Cleaning frequency depends on the brush and how it's used, not a single blanket rule.
Step 1: Clean liquid and cream product brushes weekly. Foundation, concealer, and cream blush brushes hold onto product and oil fastest, since liquid and cream formulas sit in the bristles rather than dusting off like powder.
Step 2: Clean powder brushes every two to three weeks. Powder-only brushes (bronzer, blush, setting powder) build up more slowly, so they need less frequent cleaning than liquid-product brushes.
Step 3: Use a brush cleanser, not just water. A dedicated cleanser breaks down oil and product residue that water alone won't fully remove, without softening the glue that holds bristles in place the way harsh soap can.
Step 4: Swirl gently in a circular motion against a textured surface. This works cleanser into the base of the bristles, where the most buildup collects, without bending or damaging the brush head.
Step 5: Rinse until water runs clear. Leftover cleanser or product residue left in the bristles can irritate skin on the next use.
Step 6: Reshape bristles and dry flat, never standing upright. Drying upright lets water seep into the ferrule (the metal part holding the bristles), which can loosen the glue over time and shorten the brush's lifespan.
Step 7: Spot-clean between full washes if needed. A quick swipe on a cleansing pad between full cleans removes surface product without needing a full wash every time.
Find a brush in our beauty tools collection.