Brush Care
How To Care For Your Makeup Brushes
How often should you be cleaning your makeup brushes?
Cleaning your makeup brushes is a pretty e.l.f.ing important step in your beauty routine that many people put off way longer than they should. Dirty makeup brushes are caked with old product, bacteria, dirt, and oil, which can lead to clogged pores and an upset complexion (read: breakout central).
Ideally, you should be deep cleaning your face makeup brushes (especially ones used for liquid products) at least once a week with a makeup brush cleaner shampoo. Eyeshadow, bronzer, and blush brushes should be cleaned every two weeks. It’s also good practice to mist your bristles with a daily brush cleaner spray before doing your makeup to remove any surface debris and prep your brushes for a smooth application.
A good rule of thumb: if there is visible makeup on your brush bristles, it's time for a cleaning!
How should I clean my makeup brushes?
If you’re wondering if it’s time to clean your beauty tools and brushes, the answer is yes. Not only do clean brushes protect your skin, but it also helps them last longer and perform better during each makeup application. Here’s your step-by-step guide to properly clean your makeup brushes.
- Rinse your brush head (bristles only) under running lukewarm running water to remove surface-level makeup and grime
- Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add e.l.f. brush cleaner, then swirl the head of each brush in the sudsy water
- Run them along a textures makeup brush cleaning glove to get a deeper clean and straighten out the bristles
- Rinse bristles under running water again until the water runs clear off the brush
- Lay brushes flat to dry on a towel with the bristles hanging off a counter ledge
Can I use dishwashing soap to clean my makeup brushes?
If your brushes are caked in old makeup, oil, and debris, you can use a gentle dish soap to effectively cleanse your bristles. However, make sure you read the ingredient list first: if you use a soap that contains harsh solvents or has a high alcohol content, this can ruin your brushes by loosening the glue that secures your bristles into the handles. To cleanse your brushes (natural and synthetic) properly with a peace of mind, you can use a dry makeup brush cleaner, makeup brush cleaner shampoo, or solid makeup brush cleaner that’s specially designed and formulated for this task.
When should you replace your makeup brushes?
Even if you’re diligent about cleaning your makeup brushes, they don't last forever. The typical lifespan of a makeup brush is about one-to-three years—then it’s time to go shopping for some new ones!
Take note of how your brush looks and feels on your face. Are the bristles feeling rough and stiff, falling out, or lacking fullness? Are your brush handles looking worn? Is your makeup application no longer smooth? Is your skin breaking out? It's then time to officially replace your brushes.