True companions in our beauty routine, makeup brushes deserve our full attention. Whether they’re used to blend foundation, blend eyeshadow, or sculpt cheekbones, these precious tools all have one thing in common: we need to clean our makeup brushes regularly.
Wondering how to clean them effectively, with which products, and how often? I put together for you this small guide revealing all the best practices for keeping your brushes in perfect condition.
Why is cleaning your brushes so important?
A recent American study revealed alarming data: unmaintained makeup brushes sometimes harbor more bacteria than… our toilets! These little germ nests accumulate dead skin cells, sebum, and cosmetic residue, creating an environment conducive to the development of pathogenic microbes.
The consequences for your skin can be numerous: acne breakouts, skin irritations, eye infections, not to mention deterioration in the quality of your beauty product application.
How often should you clean your makeup brushes?
Dermatologists are unanimous: weekly cleaning is the strict minimum. This rule applies whether you wear makeup daily or occasionally, as bacteria naturally proliferate over time.
If you have sensitive skin prone to irritation, or if you suffer from eye conditions, prioritize cleaning after each use. This extra precaution will save you many unpleasant experiences.
The classic method: soap and warm water
This technique, as simple as it is effective, remains the reference for cleaning makeup brushes. You can opt for soaps specially designed for brushes, like those offered by Da Vinci, a brand renowned for its high-quality tools. However, traditional Marseille soap will work perfectly well.
Instructions:
- Dampen your brushes with warm water (never hot, as this risks damaging the fibers)
- Gently swirl the ferrule on the soap
- Massage in the palm of your hand to distribute the product well
- For optimal cleaning, use a textured silicone mat or glove
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water
Liquid soaps also work very well. Don’t hesitate to repeat the operation if necessary. However, avoid makeup removers and micellar waters, which are too gentle to effectively eliminate embedded residue.
Drying: a crucial step
After rinsing, gently pat your brushes with a clean towel to absorb excess water. Reshape them if needed.
For large brushes, tubular protective nets prove very useful: they maintain the shape during drying and preserve fiber integrity.
Then lay your brushes flat for natural air drying. Warning: never place them on a radiator, or dry them using a hair dryer as you risk damaging the bristle irreparably.
Express cleaners for emergency situations
Not only in the professional makeup world, speed often takes priority. These specialised products allow instant cleaning between uses.
Usage: pour a small amount into a container, dip and swirl the brush, then wipe on a tissue.
Among market references, Kryolan stands out for its remarkable effectiveness. Parian Spirit, acclaimed by professional makeup artists, eliminates even the most stubborn pigments from white fibers. It can also be used as a spray.
Warning: these solutions contain alcohol and solvents that, long-term, can dry out and weaken your brushes, particularly those with natural bristles. Additionally, be careful with work surfaces, as these products can leave stains.
And what about sponges?
Makeup sponges, which are dampened before use, can turn into real germ factories. To prevent this, they must be thoroughly cleaned after every single use.
Don’t forget: your eyelash curler
Since it’s applied so close to the eye, the eyelash curler deserves special attention when it comes to cleaning. Even when using it on “clean,” unmade-up lashes, traces of eyeshadow, eyeliner, and small mascara residues can still accumulate on it. Clean it quickly with a bit of soap or wipe it down with a cotton pad soaked in brush cleaner.
Quick Summary
- Frequency: Clean your makeup brushes at minimum once a week, ideally after each use if you have sensitive skin
- Main method: Washing with soap (Marseille or specialized) and warm water, never hot to preserve the fibers
- Technique: Swirl the ferrule on soap, massage in palm, rinse thoroughly
- Drying: Gently pat dry, reshape, dry flat in open air (never near a heat source)
- Express solutions: Specialized cleaners (Kryolan, Parian Spirit) for occasional use, but beware of solvents that can damage natural bristles
- Why it’s essential: Prevent bacteria proliferation (sometimes more numerous than on toilets!), prevent acne and irritations, maintain makeup application quality
- Makeup sponges: they should be washed after each time you use them
- Eyelash curlers: should also be cleaned regularly
Other makeup and beauty questions? I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help. 😊
Or contact me by for a personalised makeup class, also available online.
Best,
Louise
By Louise Wittlich
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