We’ll be the first to admit that cleaning our makeup brushes sometimes falls to the tail-end of our priority list (along with washing our water bottles every day, but that’s another story). Still, it’s an important habit to upkeep, especially if you have acne-prone or oily skin. Here, we spoke with Hope Mitchell, MD and founder of Mitchell Dermatology, Pooja Rambhia, MD and board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm, and Brielle Pollara, a New Jersey-based makeup artist, about exactly how often you should clean makeup brushes.
We also dive into why maintaining a makeup brush or blending sponge cleaning routine is essential in keeping away dirt and bacteria, what happens if you don’t wash your makeup brushes, plus the best ways to clean them. Consider this your guide to giving your makeup brushes the much-needed care they deserve.
How often should you clean your makeup brushes?
According to the experts, you should clean your makeup brushes at least once a week and multiple times a week if you have oily or acne-prone skin. “Cleaning them more frequently—about two to three times a week—can help prevent breakouts and skin irritation,” says Dr. Mitchell. Now, we get it—life is busy enough, and the thought of adding yet another multi-step routine may feel exhausting. However, getting into the habit of regularly cleaning your brushes will be better for your skin in the long run. Now, I’ll step to the front of the line to admit: once a week is a lot more than I currently fit into my schedule, but it’s what experts recommend to keep your brushes and skin in tip-top shape.
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What happens if you don’t wash your makeup brushes?
According to Dr. Mitchell, not washing your brushes regularly can make them a breeding ground for bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells, which can lead to clogged pores, acne, and other skin irritations. This goes the same for any beauty sponges or blenders, according to Dr. Rambhia. “One study found overgrowth of staphylococcus aureus, enterobacteriaceae, and fungi in beauty blenders,” she says.
Dr. Rambia explains that these microorganisms can cause skin infections acne, and even trigger other inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. “Keeping your brushes clean prevents bacterial buildup and minimizes skin irritation, promoting healthier skin,” she says. Dr. Mitchell also adds that dirty brushes can affect the application of your makeup, leading to an uneven finish or patchiness.
What is the best way to clean makeup brushes?
Experts recommend a few methods for cleaning your makeup brushes, including double-cleansing the bristles or using a brush cleanser and water. “First, use a micellar water, like the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water ($9) or an oil-based cleanser to help remove product,” says Dr. Rambhia. Next, wet the bristles, apply a mild cleanser like the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser ($18), and lather and rinse. You can also opt for a cleanser specifically formulated for brushes or sponges, like the Beautyblender Liquid Blendercleanser ($15) or the Real Techniques Brush + Sponge Cleansing Gel ($7).
No matter what type of cleanser you choose, Pollara recommends the Sigma Beauty Makeup Brush Mat Cleaner ($39) to get the most out. Swirl the soap-soaked bristles onto the mat for a thorough clean. “I apply a little bit of soap to the mat and gently scrub my brushes until they are clean,” she says. It’s important to rinse with warm water until there are no bubbles and all the water is squeezed out. Finally, you can spray the bristles with some alcohol to sanitize them and lay them on a clean towel to air dry. Once about halfway dry, Pollara recommends standing them up in a cup to dry them thoroughly. “This helps prevent any water from dripping down the brushes and creating damage,” she says.
Should I wash my makeup brushes after every use?
While you don’t need to wash every makeup brush after use, Dr. Rambhia recommends giving your foundation or concealer brushes a wash afterward, as heavy liquid products can harbor bacteria more quickly than powder formulas. “This is especially important for acne or oilier skin as dirty makeup brushes can trigger acne,” she says.
If you tend to stick to dry products like powders or don’t typically break out due to makeup brushes, washing your brushes weekly is okay. “If you’re using the brushes on yourself, washing them after each use—or too often— can damage your brushes,” says Pollara.
Final Takeaway
As much as washing your makeup brushes can feel like an extra step you don’t have time for, experts recommend cleaning them at least once weekly. You can wash them multiple times a week if you have acne or oily skin or after every use if you use them to apply heavy, liquid products. Wash your makeup brushes with a brush cleanser or double cleanse the bristles with micellar water and mild cleanser to thoroughly clean them, and let them air dry to maintain their shape.
Ultimately, we get it; life happens, and washing your makeup brushes is usually the last thing on your mind, but if you’re using them regularly, your best bet is trying to keep them clean to minimize bacteria buildup and breakouts.
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