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Beauty Front Benchers

A beginner's guide to cleaning your makeup brushes

By
Team Tira
3
min read
Makeup
A beginner's guide to cleaning your makeup brushes
Beauty Front Benchers
Makeup

A beginner's guide to cleaning your makeup brushes

By
Team Tira
By
Team Tira
Beauty Front Benchers
Makeup
3
Min read
Keep’em squeaky clean!
A beginner's guide to cleaning your makeup brushes

Makeup brushes are the unsung heroes of every beauty routine. From blending foundation to contouring cheekbones and perfecting eyeshadow, they’re essential. But how often do we think about keeping these daily tools clean?

Cleaning makeup brushes might feel like a chore, but skipping it can lead to breakouts and cakey makeup. Regularly washing your brushes is a simple way to protect your skin and keep your makeup looking its best. If your brushes are overdue for a wash (no judgment here!), here’s how to make cleaning them an easy habit—and why your skin will thank you.

Sigma Beauty Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat - Black
1098949
Sigma Beauty
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PAC Solid Brush Cleanser (31.2g)
1095379
PAC
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PAC Instant Brush Cleaner (120ml)
1095378
PAC
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Bronson Professional Silicone Makeup Brush Cleaner Tool (1Pc)
1066283
Bronson Professional
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Sigma Beauty Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Glove
1110536
Sigma Beauty
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M.A.C Brush Cleanser - (235ml)
1015461
M.A.C
Know More

1098949
Sigma Beauty
.

Sigma Beauty Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat - Black

No items found.
Add to Cart
1095379
PAC
.

PAC Solid Brush Cleanser (31.2g)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1095378
PAC
.

PAC Instant Brush Cleaner (120ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1066283
Bronson Professional
.

Bronson Professional Silicone Makeup Brush Cleaner Tool (1Pc)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1110536
Sigma Beauty
.

Sigma Beauty Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Glove

No items found.
Add to Cart
1015461
M.A.C
.

M.A.C Brush Cleanser - (235ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart

Why brush hygiene is non-negotiable

Dirty brushes can harbour bacteria, oils and residue that may lead to skin irritation or breakouts. Keeping them clean not only ensures better makeup application but also extends the life of your tools.

  • Hygiene: Brushes collect makeup, oils and bacteria over time. Regular cleaning prevents these from transferring onto your skin.
  • Longevity: Proper maintenance keeps the bristles soft and intact, ensuring your brushes last longer.
  • Performance: Clean brushes provide smooth, accurate makeup application, avoiding patchiness or streaks.

How often should you clean them?

Let’s be honest—washing brushes after every use isn’t realistic. However, depending on how frequently you wear makeup (and the types of products you use), a regular schedule will keep them in good condition.

  • Foundation and concealer brushes: Weekly. Liquid and cream products build up quickly, so these brushes need more attention.
  • Eyeshadow and powder brushes: Every two weeks. Powder doesn’t cling as intensely, but regular washes are still essential.
  • Lip and gel liner brushes: After each use, if possible. These brushes touch sensitive areas and can harden over time.
  • Sponges and blenders: Every few uses. Since they absorb products, they accumulate more bacteria than brushes.

The cleaning process (simplified)

You don’t need fancy tools to get your brushes looking brand new. A gentle cleanser and warm water will do the trick.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Rinse with warm water: Hold the brush under lukewarm water, keeping the bristles facing down to prevent moisture from loosening the glue.
  • Lather up: Use a gentle soap or baby shampoo. Swirl the brush in your palm or on a textured surface to work up a lather.
  • Rinse and repeat: Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. It might take a couple of rounds for heavier products.
  • Reshape: Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel and reshape the bristles to their original form.
  • Dry flat: Lay your brushes on a clean towel with the bristles hanging off the edge. This prevents water from pooling at the base, which can loosen the handle over time.

A few extra tips:

  • Avoid hot water: It can damage bristles and shorten the lifespan of your brushes.
  • Don’t soak: Submerging the entire brush can weaken the glue at the base.
  • Quick sprays: In between deep cleans, a quick spritz of brush cleaner can help remove surface product, especially for eyeshadow brushes.

How to know when it’s time to replace

Even with regular cleaning, brushes don’t last forever. If the bristles start shedding, losing their shape or feeling rough, it might be time to replace them. Think of it as an excuse to refresh your collection and treat yourself to that fluffy new blending brush you’ve been eyeing.

Tira recommends:

No items found.

Why brush hygiene is non-negotiable

Dirty brushes can harbour bacteria, oils and residue that may lead to skin irritation or breakouts. Keeping them clean not only ensures better makeup application but also extends the life of your tools.

  • Hygiene: Brushes collect makeup, oils and bacteria over time. Regular cleaning prevents these from transferring onto your skin.
  • Longevity: Proper maintenance keeps the bristles soft and intact, ensuring your brushes last longer.
  • Performance: Clean brushes provide smooth, accurate makeup application, avoiding patchiness or streaks.

How often should you clean them?

Let’s be honest—washing brushes after every use isn’t realistic. However, depending on how frequently you wear makeup (and the types of products you use), a regular schedule will keep them in good condition.

  • Foundation and concealer brushes: Weekly. Liquid and cream products build up quickly, so these brushes need more attention.
  • Eyeshadow and powder brushes: Every two weeks. Powder doesn’t cling as intensely, but regular washes are still essential.
  • Lip and gel liner brushes: After each use, if possible. These brushes touch sensitive areas and can harden over time.
  • Sponges and blenders: Every few uses. Since they absorb products, they accumulate more bacteria than brushes.

The cleaning process (simplified)

You don’t need fancy tools to get your brushes looking brand new. A gentle cleanser and warm water will do the trick.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Rinse with warm water: Hold the brush under lukewarm water, keeping the bristles facing down to prevent moisture from loosening the glue.
  • Lather up: Use a gentle soap or baby shampoo. Swirl the brush in your palm or on a textured surface to work up a lather.
  • Rinse and repeat: Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. It might take a couple of rounds for heavier products.
  • Reshape: Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel and reshape the bristles to their original form.
  • Dry flat: Lay your brushes on a clean towel with the bristles hanging off the edge. This prevents water from pooling at the base, which can loosen the handle over time.

A few extra tips:

  • Avoid hot water: It can damage bristles and shorten the lifespan of your brushes.
  • Don’t soak: Submerging the entire brush can weaken the glue at the base.
  • Quick sprays: In between deep cleans, a quick spritz of brush cleaner can help remove surface product, especially for eyeshadow brushes.

How to know when it’s time to replace

Even with regular cleaning, brushes don’t last forever. If the bristles start shedding, losing their shape or feeling rough, it might be time to replace them. Think of it as an excuse to refresh your collection and treat yourself to that fluffy new blending brush you’ve been eyeing.

Tira recommends:

No items found.

No items found.
About

Why brush hygiene is non-negotiable

Dirty brushes can harbour bacteria, oils and residue that may lead to skin irritation or breakouts. Keeping them clean not only ensures better makeup application but also extends the life of your tools.

  • Hygiene: Brushes collect makeup, oils and bacteria over time. Regular cleaning prevents these from transferring onto your skin.
  • Longevity: Proper maintenance keeps the bristles soft and intact, ensuring your brushes last longer.
  • Performance: Clean brushes provide smooth, accurate makeup application, avoiding patchiness or streaks.

How often should you clean them?

Let’s be honest—washing brushes after every use isn’t realistic. However, depending on how frequently you wear makeup (and the types of products you use), a regular schedule will keep them in good condition.

  • Foundation and concealer brushes: Weekly. Liquid and cream products build up quickly, so these brushes need more attention.
  • Eyeshadow and powder brushes: Every two weeks. Powder doesn’t cling as intensely, but regular washes are still essential.
  • Lip and gel liner brushes: After each use, if possible. These brushes touch sensitive areas and can harden over time.
  • Sponges and blenders: Every few uses. Since they absorb products, they accumulate more bacteria than brushes.

The cleaning process (simplified)

You don’t need fancy tools to get your brushes looking brand new. A gentle cleanser and warm water will do the trick.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Rinse with warm water: Hold the brush under lukewarm water, keeping the bristles facing down to prevent moisture from loosening the glue.
  • Lather up: Use a gentle soap or baby shampoo. Swirl the brush in your palm or on a textured surface to work up a lather.
  • Rinse and repeat: Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. It might take a couple of rounds for heavier products.
  • Reshape: Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel and reshape the bristles to their original form.
  • Dry flat: Lay your brushes on a clean towel with the bristles hanging off the edge. This prevents water from pooling at the base, which can loosen the handle over time.

A few extra tips:

  • Avoid hot water: It can damage bristles and shorten the lifespan of your brushes.
  • Don’t soak: Submerging the entire brush can weaken the glue at the base.
  • Quick sprays: In between deep cleans, a quick spritz of brush cleaner can help remove surface product, especially for eyeshadow brushes.

How to know when it’s time to replace

Even with regular cleaning, brushes don’t last forever. If the bristles start shedding, losing their shape or feeling rough, it might be time to replace them. Think of it as an excuse to refresh your collection and treat yourself to that fluffy new blending brush you’ve been eyeing.

Tira recommends:

Sigma Beauty Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat - Black
Sigma Beauty
1098949
Know More
PAC Solid Brush Cleanser (31.2g)
PAC
1095379
Know More
PAC Instant Brush Cleaner (120ml)
PAC
1095378
Know More
Bronson Professional Silicone Makeup Brush Cleaner Tool (1Pc)
Bronson Professional
1066283
Know More
Sigma Beauty Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Glove
Sigma Beauty
1110536
Know More
M.A.C Brush Cleanser - (235ml)
M.A.C
1015461
Know More

Why brush hygiene is non-negotiable

Dirty brushes can harbour bacteria, oils and residue that may lead to skin irritation or breakouts. Keeping them clean not only ensures better makeup application but also extends the life of your tools.

  • Hygiene: Brushes collect makeup, oils and bacteria over time. Regular cleaning prevents these from transferring onto your skin.
  • Longevity: Proper maintenance keeps the bristles soft and intact, ensuring your brushes last longer.
  • Performance: Clean brushes provide smooth, accurate makeup application, avoiding patchiness or streaks.

How often should you clean them?

Let’s be honest—washing brushes after every use isn’t realistic. However, depending on how frequently you wear makeup (and the types of products you use), a regular schedule will keep them in good condition.

  • Foundation and concealer brushes: Weekly. Liquid and cream products build up quickly, so these brushes need more attention.
  • Eyeshadow and powder brushes: Every two weeks. Powder doesn’t cling as intensely, but regular washes are still essential.
  • Lip and gel liner brushes: After each use, if possible. These brushes touch sensitive areas and can harden over time.
  • Sponges and blenders: Every few uses. Since they absorb products, they accumulate more bacteria than brushes.

The cleaning process (simplified)

You don’t need fancy tools to get your brushes looking brand new. A gentle cleanser and warm water will do the trick.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Rinse with warm water: Hold the brush under lukewarm water, keeping the bristles facing down to prevent moisture from loosening the glue.
  • Lather up: Use a gentle soap or baby shampoo. Swirl the brush in your palm or on a textured surface to work up a lather.
  • Rinse and repeat: Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. It might take a couple of rounds for heavier products.
  • Reshape: Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel and reshape the bristles to their original form.
  • Dry flat: Lay your brushes on a clean towel with the bristles hanging off the edge. This prevents water from pooling at the base, which can loosen the handle over time.

A few extra tips:

  • Avoid hot water: It can damage bristles and shorten the lifespan of your brushes.
  • Don’t soak: Submerging the entire brush can weaken the glue at the base.
  • Quick sprays: In between deep cleans, a quick spritz of brush cleaner can help remove surface product, especially for eyeshadow brushes.

How to know when it’s time to replace

Even with regular cleaning, brushes don’t last forever. If the bristles start shedding, losing their shape or feeling rough, it might be time to replace them. Think of it as an excuse to refresh your collection and treat yourself to that fluffy new blending brush you’ve been eyeing.

Tira recommends: