Makeup Brush Cleaning 101

Heyyy, bestie! 💅 If your makeup brushes have been through it—blending, contouring, and highlighting that flawless base—it’s time we talk. They might look all cute in your makeup bag, but let’s be real, they’re harboring dirt, oil, bacteria, and product buildup. Yikes. 😳 But don’t freak, I got you! Here’s how to keep your brushes fresh, soft, and ready to slay.

And before you stress, cleaning your brushes is lowkey easy (and kinda satisfying!). Plus, your skin will vibe with you for it—dirty brushes can cause breakouts and irritation. Not the move. Let’s jump in, shall we?

[this post contains affiliate links]

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A sink or bowl of lukewarm water
• A gentle cleanser (baby shampoo or Dove Beauty Bar work wonders)
• Optional: a smidge of olive oil or dish soap for those stubborn, caked-up brushes
• A towel or paper towels
• Your brushes, obviously!

✨ Pro Tip: If you’re feeling fancy, get a silicone scrubber or a brush cleaning mat. They make the process quicker and way easier!

Want one? Try this: Makeup Brush Cleaning Mat- http://amzn.to/4g5nb67

Step 2: Get the Bristles Wet

Run just the bristles of your brush under lukewarm water. Not the handle, water + glue = bristle fallout, and we don’t want that drama.

💡 Why it works: Lukewarm water loosens all that gunk without damaging the brush. Hot water’s too aggressive, and cold water just won’t cut it.

Step 3: Soap It Up

I use a Dove Beauty Bar to create suds. Add a tiny dollop of soap (or baby shampoo) to your palm, a scrubber, or straight onto the brush. Got a brush coated in foundation? Add a drop of olive oil or dish soap for extra cleansing power.

💡 Pro move: Baby shampoo = gentle, which is perfect for brushes. Olive oil breaks down the thick stuff like foundation without wrecking your bristles.

Step 4: Swirl & Chill

Time to put in some elbow grease (gently, ofc). Swirl the brush in your palm or on the scrubber, moving in small circles. Watch all that makeup melt away—it’s oddly therapeutic. 😌

Makeup Brush Cleaning Mat - http://amzn.to/4g5nb67

Step 5: Rinse & Repeat

Rinse the brush under lukewarm water, squeezing out the suds and leftover product. If it’s still looking kinda meh, go back to steps 3 and 4 until the water runs clear.

💡 Pro tip: Rinse thoroughly or you’ll end up with a soapy brush next time you’re doing your makeup. That’s not cute.

Step 6: Let Them Dry

Lay your brushes flat on a clean towel and gently reshape the bristles. Don’t stand them up—water will drip into the handle and ruin the glue. Bye-bye, favorite brush. 😢

💡 Why it’s a vibe: Laying them flat keeps your brushes in perfect shape and speeds up drying time. Bonus points if you have a drying rack that lets them hang upside down.

Brush Care Cheat Sheet

1. No Sharing! Sharing brushes is sweet, but it’s also a fast track to bacteria town.
2. Be Gentle. Treat your brushes like the delicate queens they are. No harsh scrubbing!
3. Schedule Deep Cleans. Weekly if you’re a makeup junkie; every couple of weeks if you’re more low-key.
4. Store Smart: Pop your clean brushes into a cute container (bonus points for dividers!) to avoid squished bristles.
5. Spot Clean: Use a spray cleaner or rubbing alcohol for a quick refresh between deep cleans. Swipe the brush on a paper towel, and you’re good to go.

And there you have it, baddie! ✨ Now your brushes are clean, your skin is happy. Got more beauty hacks? Drop them below—let’s not gate keep!

From Leah with Love

Catch you later, gorgeous! ✌️