We use our makeup brushes every day—sometimes several times a day for touch-ups. But, can we say the same for our makeup brush cleaning habits? Makeup brushes that don’t get cleaned regularly can actually lead to breakouts and clogged pores, as we’re effectively reapplying fresh makeup with a brush that contains a build-up of old makeup residue and potentially blemish-causing bacteria too. Taking care of your makeup brushes regularly not only reduces the potential for breakouts, but also keeps your brushes in their best shape for years to come, and ensures your makeup application is the smoothest it can be.
Discover our pro tips on how to clean your makeup brushes and how often…
Wipe down your makeup brushes after each use with a makeup brush cleaning solution for a surface cleanse, and then go for a deep clean every one to two weeks—depending on how much you use those specific brushes. More on this shortly.
If you’re using the same brush to apply several different shades, you’ll also want to clean the brush before you switch colors so you don’t end up mixing the shades.
Look for a paraben-free, sulfate-free spray on makeup brush cleaner formulated with alcohol to cut through any oils, plus antibacterial ingredients that are safe for both synthetic and natural hair brushes. All our Glo makeup brushes are vegan and cruelty-free, crafted with pro-level synthetic fibers and are super easy to clean and maintain for years. Mist your brush and wipe the bristles on a clean towel or tissue.
For liquid or cream foundation and concealer brushes, it’s best to deep clean these brushes at least once a week to prevent product and oil build-up, and a general clogging of the brush bristles. Oils from the face and the product itself can get between the bristles and can generate bacteria growth. As these are brushes that apply product across your face, these brushes need to be kept in tip-top condition to avoid contributing to breakouts. You'll also want them to deliver a super smooth application which means clean bristles are a must.
For powder brushes such as eyeshadow brushes, you can clean these every two weeks as they’re likely to be less clogged with oils and aren’t being swept across the whole face.
Daily surface cleaning isn’t a replacement for a deep clean—think of it as daily maintenance, like cleaning off your toothbrush after use. The deep clean is needed to really get down into the individual hairs of the brush, where product gets stuck and coats the hair shaft, providing a rich breeding ground for bacteria. By removing all the debris from your brush, the bristles will be able to move more freely to distribute product effectively, so you’ll notice a major difference in the ease of your makeup application.
Here’s how to deep clean your makeup brushes:
You can also try special brushing cleaning mats and gloves to really get in deep using resistance and different textures to clean the bristles.
With regular cleaning and maintenance, your makeup brushes can last for years. But, if you notice any of your brushes are starting to look tired, have lost their shape, or the bristles are falling out, it may be time to treat yourself to an upgrade. Our pro-level makeup brushes are artist-approved and will make your application and cleaning a breeze.