Q&A for How to Clean a Mascara Brush

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Question

Is it important to clean a mascara brush before applying makeup on someone else?

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Tymia Yvette

Makeup & Lash Artist

Expert Answer

Yes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brushes and all cosmetic tools should be cleansed and sanitized after every makeup application.

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Question

How do I unclump my mascara?

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

If mascara is clumping after you've applied it, gently comb through your lashes using a comb or spoolie brush. If your mascara is clumping in the tube, you can add a few drops of water or try heating the entire tube by submerging it in hot water.

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Question

What do you put on mascara when it's dry?

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

You can add either a few drops of water or a few drops of olive oil. Swirl the brush around inside the tube to blend the added ingredient with the mascara.

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Question

How do you clean a spoolie?

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

Wash it with soap and water and allow it to air dry. You can also use alcohol to remove stubborn makeup residue.

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Question

What should I do if soap and water is not working?

Community Answer

Try using coconut oil. It will help you clean any kind of makeup brush or sponge, and it can also remove your makeup.

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Question

Does this work for waterproof mascara as well?

Community Answer

Water doesn't work for waterproof mascara. It would be better to use makeup remover. You can still use the alcohol to sanitize it, though, and the shampoo should also work for cleaning.

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Question

How do I clean a mascara bottle?

Community Answer

Soap and water should do the trick.

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Question

Do I have to clean my mascara brush every time I use it?

Community Answer

No, you don't have to clean it every time, but you should do it fairly often.

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Question

Can you use the toothbrush after the mascara is dry?

Community Answer

No, it is no good for anything else now. Just get a fresh one for cleaning teeth and keep a specific toothbrush dedicated to cleaning mascara wands.

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Question

Should I use makeup remover in the second method that is for repurpose if I have a waterproof mascara?

Kendall Malicowski

Community Answer

Makeup remover does get off your waterproof mascara, but you have to pull on your eyelashes a little more with your nails afterward to make sure it is all off.

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Question

Should I use makeup remover in the second method that is for repurpose if I have a waterproof mascara?

Anindita Das

Community Answer

Yes, it will help you to remove your makeup completely, especially waterproof mascara, which is usually very tough to remove.

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