This article was co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 1,487,114 times.
You dig through your makeup bag for your foundation brush and recoil as the bristles touch your hand. Yep, your brush has seen better days. But cleaning it would take so much time, right? Believe it or not, cleaning your makeup brushes doesn’t have to be a lengthy chore—it’s actually super simple to do! If you’re an avid makeup wearer, washing your brushes is especially important. Not only does it help keep old product out of your current look, but it also keeps your skin clean and healthy. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to clean your makeup brushes at home quickly and easily.
Steps
What Are Tips For Cleaning Makeup Brushes?
Expert Q&A
-
QuestionWhat can I use to clean my makeup brushes?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
Licensed CosmetologistA mild soap such as baby shampoo can be mixed with water and used to clean makeup brushes. You can also clean them with alcohol. Let the brushes dry completely before using or storing them. -
QuestionCan I use coconut oil to clean the brushes instead of olive or almond oil?Community AnswerYes, coconut oil is very good for the skin and in liquid form will work very well.
-
QuestionCan I use normal shampoo?Community AnswerYou can, but since normal shampoo is often thicker than baby shampoo, you'll have to make sure to thoroughly rinse your brushes when you're done.
Video
Tips
-
Throw out old makeup brushes and applicators when they start looking worn and frayed.[12]Thanks
-
Treat your makeup brushes like you would your hair. You wouldn’t usually go 2+ weeks without giving your hair a good rinse, would you?Thanks
-
Baby wipes are a great way to wipe off brush handles and makeup cases.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Do not share your makeup or makeup brushes with others! They could have germs and diseases you aren't aware of and you could contract them.
- Try soaking your brushes in some makeup remover that isn’t too strong. Don’t soak them for too long though.
- You might need to clean your brushes twice or more to get all the makeup off. Just be patient.
Things You’ll Need
- Paper towels or clean hand towel
- Running warm water
- Shallow bowl or dish
- Baby or clarifying shampoo
- Olive or coconut oil
- Rubbing alcohol
- Miniature spray bottle (optional)
- Makeup brush cleaning mat (optional)
References
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-makeup-brushes-apartment-therapy-tutorials-212122
- ↑ Alicia D'Angelo. Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/clean-your-makeup-brushes
- ↑ https://makeup.lovetoknow.com/makeup-accessories/how-disinfect-makeup-brushes
- ↑ https://makeup.lovetoknow.com/makeup-accessories/how-disinfect-makeup-brushes
- ↑ https://nymag.com/strategist/article/how-to-clean-your-makeup-brushes.html
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/clean-your-makeup-brushes
- ↑ https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/guide-how-clean-makeup-brushes-real-synthetic-a8323556.html
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/clean-your-makeup-brushes
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
-
"Thank you. It has been entirely too long since I have cleaned my brushes, but I have replaced eye makeup just to protect myself. Not only did your article give perfect step by step instructions for the how but also provided the "why" and "how often." Luckily I had the baby shampoo because my grandchildren stay over."..." more