Dirty makeup brushes are more than just an oversight. According to celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon, there are countless reasons why it's important to clean your brushes, one of which is your skin's health. "Brushes can harbor bacteria that may cause breakouts and skin irritation," she explains.
Clean brushes also create the perfect canvas for smooth makeup application and even help extend the lifespan of your tools. "Dirty brushes can make your makeup look uneven, streaky, and far from polished," Aharon says. Celebrity makeup artist Ash K Holm adds, "Regular cleaning helps preserve the quality and performance of the bristles, ensuring your tools stay in top condition."
That said, how often you should clean your makeup brushes depends mainly on how you use them. "As a makeup artist, I make it a point to clean my brushes every night, but I understand this isn't always realistic for the average person," Aharon says. She explains that brushes used with liquid or cream products should be cleaned weekly, while powder brushes can go a bit longer—about every two weeks.
If you're unsure how to clean your brushes properly, Aharon and Holm have you covered. Ahead, find their tried-and-true tips that will leave your brushes looking brand new.
Meet the Experts
- Lisa Aharon is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist who has worked with clients including Rachel Brosnahan, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anna Kendrick, and Camila Mendes.
- Ash K. Holm is a Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist who has worked with clients such as Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian, Camila Cabello, and Shay Mitchell.
Use a Quick-Drying Cleaner for On-the-Go Sanitization
Think of quick-drying sprays as a way to maintain your brushes between deep cleaning sessions. Holm recommends using a product like Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner, a fast-drying, alcohol-based formula perfect for quick sanitization. It removes makeup residue, disinfects brushes, and dries almost instantly, so your tools are ready to use immediately. "Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner is a lifesaver for makeup artists," she says. "It ensures brushes are sanitized and ready for the next client within seconds—without compromising the quality of the bristles."
Byrdie Tip
If you're short on time, Aharon suggests spraying the fast-drying cleaner onto a paper towel and gently working the brush back and forth until no residue remains.
Use a Dedicated Liquid Soap for Deep Cleaning
When it's time for a deeper clean, Holm likes to use a soap specifically designed for makeup brushes, like Beautyblender Blendercleanser Liquid Soap (check out 14 other makeup cleansers we recommend). "For a thorough cleanse, Beautyblender's Liquid Soap is my go-to," Holm says. "It breaks down oils and pigments completely, leaving brushes and sponges like new without damaging the fibers."
After applying any cleanser, rinse your brushes with lukewarm water. "Water temperature matters—lukewarm water is perfect for cleaning brushes without weakening the adhesive that holds bristles in place," Holm says. Her tip? Always point the brush downward while rinsing to prevent water from damaging the ferrule.
Use a Classic Bar Soap and Water
Aharon prefers the simplicity of using warm water and a bar of soap (these are Byrdie's 11 favorite bar soaps) to clean her brushes. "I like to think of cleaning and disinfecting my brushes the same way I think about washing my hands," she says. "In a pinch, hand sanitizer (or a quick brush cleaner) can work, but nothing beats soap and water for a deep clean."
Her soap of choice? Dove's Beauty Bar. "About 15 years ago, a makeup artist I assisted introduced me to Dove's Beauty Bar. I was blown away by how effective, affordable, and conditioning it is for brushes," she says. "I love how simple it is, and the white bar makes it easy to see when the brush is truly clean."
Pair Your Favorite Soap and Quick-Dry Cleaner
You can combine techniques to ensure your brushes are squeaky clean. Aharon says that when she wants to take brush cleaning to the next level, she first washes them with bar soap and, once dry, mists them with 70% alcohol for extra disinfection.
Use a Brush Cleaning Mat
Cleaning your brushes can feel like a chore, so using a textured cleaning mat can make all the difference. These tools feature raised grooves that help remove dirt and residue deep within the bristles. To use one, all you need to do is dispense a sudsy cleanser onto the mat and swirl your brushes all over it until all the product is removed. "A cleaning mat is a game-changer," Holm says. "The textured surface helps break down stubborn residue while making the process much faster and more efficient."
Use a Brush Cleaning Machine
If you don't have time to clean your brushes by hand, consider a makeup brush-cleaning machine. While each device will defer, most require you to add your preferred cleanser before inserting your brushes. From there, the machine will pulse and spin your brushes around until they're completely clean. Some even have a built-in drying feature to cut down the drying time.
The Final Takeaway
Whether you use a quick-dry cleaner or traditional bar soap, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning makeup brushes. Regardless of your preferred method, the most important thing is that you remember to clean them regularly to avoid breakouts or uneven application.
Beyond cleaning, our experts also advocate for proper brush aftercare. Holm, in particular, recommends conditioning brushes after cleaning, especially if you use alcohol-based cleaners. "When my brushes start to feel dry, I treat them with a gentle hair conditioner," she says. It nourishes the bristles and restores their smooth texture, ensuring my blending stays seamless."
And, of course, after washing and conditioning your brushes, thoroughly drying them is a must. "How you dry your brushes can make or break their longevity," Holm says. "Lay them flat so the bristles keep their shape and the handles stay intact."