Today, I’m going to tell you how to clean makeup brush correctly, because you are, most likely, making the biggest mistake when cleaning makeup brushes. At least twice a month, cleansing your makeup brushes is as important as doing laundry.
Many people are unaware of the proper cleaning methodology, and a lot of people just use soap and leave the brush wet. That’s all wrong! That’s just going to ruin the beauty brush. Then, let me show you how I maintain my brushes’ cleanliness.
Professional guidelines suggest cleaning make up brushes twice a month, and eye make up brushes at least once a week, because the eyes are sensitive.
Table of Contents
Why Dirty Makeup Brushes Are Bad for Skin
Dirty make up brushes can:
- Cause acne and clogged pores
- Spread bacteria
- Irritate eyes and skin
- Ruin makeup finish
Many skin problems improve just by cleaning makeup brushes regularly.
Choose The Finest Cleaner For Your Needs.
Choose the best brush-cleaning soap and make a soap selection for your eyes. There are multiple cleaning methods, but I enjoy this one the most for painting so I do it this way. I use Natural Technique Brush Washin Gel.
From one of the places it is easy to buy and reasonably priced is Amazon which is one of the things I enjoy most about cleaning it. I also enjoy using Eco Tools Makeup Brush Shampoo which I also use to clean my makeup brushes.
Makeup Brushes – Scrubbing Pad
When cleaning cosmetic brushes, must utilize scrubber mats or brush cleaning mats. Many individuals do not use cleaning mats while washing cosmetic brushes, yet brushes do not clean effectively if cleaning mats do not operate. As a result, cleaning the cosmetics brush might be a costly error. While cleaning it, I use an Avarosa pineapple-shaped. This item is also available through Amazon.
Cleaning Procedure
I will first wet my makeup brush. Afterwards, I will pour some cleanser onto the makeup brush. As I wipe the brush, it will pull out the makeup debris stuck in the brush. As I rub, I will see the makeup debris coming out of brush. When it has pulled out the makeup debris, I will rinse the brush.
Drying
Drying Most people overlook the step of drying the brush. It is an important step that I first dry using a towel and then I dry the makeup brushes using my hairdryer. Using a hairdryer helps the brushes dry fast and when drying, make sure that the brushes go back to their original shape.
It is how I clean my makeup brush twice a month, and the meetings last a long time if I wash them this way. Hopefully, this procedure will assist you in cleaning and maintaining your
10 Best Makeup Brush Sets Universally
| Makeup Brush Set | Best For | Why People Like It | SEO Keywords Fit |
| Real Techniques Makeup Brushes | Beginners & daily use | Soft bristles, affordable, easy to blend | real techniques makeup brushes, good makeup brushes |
| Sephora Makeup Brushes Collection | Professional finish | Durable, wide range for face & eyes | sephora makeup brushes |
| EcoTools Vegan Makeup Brushes | Sensitive skin | 100% vegan and eco-friendly | vegan makeup brushes, cruelty free makeup brushes |
| Morphe Eye Makeup Brushes Set | Eye looks | Precise blending and shading | eye makeup brushes |
| BS-Mall Makeup Brush Set | Full face makeup | Budget-friendly, many brushes in one set | good makeup brushes |
| Sigma Beauty Makeup Brushes | Long-term use | High quality, strong handles | cruelty free makeup brushes |
| Real Techniques Travel Makeup Brushes | Travel & on-the-go | Compact, easy to carry | travel makeup brushes |
| IT Cosmetics Makeup Brushes | Flawless base | Dense brushes for smooth foundation | good makeup brushes |
| ZOEVA Eye Brush Set | Detailed eye makeup | Perfect for blending and crease work | eye makeup brushes |
| EcoTools Travel Brush Set | Minimal makeup users | Lightweight, vegan, compact | vegan makeup brushes, travel makeup brushes |
Top Makeup Brush Sets by Country with Price and Shopping Apps
| Country / Region | Brush Set | Approx Price | Where to Buy (Online app/site) | Notes |
| 🇮🇳 India | Real Techniques Au Naturale Makeup Brush Kit | ~₹2,251 | Tira, Amazon India | Good mid-range full face kit |
| SWISS BEAUTY Professional Series Makeup Brush Set | ~₹2,519 | Amazon India | Budget pro-style brushes | |
| MARS Artist’s Makeup Brush Set | ~₹1,499 | MARS Cosmetics | Very affordable good beginner set | |
| PAC Pro‑Xclusive Brush Series | ~₹8,326 | Nykaa Now | Premium larger collection | |
| BEAUTY BAY Rose Glow 18 Piece Brush Set with Brush Stand | ~₹4,173 | Beauty Bay | International set shipped to India | |
| 🇺🇸 USA | Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Set | ~US$10–$19 (≈ ₹800–₹1,500) | Walmart, Target, Amazon USA | Popular basic kit for beginners |
| Sigma brush sets (various) | ~US$56–$136+ (≈ ₹4,500–₹11,000) | Sigma Beauty official & major retailers | Includes full face, eyes or travel sets | |
| Budget brush kits | ~US$20–$40 (≈ ₹1,600–₹3,200) | Amazon, Walmart | Many affordable options with 5–12 brushes | |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Bobbi Brown Essential Luxury Brush Set | £59.50 (~₹6,000) on sale | UK retailers | High quality, good gifting set |
| Mid-range brush sets | £25–£85 (~₹2,500–₹8,500) | UK beauty sites | Brands like Spectrum, Real Techniques, etc. | |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Real Techniques & Sigma sets | CAD$20–CAD$150+ (≈ ₹1,300–₹10,000+) | Amazon Canada, Sephora Canada | Broad price range from basic to premium |
| 🇰🇷 Korea | SIXPLUS 11Pcs Brush Set | ₩96,355 (~₹5,000) (before shipping) | Ubuy Korea | Imported professional brush set |
| BS-MALL 14-Piece Set | ₩31,064 (~₹1,600) | Ubuy Korea | Mid-range essential brush collection | |
| e.l.f. Brush Sets (Korea prices) | ₩18,700–₩71,921 (~₹1,000–₹4,000) | e.l.f. Korea site | Affordable to mid-range vegan sets |
Notes on Availability & Prices
India: Many sets are available on Tira, Amazon India, Nykaa, Beauty Bay (international shipping) with a range from budget (₹1k) to premium (~₹8k).
USA: Set prices vary significantly — basic kits around ~US$10–$20 (~₹800–₹1,500) and Sigma/brand sets from ~US$56 up to over US$130 (~₹4,500–₹11,000).
UK: Quality and mid-premium sets appear in retail sales, like Bobbi Brown’s £59.50 (~₹6,000) and other brands roughly £25–£85 (~₹2,500–₹8,500).
Canada: Similar pricing to the US market (converted to CAD) on Amazon Canada and Sephora Canada, from budget to premium tools.
Korea: Brush sets sold via Ubuy Korea include options around ₩31,064–₩96,355 (~₹1,600–₹5,000); e.l.f. brushes also priced in local KRW.
Best Products to Clean Makeup Brushes
| Product Type | Why It Works |
| Brush shampoo | Gentle on bristles |
| Cleansing gel | Removes deep makeup |
| Scrub mat | Improves cleaning |
| Microfiber towel | Absorbs water fast |
You don’t need expensive tools — just the right method.
How Often Should You Clean Makeup Brush?
| Brush Type | Cleaning Frequency |
| Foundation & concealer | Every 2 weeks |
| Powder & blush | 2–3 times a month |
| Eye makeup brushes | Once a week |
| Lip brushes | After each use |
This routine keeps your skin safe and makeup smooth.
Case Studies & Real Examples: Unclean Makeup Brushes & Skin Problems
| Country / Source | What Happened | Skin Issue / Infection | Treatment / Result | Reference |
| Saudi Arabia (Research study) | People rarely cleaned brushes. Many brushes had bacteria like Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas and fungal spores. | Users reported acne, irritation and possible infections by bacteria on brushes. | No specific treatment detailed, but researchers said cleaning brushes regularly can lower risk. | Scientific study showing bacteria on brushes and user skin complaints. |
| General research (UK/clinic study) | Tests found makeup brushes held huge amounts of bacteria — even more than a toilet seat. | Bacteria build-up can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, rash and possible eye infections if brushes touch the eye area. | Experts recommended cleaning brushes weekly to reduce bacteria and avoid infections. | Research reported by the clinic and experts. |
| India (Cosmetic hygiene advice) | Study mentioned that unclean brushes are dirtier than toilet seats and can transfer bacteria. | Can cause acne, breakouts, staph or other bacterial skin issues. | Cleaning at least once a week was advised to reduce bacterial buildup. | News and expert commentary. |
| Dermatologist advice (USA) | Dermatologists say dirty brushes are breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi. | Can cause acne, rashes, staph infection, fungal infection or eye irritation when used regularly without cleaning. | Wash brushes every 7-10 days and avoid sharing with others. | Advice from dermatologists and skin experts. |
| Report from news article (Australia example) | A woman developed a serious staph infection (MRSA) after using someone else’s contaminated makeup tools (“dirty brush” situation). | MRSA infection can be life-threatening and requires hospital care with antibiotics. | She was hospitalized and had long antibiotic treatment. (Severe case) | News report highlighting dangers of contaminated brushes. |
Typical Treatments for Infections from Dirty Brushes
| Type of Issue | Typical Treatment |
| Irritation and Bacterial or Irritation | Dermatology guidance like topical cleansers, antimicrobial washes, dermatology guidance |
| Serious systemic infections | Hospital care with strong antibiotics; supportive care |
| Eye infections like conjunctivitis | Antibiotic eye drops recommend by doctor |
| Folliculitis / Staph-related skin infection | Topical or oral antibiotics (e.g., clindamycin, dicloxacillin) |
Best Way to Clean Makeup Brushes While Traveling
When traveling, full washing isn’t always possible.
Quick cleaning tips:
- Use brush cleaning spray
- Wipe on a clean tissue
- Let brushes dry fully before packing
Final Thoughts
Cleaning make up brushes isn’t glamorous, but it’s necessary. If you invest in good makeup, you should protect your tools too.
You don’t need fancy products. You need:
- Gentle cleanser
- Regular cleaning
- Proper drying
Healthy brushes mean healthier skin and better makeup.