You wouldn’t blend your morning smoothie in yesterday’s dirty cup, right? So why let a dirty makeup brush sweep across your skin every day? Keeping your makeup brushes clean isn’t about being a neat freak—it’s about protecting your face, making your makeup pop, and getting the most from your tools.
If you're skipping the regular clean-up because it feels like a hassle, you're not alone. But knowing how to clean makeup brushes and store them properly can make or break your beauty routine (and your skin health).
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the why and how often to clean makeup brushes, using real-world tips (and a few product upgrades you’ll love if you’re a Cheeqy Babe).
Why Clean Makeup Brushes?
Dirty Brushes = Breakouts, Infections & Poor Makeup Results
Let’s be real—dirty makeup brushes can also transfer bacteria, oils, and dead skin cells back onto your face. If you’re breaking out or your foundation's not blending right, your brushes might be the villain in disguise.
Over time, residue builds up in your foundation brush, powder tools, and even your cute contour brush, making it impossible to get that flawless, airbrushed finish. Worse? Cleaning makeup brushes irregularly can invite staph bacteria (yep, the nasty kind), leading to irritation, clogged pores, or even infections.
The solution? Simple: wash makeup brushes regularly. Not just a quick rinse, but a proper clean that restores their softness and performance.
Foundation Brush, Contour Brush & Eyeshadow Brushes – What’s at Stake?
Each brush has its purpose—your foundation brush lays the base, contour brush carves your cheekbones, and eyeshadow brush adds the drama. But when they're caked in old product, they stop performing.
Ever tried applying foundation with a dense makeup brush that’s stiff and patchy? That’s what happens when you neglect a clean. Unwashed brushes ruin your look and shorten the lifespan of the tools you’ve invested in.
In Image: 13-Piece Fluffy Makeup Brush Set for Foundation, Blush & Eyeshadow
Using our 13-Piece Fluffy Makeup Brush Set means each brush has a defined role—but only if kept clean. A dirty set is just a pile of bacteria-laced bristles.
How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brushes?
General Rule: Clean Weekly, Deep-Clean Monthly
So, how often should you clean your makeup brushes? Ideally:
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Light-use brushes (like powder or blush) – once a week
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Cream and liquid-use brushes (foundation, concealer) – after every 1–3 uses
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Sponges or blenders – every couple of days
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Deep clean all brushes at least once a month
Still wondering how often to clean makeup brushes in your own routine? Think about this—your skin sheds about 30,000–40,000 cells every minute. That’s what’s sitting in your brush if you delay washing.
And yes, cleaning makeup tools might feel like a chore—but trust me, your skin will thank you.
Frequency Based on Brush Type
Foundation & Cream Product Brushes
Cream and liquid products are the worst for breeding bacteria. Your foundation makeup brush, especially one used with high-coverage products, holds onto product and oil like a sponge.
Here's how to clean foundation brush the right way:
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Use lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo for makeup brushes
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Add a swirl of makeup brush cleanser or DIY solution (like olive oil + dish soap)
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Massage bristles with your fingers or use a makeup brush cleaning tool
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Rinse and squeeze out the excess—don’t yank the bristles
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Lay flat to dry
You’d be shocked at what comes out of a makeup brush foundation brush when cleaned properly. (No judgement—we’ve all been there.)
Still Googling how do you clean a foundation makeup brush every week? Save time and grab the Automatic Makeup Brush Cleaner & Dryer from Cheeqy Babe—it’s a 10-second miracle worker.
Eyeshadow & Powder Brushes
These don’t absorb oils like foundation tools, but they still need love. Leftover pigment can cause your next look to go from glam to muddy real quick.
Here’s how to clean eyeshadow brushes:
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Rinse under lukewarm water
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Use a small amount of makeup brush cleaner liquid or cosmetic brush cleaner
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Work it into the bristles, gently lather, and rinse
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Pat dry with a paper towel
For lighter brushes, makeup brush wash DIY recipes can work fine. But if you use multiple colours or shimmer shadows, you’ll want a solid makeup brushes cleaner on standby.
Remember: how often should you clean cosmetic brushes? At least once a week. More if you’re experimenting with bold looks daily.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes Like a Pro
You don’t need to be a beauty guru to know how to clean makeup brushes at home. Whether you're into natural solutions or you like your routines quick and easy, there's a method for you.
Step-by-Step: Best Way to Clean Makeup Brushes at Home
So, what to clean makeup brushes with? Start with lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser, and something to swirl the bristles on.
Here’s your no-fluff guide to a proper makeup brush wash DIY process:
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Wet the bristles—never soak the whole brush.
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Use a gentle shampoo for makeup brushes or dish soap.
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Massage into the bristles using your palm or a cleaning mat.
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Rinse under running water until clear.
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Squeeze out excess moisture gently.
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Reshape and dry (we’ll get to that soon).
If you’re wondering how to clean your makeup brushes at home without spending hours hunched over the sink…
What You’ll Need
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Gentle shampoo or baby wash
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Lukewarm water (hot water damages glue and bristles)
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A bowl or silicone mat
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Paper towels or clean cloth
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And if you hate waiting—our Automatic Makeup Brush Cleaner & Dryer.
“For busy beauties, our Automatic Makeup Brush Cleaner gets the job done in 10 seconds flat.”
This isn’t fluff—it spins your brush in the solution, then air-dries it instantly. It’s like a washing machine for your beauty tools.
Brush-by-Brush Cleaning Guide
Each tool has a personality—and a cleaning method to match.
1. Powder Brush:
Wondering how to clean blush brush tools properly? These bristles are fluffy and need gentle handling. Use a swirl technique on a mat with mild soap. Rinse well and air dry.
2. Foundation Brush:
This one’s the grime collector. If you’ve been searching for how to clean a foundation brush, start with oil (like olive oil) to break down residue, then wash with soap. Repeat if needed.
3. Eyeshadow Brush:
Here’s how to clean an eyeshadow brush: gently press it into a bowl of warm water and soap, swirl, rinse, and lay flat to dry. Avoid harsh rubbing to maintain softness.
You can also throw in sponges. Just remember: how to clean makeup brushes and sponges differs slightly—sponges need a deeper soak and more squeezing.
The Drying Dilemma – How Long Do Makeup Brushes Take to Dry?
Fastest Way to Dry Makeup Brushes
So, how do you dry makeup brushes fast without damaging them?
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Gently blot excess water with a towel.
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Reshape bristles with your fingers.
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Hang them upside down so water doesn’t seep into the ferrule.
In Image: Automatic Makeup Brush Cleaner & Dryer – 10-Second Silicone Tool
Yes, how long does it take for makeup brushes to dry naturally? Around 6–10 hours. But with tools like the Automatic Makeup Brush Cleaner & Dryer, that wait time drops to seconds.
For everyday cleaning, it's your best friend.
Why Proper Drying Matters
Leaving brushes damp can cause mildew, product buildup, and warped handles. Drying them right helps:
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Extend the life of your synthetic makeup brushes
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Maintain softness and bristle alignment
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Keep bacteria at bay after every wash
So if you care about your tools—and your face—drying isn't a detail, it’s a must.
DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner: Does It Really Work?
Some folks love a good homemade hack. And others… just want something that works.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: What Works Best?
When it comes to diy cosmetic brush cleaner options, it’s a mixed bag.
Pros:
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Cheap and accessible
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You know what’s in it
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Easy for light cleaning
Cons:
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Doesn’t fully disinfect
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Not ideal for cream-based products
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Can leave residue
If you’re debating how to make makeup brush cleaner at home vs. just buying it—ask yourself if your time and results matter more than saving a few bucks.
DIY Recipe You Can Try Today
For a quick homemade makeup brush cleaner, here’s the combo:
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1 tablespoon of olive oil (breaks down makeup)
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1 tablespoon of dish soap (cleanses thoroughly)
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A few drops of tea tree oil (antibacterial)
Mix in a bowl, dip the brush in, swirl, rinse, and repeat.
Still, if you’re after professional results with minimal mess, our Makeup Brush Cleaning Kit includes all essentials in one sleek package—especially handy for anyone serious about brush hygiene.
Storage Hacks – Keep Your Brushes Clean Longer
You’ve done the work—cleaned your makeup brushes, air-dried them like a pro, and even used a makeup brush cleaner that left them fresh and fluffy.
Now what? How you store makeup brushes is just as crucial as how you wash them. Improper storage can undo all your cleaning efforts and reintroduce bacteria and dust. Yes, really.
Makeup Bag Hygiene Matters
Think of your makeup bag as the bedroom of your tools. Would you sleep in a dirty bed? Then don’t stash your clean makeup brush in a filthy pouch full of old product, shed hair, and who-knows-what from the bottom of your handbag.
It’s time to clean up your makeup brushes routine—not just the brushes but where they live. A dusty shelf or open cup near your sink is an open invitation to germs.
In Image: Large Waterproof Leather Luxury Makeup Bag with Zipper
“Our Large Waterproof Leather Luxury Makeup Bag keeps your brushes organised and germ-free.” It’s wipe-clean, roomy, and designed to protect your investments. It also makes your morning routine feel five-star—even on a Monday.
Best Tools to Clean & Store Your Brushes
Not all tools are made equal. The right cleaning and storage products don’t just simplify your routine—they extend the life of your brushes, maintain their shape, and improve how they perform on your skin.
Essential Products from Cheeqy Babe
Quick-Clean Tools
The Automatic Makeup Brush Cleaner & Dryer is your time-saving miracle. It deep cleans and dries your brushes in under 10 seconds flat—no mess, no waiting.
It uses centrifugal spin technology to clean and dry in one go. Perfect for those of us who always remember to clean makeup brushes 10 minutes before needing them.
This tool is ideal for those asking, how to clean makeup brushes fast, and is especially effective for thicker tools like your foundation brush or dense makeup brush used with cream products.
Brush Set Combos
Sometimes the best cleaning hack is having the right number of brushes so you’re not washing the same three over and over.
In Image: Mini Portable Makeup Brush Set 7-Piece
Our Mini Portable Makeup Brush Set is perfect for travel and midday touch-ups. Compact, hygienic, and stylish—it fits easily into your bag or car glovebox without picking up dust.
And for beginners or those wanting an affordable, comprehensive set, the 11PCS Makeup Kit is a no-brainer. It includes everything from a blush brush to a foundation makeup brush, so you can rotate and extend the time between washes.
No more scrambling to wash makeup brushes at home at midnight before a meeting.
Brush-Friendly Skincare Tools
Keeping your face clean between brush uses is half the battle. That’s where our Waterproof Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush & Massager comes in. It exfoliates dead skin, removes product build-up, and preps your skin for a clean canvas.
In Image: Waterproof Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush & Massager
This matters because a dirty face = dirty brushes faster. Combine this tool with regular makeup brush cleaning to keep both your skin and tools in prime shape.
FAQs – Your Top Makeup Brush Cleaning Questions Answered
Q. How often should I wash my makeup brushes?
A. Ideally once a week for daily-use tools, and after every 2–3 uses for cream or liquid brushes. How often should you clean makeup brushes? More often than you probably are.
Q. What should I clean my makeup brushes with?
A. A gentle shampoo, baby soap, or makeup brush cleanser. If you’re going the DIY route, try olive oil and dish soap. Or just use our makeup brush cleaning kit—because let’s be honest, convenience matters.
Q. How do I sanitize makeup brushes?
A. After cleaning, spray them with alcohol or soak bristles briefly in diluted tea tree oil. Don’t overdo it, or you’ll damage the fibres. This is the proper way to disinfect makeup brushes.
Q. Can I clean brushes with dish soap or shampoo?
A. Yes. Dish soap cuts through oils and shampoo keeps bristles soft. Just rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh detergents unless you’re doing a deep clean makeup brushes session.
Q. What’s the best way to disinfect makeup brushes?
A. First, clean with soap or makeup brush cleaner liquid. Then disinfect using isopropyl alcohol. This two-step process is key to remove residue and kill bacteria.
Q. How often should you replace makeup brushes?
A. High-quality brushes can last years—but only with proper care. If the bristles start to fray, shed, or smell funky even after cleaning, it’s time. “With our affordable luxury options like the 13-Piece Fluffy Brush Set, replacing brushes is painless.”
Final Thoughts: A Clean Brush = A Better You
It’s Not Just Makeup—It’s Self-Care
You don’t need 100 brushes or a TikTok routine to feel beautiful. But you do need clean tools.
Keeping your brushes clean isn’t just about flawless makeup—it’s about self-respect, skincare, and daily rituals that say “I matter.” Every swipe of your brush should feel like a celebration. Keeping them clean is the first step.
From choosing the best makeup brush cleaner to understanding how to store makeup brushes, you’ve now got the knowledge. All that’s left? Putting it into action.
Ready to upgrade your routine? Cheeqy Babe has everything you need—from pro-level cleaning makeup brushes tools to stylish storage kits. Keep it clean, keep it chic.
