How to Deep-Clean Your Beauty Tools (Without Ruining Them)

You wouldn’t wear dirty clothes, so why apply your makeup with dirty brushes? Dirty tools collect dead skin cells, oil, and leftover pigment, leading to clogged pores and patchy makeup application.

Follow this 4-step deep-cleaning guide once a week to extend the lifespan of your favorite tools.

Step-by-step Cleaning Routine

Step 1: Rinse Under Lukewarm Water

Hold your brushes with the bristles pointing down. Avoid letting water run into the metal ferrule, which weakens the glue holding the bristles together.

Step 2: Lather with Brush Soap

Use a gentle brush cleanser or solid brush soap. Swirl the brush in gentle circles over a textured silicone cleaning pad to dislodge trapped foundation and oil.

Step 3: Squeeze and Reshape

Gently squeeze out excess water with a clean towel and reshape the brush head back to its natural form.

Step 4: Lay Flat to Dry

Never dry brushes standing upright in a cup! Water will drip down into the handle, causing shedding and mold. Lay them flat on a towel over the edge of a counter so air circulates around the bristles.