Okay, let’s be real for a second. When was the last time you actually cleaned your makeup brushes? Last week? Last month? …Can’t remember? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Most of us are guilty of ignoring those poor brushes, but here’s the thing: dirty makeup brushes aren’t just gross—they can mess with your skin big time. We’re talking breakouts, patchy makeup, and even bacteria hanging out where your bronzer should be.
Now, the good news? You don’t need a fancy $20 bottle of brush cleaner from the beauty aisle. Nope. With a few things you probably already have at home, you can whip up your very own homemade makeup brush cleaner that works just as well—if not better.
Why Bother Cleaning Brushes Anyway?
You might be wondering, “Is it really that big of a deal?” Oh, it is. Here’s why:
Bacteria central: Brushes collect oils, dirt, and makeup residue that bacteria love to party in.
Breakouts galore: Those clogged bristles can transfer gunk straight onto your skin.
Ruined makeup looks: Dirty brushes mean streaky foundation and muddy eyeshadow blending (and nobody has time for that).
So yes, cleaning your brushes is basically self-care for your face and your wallet.
Key Ingredients for a DIY Cleaner
Here’s the fun part—it doesn’t take much. A few basics will do the trick:
Gentle dish soap or baby shampoo – breaks down oils and makeup buildup.
Olive oil or coconut oil (optional) – conditions bristles, especially for natural-hair brushes.
White vinegar (optional) – a natural disinfectant.
Distilled water – keeps things clean and streak-free.
Small bowl or jar – for mixing.
See? No complicated, unpronounceable ingredients.
DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner Recipes
Ready to mix? Here are a couple of tried-and-true combos:
1. The Classic Gentle Cleaner
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon gentle dish soap or baby shampoo
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for conditioning)
Mix it in a bowl, swirl your brushes around, rinse, and boom—clean.
2. The Deep-Clean Disinfecting Mix
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon dish soap
This one’s perfect if your brushes haven’t seen soap since, well, forever. The vinegar helps kill bacteria while the soap lifts off grime.
3. Quick Spot Cleaner (No Rinse Needed)
2 parts rubbing alcohol
1 part water
Few drops essential oil (optional, for scent)
Pour into a spray bottle, spritz onto a paper towel, and wipe brushes between uses. Fast, easy, and great for eyeshadow brushes.
How to Actually Clean Brushes (The Right Way)
Mixing up the cleaner is only half the job. Here’s how to give those brushes a proper spa day:
Dip & swirl. Place the brush tip into your DIY solution and gently swirl.
Massage the bristles. Use your fingers or the palm of your hand to work out the makeup gunk.
Rinse thoroughly. Run under lukewarm water until it runs clear.
Squeeze & reshape. Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel and reshape bristles.
Dry flat. Lay brushes flat on a towel (never upright—that makes water seep into the handle and loosen glue).
Imagine this: your brushes, lined up like little soldiers on the counter, drying overnight, and the next morning they’re fluffy, clean, and ready to slay your makeup game.
Extra Tips & Hacks
Frequency check: Deep clean once a week if you wear makeup daily, or every 2–3 weeks for lighter use.
Brush mats are magic: Those silicone cleaning mats with textures? They cut cleaning time in half.
Hairdryer hack: In a rush? Use a cool hairdryer setting to speed up drying.
Don’t skip small brushes: Even eyeliner and lip brushes need love—they actually collect the most bacteria.
At the end of the day, cleaning your makeup brushes isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about giving your skin the care it deserves and making sure your makeup blends like a dream.
The best part? With homemade cleaners, you don’t have to spend a dime more than what’s already in your kitchen. A little dish soap, some water, maybe a splash of vinegar, and you’re golden.
So tell me—are you team deep clean (soap and vinegar all the way) or team quick spritz (rubbing alcohol spot clean)?
