Personal CareUpdated: November 2025

How Often Should I Wash My Makeup Brushes?

Wash brushes used with liquid products (foundation, concealer) weekly. Powder brushes can be washed every 2 weeks. Spot clean with brush spray between deep cleans.

ItemFrequencySigns It Needs Attention
Makeup BrushesWeekly for liquid brushes, every 2 weeks for powderBrushes feel stiff or crusty, Makeup application is streaky

Why This Matters

Makeup brushes accumulate bacteria, oil, dead skin, and old product. Using dirty brushes spreads bacteria to your face, causing breakouts, irritation, and even eye infections.

5 Signs You Need to Wash Your Makeup Brushes Now

  • Brushes feel stiff or crusty
  • Makeup application is streaky
  • You're breaking out more than usual
  • Brushes smell bad
  • Colors are muddied

Pro Tips

  • 1Use gentle soap or brush cleaner
  • 2Reshape bristles while wet and lay flat to dry
  • 3Never dry brushes upright—water damages the glue
  • 4Replace brushes that shed or lose shape

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to clean makeup brushes?

Use gentle soap or baby shampoo, swirl in your palm, rinse until water runs clear, reshape, and lay flat to dry.

How long do makeup brushes last?

Quality brushes last years with proper care. Replace when bristles shed excessively, lose shape, or smell even after washing.

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