice. The AAD notes that plain soap and water can dry out the bristles.
Why are my brushes shedding?
Soaking the whole brush or drying it upright lets water seep into the base and loosen the glue. Wash only the tips and dry brushes flat.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For skin, scalp or allergy concerns, speak to a pharmacist, your GP or a dermatologist. In an emergency, call 999.