How Often to Clean Makeup Brushes + Printable Chart
Want to know how often to clean makeup brushes? Check out my guide on how often to clean your makeup brushes with a printable chart!
How Often to Clean Makeup Brushes + Printable Chart
Want to know how often to clean makeup brushes?
Today I’m sharing a full guide on how often you should wash makeup brushes with a helpful printable chart.
I’m also sharing recommendations on how to best care for your makeup brushes after cleaning them and how to know when it’s time to replace them.
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The Complete Guide on How Often To Clean Makeup Brushes
If you wear makeup regularly and use makeup brushes often, then you probably already know how important it is to clean your makeup brushes for both the health of your skin and to keep your makeup brushes in great condition.
But how often should I clean my makeup brushes? Well, that’s just the question I’m going to answer in today’s post!
Can Dirty Makeup Brushes Cause Breakouts/Infection?
You might be wondering if dirty makeup brushes can really cause breakouts and infection, and the answer is yes!
Dirty makeup brushes harbor germs, bacteria, and all the leftover dirt and oil on your skin. Not only can this clog your pores and cause breakouts, but it can also make skin conditions such as eczema flare up even worse.
Dirty foundation brushes are notorious for causing skin breakouts and brushes used near or around the eyes can actually cause infection if not cleaned properly first.
That’s why it’s so important to learn how to properly clean your makeup brushes at home.
But equally important to cleaning your makeup brushes properly is cleaning your makeup brushes often and on a regular basis.
Should You Wash Your Makeup Brushes After Every Use?
If you are a makeup artist using makeup brushes on a client, then YES you should definitely wash your makeup brushes after every use.
However, if like the majority of people out there you are simply applying makeup to yourself, then no you don’t necessarily have to deep clean your makeup brushes after every use.
That said, I do recommend following my quick daily cleaning/disinfecting recommendations and makeup brush cleaning guidelines that I’ve included below.
How Often Should Makeup Brushes Be Washed?
Although the answer really depends on how much you regularly use your makeup brushes (and wear makeup), a general rule of thumb is to deep clean all of your makeup brushes once a month, and clean high use makeup brushes once a week.
- Currently, dermatologists recommend that you clean makeup brushes such as foundation and concealer brushes a minimum of once weekly, or every 7-10 days to prevent build-up.
- Brushes that are used in or around the eyes, such as eyeliner brushes or tools like eyelash curlers, should also be cleaned at least once a week in order to prevent possible infections.
- Eyeshadow brushes and powder brushes should be cleaned twice a month, or more if used more frequently.
- For makeup brushes you use less often, follow a cleaning schedule of at least once a month.
In general, the more often you use a makeup brush = the more often you should clean it.
This is not only better for the safety of your skin but will also help you achieve better makeup application, and will help your makeup brushes last longer.
Grab my printable chart here
How to Easily Clean Your Makeup Brushes After Each Use
Love to switch up your eyeshadow shades frequently?
Then you’ll definitely want to lightly clean your makeup brushes after each use to avoid having muted, muddy colors.
The good news is it’s super easy and only takes just a few seconds to do!
To lightly clean your eyeshadow brushes after using them, I recommend using this makeup color remover sponge.
It’s seriously a magical sponge that quickly removes product from your makeup brush with no water required, allowing you to apply multiple colors using the same brush.
For other brushes such as face brushes and concealer brushes, I love using these gentle makeup remover wipes.
Just swirl your brush around on them until the color stops showing, and let them air-dry.
Does Washing Makeup Brushes Ruin Them?
Washing makeup brushes will not ruin your brushes; however, it’s important to wash and dry your makeup brushes a certain way to keep your brushes in their best condition.
It’s also important to make sure you’re using the right type of cleaner on your makeup brushes.
Check out my complete guide on How to Clean Makeup Brushes at Home for best practices on how to properly wash and dry your makeup brushes, and the best makeup brush cleaners/tools.
How Often To Replace Makeup Brushes/Sponges
Taking the time to clean your makeup brushes on a regular basis can definitely help in keeping your makeup brushes at optimal performance.
If makeup brushes are well cared for and cleaned properly and regularly, they will actually last you for years!
That said, it’s important to know when to replace makeup brushes and sponges, and as a general rule of thumb, makeup sponges should be replaced every 3 months.
Check out my full Makeup Expiration Guide over here to know when to toss other products in your collection.
Makeup Brushes should be replaced if:
- The brush appears discolored
- The brush has a distinct odor that won’t go away (even after cleaning)
- Bristles are frayed, are shedding, or have lost their shape
- Brush no longer performs properly or blends product the way it is intended
If you need recommendations for new makeup brushes to try, check out my post The Best Affordable Makeup Brushes + Sets, and check out this Ultimate Makeup Brush Guide to know exactly what brushes you need.
I hope you enjoyed today’s post on How Often to Clean Makeup Brushes!
Do you currently clean your makeup brushes regularly? If not, make sure you grab my printable guide here so that you can make it a habit this year!
Thanks for stopping by! – Cara
Pin For Later
Thank you for the printable guide.
I never knew that it was a bad thing to not clean the brushes even if the colour stays the same.
XOXOX
AB~<a https://www.hypnotherapistjohannesburg.com/
You’re welcome! Glad you found it helpful!