How do you wash makeup brushes the right way? With solid brush soap, lukewarm water, bristles always pointed down, and a flat overnight dry — and in this updated tutorial, makeup pro Nikol Johnson demonstrates the exact method she uses on the Nikol Beauty Essential Brushes, answering the question she gets asked more than any other.
Key Takeaways
- Wash face brushes weekly and eye brushes every one to two weeks — dirty brushes cause breakouts and muddy application.
- Solid brush cleansing soap deep-cleans without stripping or shedding bristles.
- Never let water run into the ferrule (the metal band) — it dissolves the glue and ruins the brush.
- Dry brushes flat or angled downward, reshaped while damp; never upright in a cup.
What's the Pro Method, Step by Step?
Wet only the bristles with lukewarm water, swirl the brush across solid cleansing soap, work the lather gently in your palm until the water runs clear, rinse with bristles pointing down, squeeze out moisture with a clean towel, reshape, and lay flat overnight. The cleansing soap Nikol uses is linked in the video description on YouTube.
Why Does Brush Hygiene Matter So Much?
Brushes accumulate product, oil, and bacteria with every use. On mature skin — which tends to be drier and more sensitive — that buildup means irritation, congestion, and patchy makeup. A clean Foundation Buffing Brush buffs product seamlessly; a dirty one drags old foundation across fresh skin.
How Do You Care for Each Brush Type?
Dense face brushes like the buffing brush need the most frequent washing since they hold cream products. The Essential Brush Set's eye blending brushes can go slightly longer between washes but should be spot-cleaned between shadow colors, and small detail brushes like the concealer/lip brush should be cleaned weekly since they touch creams and the lip area. Quality brushes washed properly last for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you wash makeup brushes?
Foundation and concealer brushes weekly; powder and eyeshadow brushes every one to two weeks; anything used on lips or near the eyes more often.
What's the best thing to wash makeup brushes with?
A solid brush cleansing soap — it lifts product and oil without harsh detergents. Gentle baby shampoo works in a pinch, but avoid dish soap, which dries natural and synthetic bristles alike.
How do you dry makeup brushes after washing?
Squeeze out water, reshape the bristle head, and lay the brush flat on a towel with the head hanging slightly off the counter edge. Drying upright lets water seep into the ferrule and loosens the bristles.
