Makeup brushes come in various shapes and sizes, all of which can work for different purposes. They can be super effective when you know how to use them. One important thing to remember, though, is that makeup brushes need to be cleaned regularly. Cleaning your brushes ensures they’re hygienic and it keeps them effective too by ensuring they’re not clogged up with old makeup. But how often should you clean your brushes and how should you clean them?

Take a look at these tips to clean your makeup brushes thoroughly and make sure they’re always in good condition.

How Often to Clean Your Brushes

A lot of people discover that they should be cleaning their makeup brushes much more often than they do. You should try to clean them at least once a week to prevent product from building up on them, although eyeshadow and eyeliner brushes might not need to be cleaned as often. However, a makeup artist or anyone using their brushes on someone else should clean their brushes after every use. You could risk spreading bacteria if you don’t clean your brushes before sharing.

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Cleaning your makeup brushes definitely doesn’t have to be difficult. You can simply rinse them with water, but it will definitely be easier to get them clean if you also use a gentle soap or a brush cleanser. You can also buy various brush cleaning products that are designed especially for getting your makeup brushes as clean as possible. A number of other products can be used too, from facial cleansers to dishwashing soaps. If they’re safe on your skin, they’re safe to use to wash your brushes. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly after.

To clean your brushes:

1. Rinse with warm water
2. Put a small amount of your chosen cleanser on your hand
3. Massage the bristles of the brush into your hand to work in the cleanser
4. Rinse off the bristles and squeeze out excess moisture
5. Shape the brush back into its original shape
6. Let it dry with the bristles over the edge of a table or counter so they air-dry in the right shape

Protect your brushes by keeping water away from the base of the bristles. You could loosen the glue holding them together if they get water or soap in the base.

This is a simple way to clean your brushes, which works for most people. But you can also buy tools that are designed to clean your brushes if you want a helping hand. These definitely aren’t essential, but they can be handy.

When to Replace Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes don’t last forever, and you should replace them eventually. Sponges need to be replaced often, either after every use for the cheaper kind or every three months or so for reusable sponges. Watch your brushes for signs that they need to be tossed. If they’re starting to fall apart, you should get new brushes to replace them.

By keeping your makeup brushes clean, you know they’re hygienic and will do a good job too.