Cleaning my makeup brushes is one of my least favorite tasks, even though I like vacuuming my carpets and making my bed. It always seems like such a pain, and waiting for them to dry for twenty-four hours is annoying, especially if I have makeup to do right away. But after talking to famous makeup artists, I’ve come to realize how important it is to do it frequently.
Makeup accumulation on brush hairs from not cleaning your brushes will eventually reduce the bristles’ softness and result in a spotty or streaky application, according to makeup artist Eric Vosburg of New York City. Additionally, because liquid and cream treatments include a lot of moisture, bacteria can grow and develop readily. This can lead to acne as the infected tools migrate throughout the skin, according to Vosburg.
Our experts advise cleaning makeup brushes, sponges, and puffs as part of a basic care regimen to help avoid this. Along with NBC Select staff favorites and highly regarded brush cleaners, I also put together a list of their preferred cleaning supplies, such as soaps, towels, and more.
GO Ahead and SkipWhat are the methods for cleaning cosmetic brushes, sponges, puffs, and why can one trust NBC Select?
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How do you clean makeup brushes?
It’s important to understand the composition of your brushes before cleaning them. Vosburg describes the two most prevalent forms of brush hair below:
Although most brushes are composed of synthetic fibers (found in foundation and lip brushes), it might be difficult to remove all of the product accumulation. For these synthetic brushes, a little soap can aid in rapidly dissolving the oils.
Although natural hair brushes (powder brushes, eyeshadow brushes, and more) can be created from a variety of hair kinds, white goat hair is frequently used. It is not a cause for concern that these hair types are prone to discoloration, whether from a pigmented blush or another cosmetic product. To keep the hair hydrated and healthy over time, you should use a moisturizing soap when cleaning natural fibers.
Best products to clean makeup brushes
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
$12.99
The target
$11.97
Walmart
Beautyblender Blendercleanser Solid
$18.00
Amazon
$18.00
Sephora
$18.00
The Ulta
Jenny Patinkin Luxury Makeup Brush Soap
$19.00
Patinkin, Jenny
Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap
$5.84
Amazon
$5.84
Walmart
$5.89
The target
EcoTools Cleanser Shampoo
$6.96
Amazon
$6.99
The target
$8.99
The Ulta
Chemical Guys Microfiber Towel
$8.99
Amazon
Mr.Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
$12.98
$15.99
Amazon
How do you clean makeup sponges?
“You can clean them like sponges, just like makeup brushes,” Hart said.
How do you clean makeup puffs?
According to Hart, cleaning puffs is just as important as cleaning sponges and brushes in order to stop bacteria and germs from growing.
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Frequently asked questions
The frequency and purpose of your use will determine the timing. In order to minimize accumulation and maintain cleanliness, Vosburg advises cleaning them once or twice a week.
You should also clean your brushes after dealing with any disease to avoid contaminating your skin, brushes, and cosmetics. According to Hart, everyday washing can also help stop the spread of bacteria and fungus and avoid skin reinfection if you currently have acne or outbreaks. As long as your brushes are in use, I strongly advise spot or deep cleaning them as frequently as you can, Hart advises.
Many people use a quick-dry brush cleanser to clean them quickly, which sanitizes and removes residue. However, excessive use can harm brushes over time and leave a residue, so Hart suggests wiping each brush with a clean towel or an alcohol wipe in between washes.
Hart says you shouldn’t have to replace makeup brushes too frequently because they can last for decades if you clean and care for them properly.
According to Hart, the hairs may flatten and tear from pushing too hard on the skin when applying a treatment, or the glue holding them together may occasionally come apart from the brush handle (causing excessive shedding). You’ll want to change your brushes in both of these situations. Additionally, keep an eye out for any brush hairs that split in two. According to Vosburg, this might be a sign that the hairs are harmed by dryness or excessive use, which could result in an uneven or scratchy application that calls for a replacement.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. Additionally, we take precautions to guarantee that all professional counsel and suggestions are given impartially and free from unreported financial conflicts of interest.
-
Zac Hart
is a New York City-based hair and makeup artist who works on celebrity clients, campaigns and more. -
Eric Vosburg
is a New York City-based makeup artist who works on celebrity clients, campaigns, editorial work and more.
Why trust NBC Select?
I work as an associate reporter covering skin care, hair care, new product launches, and more. I have recently written about the best hair masks and the best under-eye patches. I conducted interviews with cosmetic professionals for this piece in order to determine the most effective methods for cleaning makeup brushes, sponges, and puffs. Along with NBC Select staff favorites that complied with their recommendations, I also added their suggestions for cleaning supplies.
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