Makeup Brush 101 — Lesson 3: Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

Makeup Brush 101 — Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

LESSON #3

How often should you clean your makeup brushes?

PRO TIP:

If your brush starts looking streaky, stiff or isn't blending as well, it's probably time for a wash.

Cream Blush & Bronzer
EVERY
7 DAYS
Powder Brushes
EVERY
1–2 WEEKS
Foundation & Concealer
EVERY
7 DAYS
Eye Brushes
EVERY
7 DAYS
Sponges
EVERY
2–3 USES

Why does cleaning my makeup brushes matter?

BETTER MAKEUP
BETTER SKIN
LONGER BRUSH LIFE
BETTER HYGIENE

How do you clean makeup brushes?

Step 1: Wet only the filaments

Wet only the filaments

Avoid getting water inside the ferrule.

Step 2: Add a gentle cleanser

Add a gentle cleanser

Swirl the brush on your hand or cleansing mat.

Step 3: Rinse thoroughly

Rinse thoroughly

Continue until the water runs clear.

Step 4: Gently squeeze out excess water

Gently squeeze out excess water

Never twist or pull the filaments.

Step 5: Reshape & dry flat overnight

Reshape & dry flat overnight

Never stand brushes upright while wet.

What are some common cleaning mistakes?

Don't do this

  • Soak the entire brush
  • Use very hot water
  • Dry upright
  • Pull on filaments
  • Store wet brushes in a bag
  • Blow dry brushes
  • Use harsh chemicals on filaments

Do this instead

  • Wet only the filaments
  • Use lukewarm water & a gentle cleanser
  • Lay brushes flat
  • Gently reshape them
  • Let them dry completely before storing

Myth vs Fact

Myth:
"You only need to clean brushes when they look dirty."
Fact:
Brushes can collect makeup residue and skin oils long before they look dirty. Regular cleaning helps them perform their best.
Myth:
"Soaking brushes cleans them better."
Fact:
Keeping water out of the ferrule helps protect the adhesive that holds the filaments in place.
Myth:
"You need to buy this brand name expensive brush cleaner."
Fact:
A simple gentle cleanser such as baby shampoo, or a dish soap are best for routine deep cleaning brushes.

Your brush cleaning accessories

BMD-T02

MŌDA® Scrubby Cleaning Pad

$7.99 USD

Keep your brushes fresh and ready for flawless makeup with the MŌDA® Scrubby Makeup Brush Cleaning Pad. This textured silicone...

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BMD-PSET02

MŌDA® Prismatic Set, Shade, Switch Kit

$20.99 USD

Level up your beauty routine with the MODA® Prismatic Set, the ultimate shade, switch, and glam kit designed to keep...

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BMD-T01

MŌDA® Heart Scrubby Cleaning Pad

$6.99 USD

Keep your brushes fresh and ready for glam with the MŌDA® Tools Heart Scrubby, the best way to deep clean...

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BMD-T05

MŌDA® Switch and Swirl

$4.99 USD

Switch shades like a pro with the MŌDA® Switch and Swirl, the must-have tool for keeping your makeup brushes clean...

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