Quick answer

Wash your makeup brushes at least once a week with a gentle soap or brush cleanser, focusing on the bristles and avoiding the ferrule. Rinse thoroughly, reshape, and dry them lying flat with the bristles hanging over the edge of a counter. For sensitive skin, use fragrance-free cleanser and dry completely before use.

Why a weekly brush care routine matters

Brushes collect makeup, oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria with every use. If you skip washing, that buildup can lead to clogged pores, irritation, and uneven application. A weekly routine keeps your brushes performing well and helps your skin stay clear. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to wash more often, especially any brush used with cream or liquid products.

How often should you wash your brushes?

For most people, once a week is enough for powder brushes like blush and bronzer brushes. If you use cream or liquid products, such as cream blush, wash those brushes every 2–3 days. Brushes used around the eyes should be cleaned at least once a week, and more often if you wear eye makeup daily or have oily lids. A good rule: if the bristles look clogged or feel stiff, it's time to wash.

Gathering your supplies

You don't need expensive tools. A gentle, fragrance-free soap or a dedicated brush cleanser works well. Avoid harsh dish soaps or anything with strong detergents, which can strip bristles and irritate sensitive skin. You'll also want a clean towel, a sink with lukewarm water, and a drying rack or a clean counter edge. For a dual-ended brush like The Blush Brush, you'll need to clean both ends carefully.

Step-by-step: how to clean your brushes

1. Wet the bristles with lukewarm water, pointing them downward so water doesn't seep into the ferrule (the metal part). 2. Apply a small amount of cleanser to your palm or a cleaning mat. 3. Gently swirl the brush in the cleanser, working up a lather. 4. Rinse under lukewarm water, again pointing bristles down, until the water runs clear. 5. Squeeze excess water out with a clean towel, being careful not to pull on the bristles. 6. Reshape the bristles with your fingers and lay the brush flat to dry, with the bristles hanging over the edge of a counter so air can circulate. Never stand brushes upright to dry; water can seep into the ferrule and break down the glue.

Special care for blush and bronzer brushes

Blush and bronzer brushes often have densely packed bristles that trap powder and cream. For cream formulas like Blush Butter Balm, use a gentle cleanser and work it through the bristles thoroughly. If you use a dual-ended brush like The Blush Brush, clean each end separately, being careful not to get the handle too wet. For powder bronzer, a quick weekly wash is usually enough, but if you notice color buildup, clean more often.

Drying tips for sensitive skin

Residual moisture can breed bacteria, so make sure brushes are completely dry before storing or using them. After washing, lay them flat on a clean towel with the bristles over the edge. Avoid drying them in a bathroom, where humidity can slow drying. If you have sensitive skin, consider using a dedicated brush cleanser that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Once dry, store brushes in a clean, closed container or brush holder to keep dust off.

Your weekly brush care routine in 5 steps

  1. 1. Gather supplies and wet bristles: Use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Point bristles downward to keep water out of the ferrule. Checkpoint: never use hot water, which can damage bristles.
  2. 2. Lather and cleanse: Swirl the brush in cleanser, working it through the bristles. For dual-ended brushes like The Blush Brush, clean each end separately. Mistake to avoid: don't submerge the whole brush; keep the handle and ferrule dry.
  3. 3. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse under lukewarm water until it runs clear. Gently squeeze out excess water with a clean towel. Checkpoint: if water still looks cloudy, keep rinsing.
  4. 4. Reshape and dry flat: Reshape bristles with your fingers and lay the brush flat with bristles hanging over a counter edge. Never stand upright to dry. Mistake to avoid: drying upright can cause water to seep into the ferrule and loosen glue.
  5. 5. Store properly: Once completely dry, store brushes in a clean, closed container or holder to keep dust and bacteria off. Next step: mark your calendar for a weekly wash to keep skin clear and application smooth.

Products that make brush care easier

  • The Blush Brush: This ultra plush, dual-ended cream blush brush delivers effortless application. Featuring an ergonomic handle and soft-yet-firm bristles, it blends like a dream—providing smooth, even coverage. Excluded from promotions and discounts. Limited to three per customer. The dual-ended design means you need to clean both ends carefully, but the soft-yet-firm bristles hold up well to regular washing and keep their shape.
  • Blush Butter Balm: Infused with hydrating skincare ingredients, this buttery blush blends effortlessly into the skin for a sheer flush of dewy, long-lasting color. Its creamy formula is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. Limited to three units per customer. Because it's a cream formula, it can leave more residue on your brush, so wash your blush brush more often—especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.