Are you guilty of neglecting your makeup brushes? Letting the powder and cream formulas build up on the bristles for weeks? Using more than one color without cleaning in-between? GASP! It’s time to spend a few minutes each week getting the gunk out! Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your makeup brushes, plus some of our favorite brush cleansing formulas.
Step 1: Wet the bristles.
Rinse the bristles under water. Avoid getting water above the handle of the brush, which ca
loosen the glue over time. The brush we’re washing is Moda Metallics Buffer brush.
Step 2: Gently massage in soap.
Swipe your brush across your palm in a gentle brush cleanser. If you have more than one b
wash, set each one aside after soaping it up.
Step 3: Rinse again.
Again, be sure the water doesn’t touch your brush’s handle.
Step 4: Squeeze the water out.
Gently press on the bristles with your fingers to release excess water. Don’t tug too hard!
Step 5: Let it dry
Many makeup artists believe brushes are the most important step for achieving great makeup, so if it’s been quite a while since you lathered up your own, it’s time to get cleaning.
EcoTools Makeup Brush Shampoo
A little goes a long way with this affordable cleanser, which can be used on both brushes and sponges.
Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel
This alcohol-free formula rinses away super-easily, so there’s no cleanser residue left when the brush dries.
BareMinerals Well-Cared For Brush Conditioning Shampoo
You’ve heard of shampoo-and-conditioner-in-one for your hair, right? That’s exactly what this is, but for makeup brush hairs.
French Nerds Nerdiest Brush Cleanser
The aloe, chamomile and jojoba in this formula keep it gentle, but it’s effective on both natural and synthetic bristles.
MAC Brush Cleanser
Skip a couple steps! This cleanser doesn’t require you to wet or rinse your brush with water.
Sephora Collection Dry Clean Instant Dry Brush Cleaner Spray
Like dry shampoo for your makeup brushes, this solvent spray is great for a quick fix. But be sure to do a full wet cleansing when you get a chance!
