Looking to achieve a glossy smooth makeup look but failed to learn the right way to clean your makeup brushes at home, here’s a complete guide to make you understand the importance of cleaning the brushes in the right manner. Here you will know how to clean makeup brushes in right way.
Clean brush means clean and smooth makeup application, which is non negotiable. Dirty brushes clog the pores, cause acne, leave a patchy look on the skin and cause flakiness after the application of makeup.
Hence to regularly clean and change the brushes will save you from these difficulties.
Your brushes touches your face daily. Treat them like your skincare tool, with love, care alongside washing them regularly!
Why You should Clean Your Makeup Brushes Regularly?
Bacteria Build-Up
Each time you use your brushes they collect:
- Skin oils.
- Old makeup residue.
- Dust.
- Bacteria.
This build up leads to clogged pores, breakouts and even skin infections{1}.
Poor Makeup Application
Unclean brushes:
- Blend makeup unevenly.
- Leave patchy or streaky finishes.
- Mix old product colors.
Longevity of Your Brushes
Proper care keeps bristles soft, reduces shedding and saves you money.
Brush Hygiene Tips:
- Clean foundation brushes twice a week.
- Eye brushes once a week.
- Deep clean monthly.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes at Home?
What You’ll Need?
- Lukewarm water.
- Gentle baby shampoo or dish soap.
- Olive oil.
- Towel.
- Cleaning mat or your palm.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Wet the bristles under lukewarm water. Keep the handle dry.
- Add a drop of cleaner, baby shampoo or dish soap + olive oil mix.
- Swirl the brush gently on your palm or a cleaning mat.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
- Squeeze out excess water with a clean towel.
- Lay flat to dry on the edge of a counter. Bristles should hang off to air dry evenly.
Pro Tip: Never soak the entire brush, this weakens the glue and ruins your brush.
How Often Should You Wash Your Makeup Brushes?
It depends on the type of brush and how often you use it{2}.
| Brush Type | How Often to Wash |
| Foundation & Concealer | 1–2 times per week |
| Powder & Blush Brushes | Once a week |
| Eyeshadow Brushes | Every 7–10 days |
| Lip & Cream Brushes | After each use |
| Sponges (like Beauty Blenders) | Every 3 days |
Best Products to Use for Washing Brushes!
Affordable Cleaning Products:
- Baby shampoo – Gentle, effective and budget-friendly.
- Dish soap + olive oil – A powerful DIY cleaner that removes makeup and nourishes bristles.
- Micellar water – Great for quick cleans.
Useful Tools:
- Brush cleaning mats or gloves – Textured surface helps deep clean.
- Drying rack – Holds brushes upside down for safe drying.
Quick Fix: Use a brush-cleaning spray between uses for fast cleansing.
Influencer Approved Makeup Brush Cleaning Techniques!
1. Two Step Deep Cleaning Method:
Recommended by: NikkieTutorials and Tati Westbrook.
Process:
- Clean with dish soap to remove makeup residue and oils.
- Follow with a baby shampoo wash to soften bristles.
- Rinse and dry flat.
Why do influencers love it?
It gives a double cleanse effect to the brushes as deep cleaning and conditioning. Also leaves the brushes squeaky clean and soft.
2. Olive Oil + Dish Soap Combo (DIY Cleanser):
Recommended by: KathleenLights and Alissa Ashley.
Process:
- Mix 1 part dish soap + 1 part olive oil.
- Swirl brush on palm or cleaning mat.
- Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed.
Pros: Olive oil breaks down stubborn makeup like foundation or cream products, while dish soap cuts grease.
3. Micellar Water Method:
Popular on TikTok – Lazy girl hack.
Process:
- Pour micellar water into a bowl.
- Dip brush tips in and swirl gently.
- Wipe off with a clean towel.
Why is it trending?
Fast, gentle and safe for sensitive skin. Perfect for light cleaning and travel.
4. Electric Brush Cleaning Devices:
Used by: Huda Kattan and James Charles.
Tools like: Luxe Brush Spinner, StylPro Cleanser.
Process:
- Attach the brush to the spinner.
- Dip into a cleaning solution.
- Spin to clean and dry in under 30 seconds.
Why do influencers hype it?
Time-saving, deep cleans and dries instantly. Great for pros or large brush collections.
5. Silicone Cleaning Mats & Gloves:
Endorsed by: Jeffree Star and Jaclyn Hill.
How it works:
- Place mat in sink.
- Apply soap to brush.
- Swirl brush on textured surface to loosen makeup.
Why is it a favourite?
Helps to avoid damaging your hands and gets deep into dense brushes like kabuki or foundation brushes.
6. Solid Brush Cleaners like Balms or Bars:
Used by: Chloe Morello and Hindash.
Examples: Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser, Sigma Spa Express.
How to use:
- Wet brush and swirl directly on the solid cleanser.
- Rinse and repeat.
- Great for traveling or on-set use.
Pro Tip: These balms remove heavy pigment stains like from red lipstick or bold eyeshadow.
7. Dry Shampoo for Brushes:
Used in backstage fashion shows and photo shoots.
Examples: Cinema Secrets Spray, Morphe Brush Cleaner.
How to use:
- Spray cleaner directly on the brush.
- Wipe on a paper towel.
- Let dry for 1–2 minutes.
Best for: Quick switch between colors during eyeshadow application or for makeup artists on the go.
Influencer Quotes & Opinions!
- Tati Westbrook: “Olive oil and dish soap changed my brush game—especially for foundation brushes. It breaks down like a dream.”
- NikkieTutorials: “I double-clean my brushes. First to disinfect, then to make them soft and nice again.”
- Huda Kattan: “The brush spinner is my go-to. It saves so much time, and your brushes look brand new every time.”
Best Makeup Brushes in 2025:
Budget-Friendly Picks:
- Real Techniques-
- Great for beginners.
- Soft, durable and easily available in the stores.
- Great for beginners.
- ELF Cosmetics-
- Super affordable.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
- Super affordable.
- Wet n Wild-
- Colorful, cute and beginner-friendly.
- Decent performance at a low price.
- Colorful, cute and beginner-friendly.
Mid-Range Must-Haves:
- Morphe Makeup Brushes-
- Huge variety.
- Loved by influencers and makeup artists.
- Known for value for money quality.
- Huge variety.
- Zoeva-
- Great precision.
- Stylish and functional.
- Great precision.
- BH Cosmetics-
- Great brush sets for blending and eye looks.
- Trendy designs and travel-friendly.
- Great brush sets for blending and eye looks.
Pro-Level Brushes:
- Sigma Beauty-
- Legendary for blending and contouring.
- Worth the investment.
- Legendary for blending and contouring.
- MAC Brushes-
- Iconic quality.
- Ideal for editorial or professional work.
- Iconic quality.
- Fenty Beauty-
- Sleek, modern and Rihanna approved.
- Vegan bristles and multipurpose use.
- Sleek, modern and Rihanna approved.
Spotlight: Morphe Makeup Brushes – Fan Favorite for a Reason
Morphe has built a massive fan base among beauty lovers.
Why Morphe Brushes Are the Best?
- Affordable and professionally designed.
- Perfect for blending, contouring, eye makeup and many more.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
- Stunning limited edition collections like Morphe x Jaclyn Hill & Morphe x Ariel.
Top Morphe Brushes to Try:
- Morphe M439 Deluxe Buffer – Perfect for foundation.
- Morphe M441 Blending Crease Brush – Ideal for eyeshadow.
- Morphe Eye Obsessed Brush Set – Great for beginners.
- Morphe x Ariel Signature Eye Set – Influencer-approved.
User Review: “These brushes made my eyeshadow game go from basic to beautiful!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning Makeup Brushes:
- Soaking the whole brush in water.
- Using boiling water or harsh soap.
- Drying brushes upright, water drips into the handle.
- Using a hairdryer to speed up drying.
*Always lay your brushes flat with bristles hanging off the edge to let them air dry properly.
Cleaning your makeup brushes isn’t just about looks, it is also about skin health, makeup performance, and hygiene.
- Learn how to wash makeup brushes at home with easy tools.
- Stick to a simple routine to maintain brush hygiene.
- Use budget-friendly options or splurge on pro picks like Morphe makeup brushes.
- Avoid common cleaning mistakes for longer-lasting brushes.
Enjoy the process as a part of your self-care!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean my makeup brushes quickly?
Use a makeup brush cleaning spray and wipe on a tissue. It’s perfect between deep cleans.
Can I use shampoo to wash my brushes?
Yes. Baby shampoo is gentle and safe for both natural and synthetic bristles.
What are the best Morphe brushes for beginners?
The Morphe Eye Obsessed Set and Morphe x Jaclyn Hill face brushes are perfect for starting out.
How can I dry my makeup brushes fast?
After rinsing gently squeeze out water and lay them flat. Never use a dryer, it damages the bristles.
How do I know when to replace a brush?
If it sheds excessively, loses shape or has a bad smell even after washing, it is high time to change it.
Can I use face wash or shampoo to clean my brushes?
Yes, a gentle face wash or baby shampoo can work well, especially for natural bristle brushes.
What happens if I never clean my makeup brushes?
Dirty brushes collect bacteria, old makeup and skin oils which can lead to:
Acne or breakouts.
Eye infections specially from dirty eye brushes.
Dull or uneven makeup application.
Premature brush damage.
How long does it take for makeup brushes to dry?
It usually takes 4 to 8 hours to fully dry depending on the brush size. To speed it up:
Gently towel dry first.
Lay flat in a ventilated area.
Avoid direct sunlight or hairdryers.
Can I clean my brushes with just water?
No. Water alone does not remove oils, makeup pigments or bacteria. Always use a proper brush cleaner, gentle soap or micellar water.
Are synthetic brushes easier to clean than natural ones?
Yes. Synthetic brushes like most Morphe makeup brushes) are:
Less porous than natural hair.
More resistant to staining.
Easier to rinse and dry.
Can dirty brushes ruin my expensive makeup products?
Yes, dirty brushes can mix old pigments with new ones, changing the color payoff or texture of your products.