Q&A for How to Clean Makeup Brushes

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Question

What can I use to clean my makeup brushes?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A mild soap such as baby shampoo can be mixed with water and used to clean makeup brushes. You can also clean them with alcohol. Let the brushes dry completely before using or storing them.

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Question

Can I use coconut oil to clean the brushes instead of olive or almond oil?

Community Answer

Yes, coconut oil is very good for the skin and in liquid form will work very well.

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Question

Can I use normal shampoo?

Community Answer

You can, but since normal shampoo is often thicker than baby shampoo, you'll have to make sure to thoroughly rinse your brushes when you're done.

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Question

Can I use Dawn soap to wash brushes?

I like sushi

Top Answerer

If nothing else is available, then you could. It would not be the most ideal choice because it could potentially dry out your brushes.

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Question

Can I use my facial wash to clean my brushes?

Community Answer

I wouldn't recommend this as some types of facial washes might cause your brushes to clump.

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Question

What are the names of some good cleaners?

Community Answer

Realtechniques and Beautyblender are both good brush cleaners. However, using baby oil or shampoo will give more or less the same results.

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Question

Can I use baby conditioner?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. It's gentle on skin and perfect for cleaning your makeup brushes.

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Question

My brushes still feel like there is oil on them, will that go away once they dry?

Community Answer

Most of the time that will go away. Be sure to use a good brush cleanser or even a light baby shampoo to clean the bristles.

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Question

My brush is pretty cheap, and everytime I dip it in the eyeshadow, it gets stained. Any ideas as to what that might be?

Community Answer

It might be the type of eye shadow you use and how it gets its color. Try a more naturally made eye shadow. This may not stain your brush. That or you could get a more expensive brush.

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Question

Is Johnson & Johnson shampoo ok?

Annastacia S.

Community Answer

Yes, baby shampoo is okay to use for cleaning makeup brushes and gives the same results as a clarifying shampoo.

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Question

Do I need to use baby shampoo, or can I just use regular shampoo?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

Baby shampoo is better because it contains a lot more oil, which breaks down makeup.

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Question

After cleaning as above, my sable brush is still very matted?

Community Answer

Try to clean it again (you may not have been thorough enough) or try a different shampoo or cleanser.

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Question

I washed my brush few months ago, and I didn't use it. I noticed some black spots on it, like dirt or dust, and it had an intense smell, like dirt. I'm quite sure it's not makeup on it. What is that?

Community Answer

Make sure that the area where you put it in/on isn't dirty or contaminated as this needs to go on your face. Try washing it a couple of times, and if that doesn't work, through it out to be safe.

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Question

I went to use my brushes the other day and they legitimately smelled like vomit. How do I get rid of that horrific smell? These were expensive brushes.

Community Answer

You just have to wash them softly using soap then dry them with a tissue and they will be great .

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Question

Could I use make up remover as a soap to wash my make up brushes?

Community Answer

Using soap will clean them more efficiently, but make up remover works of you are in a time crunch.

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Question

Can I mix coconut oil with the soap?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. The soap will disinfect while the coconut oil conditions the bristles.

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Question

Can I use face cleanser instead of shampoo?

Community Answer

You can try it, but in my experience, it won't be as effective.

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Question

If I often use a brush for powder, but I haven't cleaned it in a while, do I use the first or the second method?

Community Answer

If you only use it for powder once or twice a day, then the first method should be fine. If you use it more often and have used it for a long time without cleaning it, then you would be better off with the second method.

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Question

I'm having some trouble reshaping my brushes, how do I do so properly?

Community Answer

For me, hanging them upside down helps with drying and reshaping.You can try using your hands to reshape them a bit while they are wet.

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Question

How long would it take for the brushes to dry after cleaning them?

Community Answer

It would be a good idea to clean them before bed so they can dry overnight. Make sure to squeeze excess water out thoroughly with a towel to help speed up the drying process, but do it gently to avoid fallout. You can also blowdry them with a small fan.

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Question

My brushes wouldn't dry and still smell now after a month. What can I do?

Community Answer

If the tips in this article do not help, you may just need to replace them.

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Question

My brushes seems to be stained by my lip tint. What can I use to remove that hard dye stain?

Sasha Haley

Community Answer

Coconut oil works to remove almost anything to do with makeup. Coat them in coconut oil and leave them for a second to chill, then rinse well with soap and water.

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Question

If I don't use my eyeshadow brushes daily, should I still clean them bi-weekly?

Hannah Madden

Community Answer

You can try spot treating them after every use instead of doing a deep clean bi-weekly. Once you notice a buildup of powder or gunk, it's time to do a deep clean.

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Question

How do you dry a kabuki brush?

Hannah Madden

Community Answer

You can dry it in the same way as a normal makeup brush: lay it flat or hang it upside down so water doesn't run back into the handle. Wait for a few hours or a full day until it's fully dry before using it again.

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