How I Clean My Makeup Brushes: Routine & Go-To Cleanser

Cleaning Makeup Brushes

A simple brush-care routine that keeps your tools fresh, your skin clearer and your makeup looking its best.

What's Inside

  • Why brush cleaning is worth the effort
  • The cleanser I keep reaching for
  • Answers to common questions

Why Brush Cleaning Is Worth the Effort

If makeup is part of your daily routine, brush hygiene deserves a spot near the top of your to-do list. Here's why keeping your tools clean makes such a visible difference.

  • Fewer breakouts: Frequently used brushes pick up dirt, oil, dust and other residue from your skin. Reusing a grimy brush can clog pores and trigger more blemishes.
  • Better makeup application: A dirty brush makes precise application harder, turning a smooth, natural-looking blend into a struggle.
  • Less germ buildup: Bacteria can linger on your brushes too — worth remembering, especially if you share your tools with someone else.
  • Longer-lasting brushes: Regular cleaning lifts away caked-on product, keeps bristles softer and helps your brushes stay in good shape for longer.

The Cleanser I Keep Reaching For

My go-to is the Japonesque Makeup Brush Cleanser, which I picked up at Ulta long before I knew much about brush care — and I've loved it ever since. A few sprays onto the brush, then scrub the product away on a napkin or towel. The line comes in several scents, but rosewater is my favorite because it leaves my brushes smelling lovely. It's also easy to pack when I'm traveling and short on time for a full wash.

My usual routine is a weekly clean of my brushes and sponges — quick but effective. When I have time for a deeper clean, I first soak them in warm water with soap or shampoo.

My Quick Weekly Routine

Shop the Brush Cleanser

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to clean your makeup brushes?
Dirty brushes collect dirt, oil, dust and bacteria from your face. Continued use can clog pores and cause more breakouts, make application less precise, spread germs (especially when brushes are shared) and shorten the life of the brush itself.
How often should you clean your makeup brushes?
In this post I share that I usually clean my brushes and sponges once a week. A quick spray-and-wipe cleanser is a handy option when you're traveling or short on time.
What do you use to clean your makeup brushes?
I use the Japonesque Makeup Brush Cleanser, which I found at Ulta. I spray it a few times on the brush and scrub everything away on a napkin or towel. Rosewater is my favorite scent. When I have time for a thorough clean, I soak the brushes in warm water with soap or shampoo first.
Can you clean makeup brushes without a dedicated brush cleanser?
Yes. When I have time for a thorough clean, I soak my makeup brushes in warm water with soap or shampoo first instead of relying on a spray cleanser alone.
Can sharing makeup brushes spread germs?
Yes. Brushes can collect bacteria, which is especially worth keeping in mind if you share your makeup brushes with others.

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XOXO, Lex

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Clean brushes do more than protect your skin — they also help your favorite products perform the way they should. Whether you reach for a spray cleanser on busy days or take the time for a warm-water soak, a little regular upkeep goes a long way toward softer bristles and better blends.

Related Topics

If brush care is part of your beauty routine, these posts pair well with it:

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