Beauty Regimen: How Often You Should Clean Your Makeup Brushes

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It’s something I never, ever do — clean my makeup brushes. It’s kind of like flossing, I know I should do it, but most of the time I skip that step before bedtime.

Every morning I use my makeup brushes to apply bronzer, powder, and shadow, and when I slide them back into their case I think, “I really should clean them,” but never have the time as I dash out of the house. At night, I’m more concerned with removing my makeup, rather than washing my brushes for tomorrow’s application.

Days turn into a week, which turns into a month, and before I know it – I’ve gone a year (gasp!) without cleaning my makeup brushes. I’ve even been known to throw out my brushes and buy new ones, rather than have to properly clean them. What a waste.

And I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring your dirty makeup brushes is a big no-no. Not only does it lead to wear-and-tear on your brushes, but it also causes old makeup residue, dead skin cells, and dirty oil to build up on the bristles. To make matters worse, brushes can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can mean acne breakouts, clogged pores, and impurities on your face.

“Makeup certainly has a shelf life. Mascara, because of its proximity to the eyes, should be replaced every three months — or replaced immediately if you develop any type of eye infection. Most other makeup should be discarded after one year. You’ll notice that its consistency changes, and that any SPF in the product will have deteriorated. Finally, brushes should be cleaned weekly to help keep their proper shape and function. This also keeps a significant amount of bacteria from accumulating in the brush,” according to Carol L. Clinton, M.D. of Timeless Skin Solutions.

So, powder brushes should be cleaned weekly, but if you use a brush to apply liquid makeup, such as concealer or wet foundation, those should be cleaned daily. And there are plenty of ways, both inexpensive and costly, to clean your brushes:

1. Shampoo

Most makeup brushes are made of real hair, so any shampoo will work great cleaning the residue off your brushes. Dab a small amount of shampoo into the palm of your hand and using warm water, swirl the brush through the shampoo. Use your fingers to rub the hairs of the brush, ensuring that all the buildup is washed away.

2. Vinegar and Water

A simple at-home remedy, using one part vinegar and two parts water. Dip the brush into the vinegar solution and rinse in clean warm water. This is an instant way to disinfect your brushes, especially if they’re used by multiple people; it’s considered the best way to keep your brushes bacteria-free.

3. Facial Cleaner

Hey, if it removes makeup from your face, it’ll also get it off your brushes. Again, follow the shampoo method and properly rinse the brushes in warm water; then they’ll be ready for tomorrow’s application.

4. Makeup Brush Cleaner

Several companies have developed their own brush cleaners that can cost anywhere from $10.99-$30.00. Many have simple procedures, such as “spray on, wipe off,” but each is unique.

Regardless of your technique, cleaning your brushes should be part of your beauty routine. Personally, I’ve made it my New Year’s Resolution to clean my brushes every Sunday night; I use a disposable facial cleaning cloth to wipe away the built-up makeup. If clean makeup brushes mean less acne and fewer breakouts, it’s time to face reality and do something about it.