How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes: A Step-By-Step Guide with Abby James

Who’s in the swing of a spring clean? If you’ve already tackled your larger spaces, like your kitchen or playroom, congrats! You get a gold star. But it’s also important to remember that even the smaller cleaning tasks, like cleaning your makeup brushes, can make a world of difference in your daily routine.
Yes, you need to clean your makeup brushes. And wipe down your products. And while you’re at it, toss that shimmery eyeshadow palette from 2012. All contain bacteria, which is not welcome here. To walk us through the process, we called on our teen correspondent, Abby James, who just so happens to clean her makeup brushes and products on a weekly basis. Impressed? So were we! Fortunately, her steps are super quick and easy, and you only need a few supplies to get the job done. Oh, and she let us in on some of her best beauty secrets. We’re talking top products and even her all-time favorite makeup bag. Don’t scroll down to the bottom yet though. Clean first, secrets after.

Beauty Cleaning Checklist:

Silicone Cleaning Mat: Features a textured design that can get in between bristles better than your hands could.
Cinema Secrets Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner: Breaks down product on brushes for a deeper clean.
XL Cleaning Caddy: Store under the sink to keep cleaning supplies contained, categorized, and easy to grab.
Bin Organizer (aka Baby Bins!): The perfect “mini sink” for cleaning brushes.
Microfiber Cloths: Reusable and ultra absorbent.

*Keep in mind these steps also work for cleaning beauty blenders or sponges!

Step 1: Empty out your makeup bag on the countertop. As you do, toss or set aside anything you no longer use. Wipe down each beauty product with a microfiber cloth to get rid of any gunk.

Step 2: Fill a bin organizer (aka baby bin) with warm water and brush cleaner (or dish soap), and place the silicone mat in the sink.

Step 3: Grab a makeup brush and rinse the bristles under a stream of warm water.

Step 4: Dip the brush in the baby bin full of solution in a circular motion.

Step 5: Then, gently massage the bristles on the silicone mat to remove any stubborn product that remains.

Step 6: Rinse under a stream of warm water and carefully squeeze water out using a microfiber cloth.

Abby recommends dedicating one night a week to cleaning your makeup brushes. You have to make it fun so it’s a thing you look forward to. Maybe you use that time to catch up on your favorite podcast or call a friend. Or even eating your favorite candy. Hey, we won’t judge. It’s a system, y’all!

Now, for those beauty secrets, let’s just say Abby’s product collection is a sight to behold. First of all, because it’s expertly organized. She’s been using the same style of makeup bag for years, which is perfect for her since it can be used at home or on-the-go. As for her favorite products, she spilled her top five of the moment, and yep, we definitely “added to cart” shortly after.

Benefit 24-Hour Brow Setter: “My eyebrows are crazy. Using this gel makes them look put together.”
Rare Beauty - Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick: “I love cream based products. This bronzer glides on really nicely.”
Rare Beauty - Soft Pinch Liquid Blush: “I’ve been using this for a long time. The shade, Joy, is the perfect red color for my cheeks.”
Supergoop CC Screen SPF 50: “This goes on way better than foundation. It’s sunscreen but still gives coverage.”
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick & Liner Set: “Perfect color. I use it every day.”