Spring Clean - Makeup Brush Edition

Brush Up Your Beauty: The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Makeup Brushes

Ever watched your favorite artist blend out the perfect smoky eye

… only to remember you used that same brush to pat concealer over a blemish three weeks ago? Been there. Whether you're a full-on glam queen or a five-minute face kinda gal, your brushes deserve a little TLC—and so does your skin.

 

Spring cleaning isn’t just for clearing out closets or tossing that expired serum lurking in the back of your vanity drawer. It’s about renewal, intention, and yes—making sure your brushes aren’t petri dishes.

Let’s get into it: how to keep your beauty tools (and your glow) fresh, clean, and fully thriving.

Why Clean Brushes Matter

  • Bacteria Buildup = Breakouts & Infections
    Old makeup + skin oils + dust = a dreamy spa day for bacteria. Your skin? Not so thrilled.
  • Color Carry-Over = Muddy Makeup
    That warm peach blush might turn swampy when mixed with leftover contour. Clean tools = true color pay-off.
  • Brush Longevity = Less Money, More Glow
    Well-loved brushes can last years when cared for right. Consider it beauty budgeting 101. Fun Fact - I've owned some of my brushes for 15 years and use them daily.

How Often Should You Really Clean?

Brush Type Clean This Often
Foundation & Concealer Weekly
Eye Brushes Every 2–3 Weeks (I do weekly)
Beauty Blenders/Sponges After Every Use

What You’ll Need

  • Gentle brush cleanser, sulfate-free shampoo, Indie Lee cleanser, gentle dish soap
  • Lukewarm water (never hot!)
  • A clean towel or microfiber cloth
  • (Optional) Silicone brush-cleaning mat

Step-by-Step: Let’s Clean Those Babies

  1. Rinse the Bristles: Hold the brush bristles down under lukewarm water.
  2. Add Cleanser: A pea-sized drop into your palm or brush mat does the trick.
  3. Swirl & Lather: Gently work bristles in circles—avoid soaking the ferrule.
  4. Rinse Thoroughly: Until water runs clear.
  5. Squeeze & Shape: Remove water, reshape tip—don’t wring!
  6. Dry Properly: Lay flat or hang bristles-down off a counter edge.

Pro Tips & Indie Hacks

  • Drying rack hack: Use an old egg carton—upcycle chic.
  • Storage tip: Keep brushes upright once fully dry to prevent mildew.
  • Stubborn Pigment Stains: Pre-cleanse with a drop of olive oil. Gently breaks down stains without harm

Watch the Tutorial

Prefer a visual? Watch me go through the whole brush-cleaning routine in this video:

 

Final Thoughts

Clean brushes = happy skin + flawless application. But also? It’s a moment to reset.

Next time you scrub away yesterday’s foundation brush, turn it into a little ritual. Light a candle. Put on your favorite podcast. Treat your brushes to the spa day they (and you) deserve.

Here’s to clean tools and cleaner vibes, always 💫