Makeup

How To Clean Makeup Brushes And What Products To Use

how to clean makeup brushes glossybox

Be honest, how often do you actually clean your makeup brushes? If your brushes are currently caked in product and you have no idea what colour the original bristles are, we’re going to guess not frequently enough!  

Any type of cleaning is never going to be a thrilling task, we know that. But, like many other mundane tasks in adult life, cleaning makeup brushes is non-negotiable – sorry! Not only do dirty brushes look unsightly, but as they’re porous they unfortunately hold onto a lot of dirt and grime which can be the cause of nasty spots and unwanted blemishes. 

Mastering how to clean makeup brushes is both quick and easy – what’s more, it will enable you to get the most from them and ensure they stay in tip top condition. After all, they’re not the cheapest of beauty tools, so when you’ve invested in a decent set, it’s imperative they stay in pristine condition, right? 

In the video below, makeup artist Claire Farrell shows us how to clean makeup brushes in a cheap and easy way, using Johnson’s Baby Shampoo (which is only £2.50!). 

How To Clean Makeup Brushes

How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes? 

Clean brushes are a huge factor in having clear skin – fact. Not sure how often to clean makeup brushes? To stop bacteria spreading from your brushes onto your skin, you should be washing your brushes regularly. How regularly though depends on what kinds of brushes you’re using… 

As foundation and concealer brushes come into direct contact with your skin, they should be cleaned (at least!) one a week. Other brushes, such as those used to apply eyeshadow, bronzer or highlighter, can be left a little longer. Ideally though, these types of makeup brushes should be washed once a month. 

Four Great Makeup Brush Cleaning Essentials

Sigma Spa® Brush Cleaning Mat

Featuring seven patented textures, this brush cleaning mat is designed to wash both eye and face brushes, and includes ‘Wash’, ‘Rinse’, ‘Refine’ and ‘Refine Plus’ textures to give brushes a deep clean.

Bobbi Brown Brush Cleaning Spray

Suitable for natural and synthetic fibres, the alcohol-free, quick-drying formula delivers a quick, yet deep clean in between makeup applications; it helps to prevent the spread of bacteria, whilst conditioning bristles to prolong the life of your makeup tools.

StylPro Original Make Up Brush Cleaner and Dryer

This revolutionary brush cleaning device cleans and dries your makeup brushes in 30 seconds. Taking the effort and fuss out of this dull task, this innovative brush cleaner uses centrifugal spin technology to expertly clean and dry your brushes in no time at all. Brushes are ready to use immediately after removing from the device!

MAC Brush Cleanser

Specially formulated to help prolong the life of your makeup brushes, this solution can be used for quick or deep cleansing. It effectively lifts away dirt and product to leave brushes clean and smelling fresh.

Subscribe To GLOSSYBOX

To receive five fabulous makeup, hair and skincare products each month, delivered straight to your door, sign up to become a GLOSSYBOX subscriber today. As a Glossy, you’ll also gain priority access and exclusive discounts on our Limited Edition boxes and the full GLOSSYBOX Skincare range!



Emily Cotton

Emily Cotton

Beauty Editor

I'm someone who loves getting glammed up, but I feel like I never have enough time. Frequently running between work, the gym and seeing friends means my makeup routine is quick and often touched up on the go. Therefore, beauty products that serve as multi-purpose are perfect for me - a blush that works for cheeks and lips is a must in my makeup bag!


WANT TO BE THE FIRST TO GET ALL THE GLOSSY NEWS? DOWNLOAD THE GLOSSYBOX APP NOW! 📱❤