I’m often asked how often makeup brushes should be washed and with what soap, etc. Here’s the long and short of it!

Logically speaking, anything touching your face should be clean. You wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) wash your face with the same cloth for months on end without washing it…why would you put makeup on with a dirty brush?

Logistically speaking…washing brushes takes time. And who has spare time to do that?? Luckily, there are a few solutions that don’t include hiring a personal assistant.

If you’re short on time, wiping the brushes with a makeup remover facial wipe such as Neutrogena Deep Clean Oil-Free Makeup Remover Wipes will do the trick. Or try out Lise Watier Makeup Brush Cleaner in between applications. However, doing this regularly without proper shampooing every month or so will lead to the brushes drying out and probably shedding some bristles.

Each month, it’s probably a good idea to shampoo your brushes with a product such as MAC Brush Cleaner or Quo Purifying Brush Cleaner. To wash: add a small amount of shampoo to your palm, swirl brush in your hand, and rinse by dipping in luke warm water. Rinse and gently wring out the brush until the water runs clear. Gently reshape the brushes and allow to air-dry flat on a dry, clean towel with the ends hanging off the edge of the surface.

Tips for cleaning makeup brushes:
– Never fully submerge your brushes! Dip the hairs in luke warm water to avoid getting moisture up into the brush.
– Never use a blow dryer to dry your brushes as this will dry out the bristles.
– To steer clear of possible infection, don’t share makeup brushes without sterilizing them first.