How To Properly Clean Your Makeup Brushes
By: Juliet Torrez
How To Properly Clean Your Makeup Brushes
By: Juliet Torrez
Have you ever dealt with sudden breakouts, patchy makeup, or unexplained skin irritation—even when using high-quality products? The real issue might not be your skincare or foundation—it could be your beauty tools. Maintaining clean makeup tools isn't just about aesthetics—it's essential for healthy skin. Dirty brushes and tools accumulate bacteria, leading to clogged pores, acne breakouts, skin irritation, and even infections such as styes. Additionally, unclean tools can negatively affect makeup application, causing uneven coverage and diminishing product effectiveness.
Spoolies and Brow Tools:
Spoolies are essential for brushing, blending, and shaping your brows into place. Whether you're grooming a natural arch or blending in brow product, a clean spoolie keeps the process smooth and precise. But when these tools collect product residue, oils, and bacteria, their performance drops—and your skin can pay the price.
That's where high-quality tools like Godefroy's spoolies and brow essentials come in. Designed for control and longevity, they support clean application and defined results every time.
Cleaning Tips:
- Rinse your spoolie under warm water and apply gentle cleanser or baby shampoo.
- Rub gently to remove product buildup and rinse thoroughly.
- Allow tools to air dry completely before reuse.
Replace if:
- Bristles become bent or lose shape.
- Persistent product buildup.
- Visible signs of wear, impacting performance.
Wondering if your spoolie is overdue for retirement? If it's lost its shape or feels stiff even after cleaning—it's time. Fresh tools mean cleaner grooming and sharper results.
Makeup Brushes:
Your brushes touch your face daily—it makes sense they’d need regular TLC. Neglect them and you’re risking more than bad blending. Brush care routines mirror those outlined in our Spring Cleaning Your Makeup Bag Guide where we walk through cleansing, drying, and decluttering your entire kit—tools included.
Frequency:
- Foundation/Concealer Brushes: Clean 1–2 times weekly.
- Powder/Blush/Eyeshadow Brushes: Clean weekly.
Cleaning Method:
- Use lukewarm water mixed with gentle brush cleanser or baby shampoo.
- Gently massage bristles to remove product and impurities.
- Rinse thoroughly and reshape brushes, allowing them to dry horizontally.
Risks of Neglect:
- Mold growth.
- Skin conditions like dermatitis.
- Patchy and uneven makeup application.
Give your brushes the same care you give your skin. A clean brush applies product smoother, lasts longer, and won’t sabotage your skincare.
@shayjarman was wondering why I was breaking out and remembered I haven’t cleaned my brushes in a min🫣🙌🏼💗 #makeupbruhes #cleanwithme #cleaningmotivation #satisfyingcleans ♬ Smile sped up - sped up songs
Beauty Blenders and Sponges:
Sponges absorb everything—product, sweat, oils—and if left unwashed, they trap grime that can clog pores and upset skin balance. A dirty sponge can undo even the best skincare routine. Clean them like your skin depends on it.
Cleaning Routine:
- Rinse daily with warm water after use.
- Deep clean after every three uses with soap or cleanser.
- Microwave method: Soak sponge in water and soap, then microwave for one minute to sanitize thoroughly (caution: sponge will be hot).
Replacement Guidelines:
- Replace every 3 months, or sooner if torn, discolored, or misshapen.
- Be vigilant of mold, particularly due to trapped internal moisture.
Think of it this way: if your blender smells off, looks funky, has tears in it, or feels wrong—it’s not worth risking your skin. Fresh sponges = flawless finishes.
When to Replace Tools (Not Just Clean Them)
Clean isn’t always enough. Tools break down. Bristles shed, handles crack, and textures warp.
- Brushes: Replace every 6–12 months.
- Spoolies: Replace every 2–3 months.
- Beauty Blenders: Replace every 3 months.
Visual Indicators for Replacement:
- Bristle shedding or cracking.
- Persistent discoloration.
- Any damage that compromises functionality.
Old tools don’t just look bad—they scratch your skin, ruin product texture, and spread bacteria. Don't wait until your tools sabotage your routine.
@artizzlexo I know you’ve had that sponge for 8 months.. CHUCK IT. 😪 #makeupbrushes #makeupbrushcleaning #makeupbrushreview ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys - Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
Clean Tools = Better Results, Healthier Skin
Want your makeup to blend better, stay longer, and look smoother? Start with what’s behind the scenes. Clean tools improve payoff, reduce breakouts, and help your products shine. This isn’t just maintenance—it’s skincare. It's part of treating your face with the respect it deserves. For a complete breakdown on essential tools for flawless application across all looks—not just everyday hygiene—check out our post on Makeup for Every Occasion – from Daytime to Glam.
Conclusion:
Every part of your routine—from spoolies to blenders—plays a role in your skin's health and your makeup's performance. When tools are clean and replaced regularly, your products apply better, your skin stays clearer, and your results speak for themselves.
Investing in professional-grade tools like Godefroy's spoolies and brow tools ensures easy cleaning, exceptional hygiene, and extended durability.
Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this week’s blog, check out last week’s for more tips and tricks.
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