How to Clean Makeup Brushes: A Beginner’s Guide and Mistakes to Avoid
If you are just getting started with makeup, cleaning your makeup brushes is one of the most important steps in your routine, and so many people always forget this step. Washing your makeup brushes regularly not only gives you a smoother application but can prolong the performance of your brushes. Dirty brushes collect dirt and bacteria, which can lead to skin breakouts and infections.
In this beginner-friendly guide, I will show you how to clean your makeup brushes, which tools to use and common mistakes to avoid.
How to clean makeup brushes at home
I have a step-by-step method that I use to deep clean my makeup brushes on a weekly basis.
Use lukewarm water ( not hot ) and run the bristles under the tap. Make sure you don’t get water on the metal part, which can ruin your brushes.
Get your Dove gentle soap and gently swirl your brush onto the soap and the brush cleaning mat using circular motions.
Rinse the brush under the lukewarm water and repeat the process until the brush is clean.
Squeeze out excess water and lay your brushes on a clean towel to air dry.
What tools do you use to wash your makeup brushes?
Using the right makeup brush cleaning tools makes a huge difference to how long your brushes last. My top recommendation to help you clean your brushes effectively is the Sigma brush cleaning mat. I love the different textures and ridges to do deep cleaning, and I find that it helps the process to be quicker.
Buy the Sigma Brush Cleaning Mat here.
The harsh truth of using Fairy Liquid to wash makeup brushes
Fairy Liquid and other antibacterial dis soaps are too harsh to use on your brushes and can strip the natural softness from the bristles. This reduces the longevity and the quality. I recommend using gentle unscented soaps like Dr Bronner's Baby Castile Soap, which stops your brushes from drying out.
Shop Dr Bronner's Baby Castile Soap here.
How to clean makeup brushes with brush cleaner
My go-to makeup brush cleaner is the ISO Makeup Brush Cleaner with Spray Top. I have been using ISO Clean for years to clean my brushes after each client to avoid cross-contamination and bacteria. It’s a fast way to disinfect your brushes without needing water. Just spray directly onto the brush, then swirl it on a clean towel.
Shop ISO Clean Brush Cleaner Spray here.
Recommended Makeup Brush Set for Beginners
If you are new to makeup, finding the right beginner makeup brush set is key to achieving a flawless makeup routine. Our beginner-friendly makeup brush set is perfect for those who love makeup or are starting their makeup journey.
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