How to Clean Your Brushes + Sanitize Your Makeup
When’s the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? Or sanitized your favorite lip gloss or mascara? If your answer is “uhhh…”—don’t worry. You’re not alone.
But here’s the truth: dirty tools and contaminated makeup can lead to breakouts, patchy application, eye infections, and even shorten the lifespan of your favorite products.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to properly clean your brushes, sanitize your makeup, and protect your skin and products—without ruining anything.
🌸 Personal Note: I used to break out constantly and had no idea it was from my dirty foundation brush. Once I committed to weekly cleaning, not only did my skin improve, but my makeup looked smoother and more airbrushed.
🧽 How Often Should You Clean Your Brushes?
| Tool | Frequency | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation / Concealer Brushes | Once a week | Prevents acne, cakiness, and bacteria buildup |
| Eyeshadow Brushes | Weekly to biweekly | Avoids color mixing and eye irritation |
| Blush / Bronzer Brushes | Every 1–2 weeks | Keeps product payoff smooth and skin safe |
| Beauty Sponges | After every use | Sponges trap moisture and bacteria quickly |
🎯 If you're acne-prone or have sensitive skin, aim for more frequent cleaning.
🧴 How to Deep Clean Your Brushes (Step-by-Step)
Wet the bristles with lukewarm water (not the handle—this loosens glue over time).
Apply gentle cleanser: baby shampoo, unscented soap, or brush-specific cleanser.
Swirl on your palm or a cleaning mat to lather and lift pigment and oils.
Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
Gently squeeze out excess water and reshape the bristles.
Lay flat on a towel to dry, with the head hanging off the edge of a counter.
🌸 Never dry brushes upright—water seeps into the ferrule and breaks down glue.
🧼 How to Sanitize Your Makeup (Yes, You Should)
Bacteria can live in makeup—especially cream, liquid, and lip products. Here’s how to keep everything fresh:
✅ Quick Makeup Sanitizing Guide
| Product | How to Sanitize | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Powders (blush, eyeshadow) | Spritz lightly with 70% isopropyl alcohol | 1x/month |
| Lipsticks / lip liners | Wipe with tissue, dip tip in alcohol for 10 sec | Every few weeks or after illness |
| Mascara wands | Replace every 3 months; never share | As needed |
| Cream products (pot or stick) | Scrape top layer + spritz with alcohol | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Pencils (brow, eyeliner) | Sharpen, then wipe tip with alcohol | 1–2x/month |
What About Your Makeup Bag?
Bacteria love dark, warm places—like your brush bag or makeup pouch.
Clean it out every 2–4 weeks:
Dump out crumbs, broken powders, and used tissues
Wipe with disinfecting spray or soapy cloth
Let air dry before restocking
🎯 Pro Tip: Store your brushes in an open container or brush cup—not inside a zipped bag.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using hot water → breaks down bristles and glue
❌ Soaking brushes upright → damages shape and structure
❌ Letting brushes stay wet overnight → breeds mold and bacteria
❌ Sharing makeup tools → can transfer bacteria, viruses, and eye infections
💖 Final Thoughts: Clean Tools = Clean Results
Your brushes touch your face every single day—keeping them clean is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin and keep your makeup looking flawless. Don’t wait until your brushes look dirty—set a schedule and make it part of your self-care routine.
It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and your skin will thank you.
💌 Let’s Chat!
How often do you clean your brushes? Be honest. 😅 Tag me @cultishbeauty with your before-and-after brush cleaning pics—I love a good transformation!