If you’ve ever noticed your makeup brushes aren’t performing like they used to—or worse, your skin is breaking out more than usual—your brush-care routine might be to blame. So, what are we doing wrong, and how can we make it right? Ahead, the most common mistakes people make when it comes to cleaning and caring for their makeup brushes, and how to fix them for good.
Not Cleaning Your Brushes Often Enough
One of the most common mistakes is not cleaning brushes often enough. “Dirty brushes can hold bacteria, leading to breakouts, irritation and can sometimes affect the application of your makeup products,” explains Brandy Allen, celebrity makeup artist.
For personal use, Allen suggests cleaning brushes used with cream or liquid products like foundation or concealer once a week. “Brushes used with powders can be cleaned every one to two weeks, depending on how often they’re used,” she adds.
For professional use, Allen says hygiene is critical. “Brushes should be cleaned and sanitized between every client to prevent cross-contamination and protect the skin. Quick-drying brush cleansers are helpful for spot cleaning, but regular deep cleaning is still essential.”
Using Harsh Soaps or Not Rinsing Properly
TikTok might tell you to grab your oil-busting dish soap for your deepest clean, but using harsh cleansers on your makeup brushes and/or not rinsing them thoroughly can damage the bristles and leave residue behind. “When cleaning your brushes, a gentle fragrance-free cleanser is your best bet,” says Allen.
Soaking Brushes in Water or Using Hot Water
Another common mistake, according to Allen: Soaking the entire brush in water. “When water gets into the base where the bristles are glued, it can loosen the adhesive and cause shedding,” says Allen. “Using hot water has a similar effect and can break down both the glue and the fibers.”
Drying Brushes Upright
Listen up: Your job isn’t done once your brushes are clean—how you set them to dry also has a big impact. “Improper drying is one of the easiest ways to shorten the life of your brushes without realizing it,” warns Allen. “People tend to dry brushes upright, which allows water to seep into the base and causes shedding.”
An expert-approved way to dry: Lay your brushes flat on a clean towel with the bristles hanging slightly off the edge of a counter. “This allows air to circulate and helps the brush maintain its shape without trapping moisture,” says Allen. “Also, avoid using a blow dryer or drying them in direct sunlight, as high heat can damage the bristles.”
Ignoring When It’s Time to Replace Them
How do you know when it’s time to retire a makeup brush? When you start noticing that it’s losing its shape or the bristles are shedding excessively, Allen says to replace it. “A well-maintained brush should keep its softness and structure over time, so if it starts to feel rough or uneven, it’s likely time for a replacement.”
Another red flag: uneven application. “If you find that the bristles aren’t picking up or distributing product as they used to, this can mean the brush is worn out.”
Treating All Brushes the Same
There are two types of makeup brushes: synthetic and natural, and they both require different care. Synthetics are more resistant to product buildup and easier to clean, says Allen. “They don’t absorb as much product, so a gentle cleanser and warm water are typically all you need,” she says, noting she loves the LYS Beauty Brushes: “They are easy to clean and keep their shape really well!”
Natural hair brushes, however, “are more porous and require more thorough cleaning to avoid product buildup. It’s important to use a mild, moisturizing cleanser to keep the bristles soft and prevent them from drying out.”
In both cases, Allen stresses that “gentle cleaning and proper drying techniques are key to maintaining the shape and longevity of your brushes.”
