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How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes Like a Pro: Tips, Products & What to Avoid

Your Brushes Are Your Tools. Keep Them Clean, Keep Them Performing.

 

If you’re wondering how often should I clean my makeup brushes? or what’s the best way to wash them without damage? — you’re in the right place.

 

Dirty brushes don’t just ruin your makeup application—they harbor bacteria, cause breakouts, and shorten the life of your tools.

 

At Ana Kay Beauty Academy, we teach our students that clean tools = flawless results. Here’s your go-to guide for cleaning, protecting, and preserving your brushes—from natural to synthetic, drugstore to pro-grade.

Why You NEED to Clean Your Brushes Regularly

    •    Removes Bacteria & Product Buildup

    •    Prevents Breakouts & Skin Irritation

    •    Improves Makeup Application & Color Payoff

    •    Extends the Life of Your Brushes
 

 

How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes?

    •    Foundation/Concealer Brushes: After every 1–2 uses

    •    Eyeshadow Brushes: Weekly

    •    Blending Brushes: Every few days

    •    Powder Brushes: Every 1–2 weeks

 

If you’re a makeup artist—sanitize after every client.

 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Your Brushes

 

What You’ll Need:

    •    Gentle brush cleanser or baby shampoo

    •    Silicone brush cleaning mat or palm glove

    •    Bowl of lukewarm water

    •    Clean microfiber towel

    •    Brush guards (optional, but recommended)

The Cleaning Process

 

Step 1: Wet the Bristles

Hold brush downward and run lukewarm water over bristles (avoid wetting the ferrule/base to prevent loosening glue).

 

Step 2: Apply Cleanser

Use a pea-sized amount of brush cleanser or gentle soap. Dab onto brush cleaning mat or your palm.

 

Step 3: Lather & Swirl

Gently swirl brush in circular motion to lather. Rinse and repeat until water runs clear.

 

Step 4: Rinse Gently

Rinse thoroughly with warm water, keeping brush head down.

 

Step 5: Dry Flat

Lay brushes flat on a clean towel, reshaping bristles. Let air dry naturally—never upright (this causes water to drain into handle and rot the glue).

Best Products for Cleaning Makeup Brushes (2025 Edition)

 

Budget-Friendly:

    •    Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Pure Castile Soap

    •    e.l.f. Brush Shampoo

    •    EcoTools Makeup Brush + Sponge Shampoo

 

Pro-Grade:

    •    Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner (quick-dry, great for MUAs)

    •    Parian Spirit Professional Brush Cleaner

    •    Beautyblender Liquid Blendercleanser

 

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What to Avoid When Cleaning Brushes

    •    Hot water: It damages bristles and weakens glue.

    •    Soaking brushes upright: Causes water damage to the ferrule.

    •    Harsh detergents or alcohol: Strips natural bristles and dries out synthetics.

    •    Hair dryers: Heat deforms bristles. Let air dry only.

 

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Pro Tips to Protect and Preserve Your Brushes

    •    Use brush guards while drying to maintain shape

    •    Clean regularly to avoid deep product staining

    •    Store upright in a clean, dry container

    •    Avoid using the same brush for cream and powder without cleaning in between

 

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At Ana Kay Beauty Academy…

 

We teach our students the importance of professional hygiene standards, whether they’re working on clients or themselves. Learning how to care for your tools is a foundational skill in all of our makeup programs—online and in-studio.

 

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Want to Learn More Pro-Level Makeup Techniques?

 

Join Ana Kay Beauty Academy for exclusive access to:

    •    Certified online & in-person makeup classes

    •    Business + hygiene best practices

    •    Pro-level product education

    •    Live Q&As with industry artists

 

Website: www.anakaypro.com

Instagram: @AnaKayBeautyAcademy

Tag us: #AnaKayCleanTools