How Often Do You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?

Shout out to all my people who do their makeup on the train. I’m not judging, because if it means you’re getting an extra 20 minutes of beauty sleep, I’m all for it. The only thing I might judge you for is how often you clean your makeup brushes. It turns out Judgy-Wudgy was a bear.

According to retired Makeup artist, me, I would wash them after every makeup application. Yes, every time.

Think about it, would you brush your teeth and place the unwashed toothpaste covered toothbrush back in the pot for tomorrow?

Ok, realistically we all have moments of pure laziness, but if you’re currently suffering from a bout of breakouts, your brushes could be making it worse.

Foundation brushes, concealer brushes and sponges are all used for liquid and paste based makeup. Bacteria thrives in wet and warm conditions so think about that when you’re contouring to the gods. You could be waking up all the germs that have been festering on your unwashed brushes.

There’s no need to go out and buy the latest expensive brush cleaner; baby shampoo works wonders. The occasional antibacterial wash does no harm.

How often do you clean your makeup brushes?

As for those Beauty Blenders, that’s makeup sponges to us pre-millennium born makeup lovers, they’re the worst offenders. If you’re using them correctly, that’s damp; bacteria can thrive and grow inside. Every time you pat down, germs will be springing up from beneath those springy layers.

I tend to wash those after every application. Once with antibacterial hand-wash to remove the product, then with a mixture of Detol and water to disinfect. Use a squeezing action, so the sponge is getting a thorough cleanse inside and out.
It’s not possible zap every single germ, which is why you should be replacing them often, perhaps monthly. That goes for those little sponges and powder applicators too.

Your makeup brushes, if properly taken care of can last years. Keep them clean, germ-free and happy. They’ll continue to do their job if you take the time to give them a little love.