The Right Way to Clean Makeup Brushes, According to a Professional Makeup Artist (2025)

While you likely have a household cleaning schedule down pat, you may be forgetting about this important to-do: When they’re not washed regularly, makeup brushes can trap product, oil, dead skin, and environmental bacteria. And yes, those contaminants can be transferred to your skin during makeup application.

“Clean brushes are more than a beauty hack, they’re a non-negotiable for anyone who wants to protect their skin, extend the life of their tools, and elevate their makeup results,” explains professional makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, whose set to release her own line of luxury makeup brushes later this year. "Whether you’re a beauty beginner or a working artist, clean tools are the foundation of flawless, healthy makeup."

Here’s how to best clean and protect your makeup brushes—and in turn, protect your own glowing skin.

How Often to Wash Makeup Brushes

Be honest: When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? If you can't recall, it's definitely time. While how often to wash your specific set depends on how often you use it, there are some general guidelines to follow.

• Foundation and concealer brushes require a good wash every week.
• Powder and blush brushes can be washed every other week.
• Eye makeup brushes should be washed every two or three uses.
• Lip brushes should be washed after every use. (You wouldn't put your toothbrush away before rinsing it off, would you?)
• Beauty sponges should be washed after every use and replaced every three months—or more frequently if you use yours often.

If any of your brushes have lingering odors after cleaning or begin to shed, they should be replaced ASAP, adds Ventre.

How to Wash Makeup Brushes with Soap

"Brush soap or shampoo deeply cleanses bristles and removes makeup residue, oil, and dirt," says Ventre. "Think of it as your brush’s skincare routine."

According to Ventry, this is the best method to restore brushes to optimum freshness."It'sgentle, nourishing, and essential for long-term performance," she says.

Materials Needed:

• Warm water
• Baby shampoo, castile soap, or a brush-specific cleanser
• Silicone mat or clean washcloth
• Microfiber towel

Instructions:

1. Wet brush heads using lukewarm water (hot water can weaken the glue holding the bristles).
2. Lather gently using baby shampoo, castile soap, or a brush-specific cleanser.
3. Swirl and rinse the brushes on a silicone mat or clean washcloth.
4. Squeeze out excess water, reshape, and blot with a microfiber towel.
5. Lay brushes flat to dry, ideally with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter for adequate airflow.
   

How to Wash Makeup Brushes with Sanitizer

"Use this method when you’re in a rush," instructs Ventre. "Sanitizers don’t replace soap. They’re a quick fix—not a deep clean."

Materials Needed:

• Warm water
• Sanitizer (at least 70% alcohol)
• Antibacterial wipes

Instructions:

1. Rinse brushes under lukewarm water to remove excess product.
2. Spray brushes with sanitizer that’s at least 70% alcohol (hand sanitizer can work) from 1-2 inches away.
3. Wipe brush handles with antibacterial wipes to kill surface germs.
4. Allow to dry.
   

How to Wash Makeup Brushes with a Daily Cleanser

One of Ventre’s favorite brush cleaning products is Sephora's Daily Brush Cleaner. It's quick, easy to use, and can be a simple way to add brush cleaning into your getting-ready routine.

Materials Needed:

• Commercial brush cleanser spray
• Clean towel

Instructions:

1. Spray the cleanser onto a dry towel or cloth—not directly onto the makeup brush head.
2. Gently run the brush head over the sprayed cloth until makeup, oil, and product have been removed.
3. Reshape the brush bristles.
4. Lay flat to dry.