How to Properly Clean Your Makeup Brushes (Because Your Skin Deserves Better)

Let’s be real—cleaning your makeup brushes is that one beauty chore we all know we should be doing more often... yet somehow always put off. (Right up there with washing your reusable water bottle, TBH.) But if your Real Flawless Foundation Brush is giving more streaks than slay lately, or your Velour Puff is looking a little too loved, it might be time to show your tools some TLC.

Not only does regular brush cleaning help prevent breakouts (hi, bacteria), but it also keeps your makeup applying like a dream. Here’s our millennial-approved, skin-loving guide to keeping your Laura Mercier tools in tip-top shape—because your beauty routine should never be sabotaged by a dirty brush.

---

Why You Actually Need to Clean Your Brushes

Think of your brushes like skincare: effective when clean, problematic when neglected. Dirty brushes can:

• Trap and spread bacteria = breakouts 

• Affect product payoff and blendability

• Shorten the lifespan of your brush investment (and we know these babies aren’t drugstore dupes!)

How to Clean Your Brushes Like a Pro

• What You’ll Need:

  • Gentle brush cleanser or baby shampoo

  • Lukewarm water

  • A textured brush cleaning mat or your palm

  • Clean towel

  • Your fave Laura Mercier brushes (like our Real Flawless Foundation Brush, Cheek Color Brush, or All Over Eye Color Brush)

Step 1: Rinse & Pre-Cleanse

Hold your brush bristles downward under lukewarm water to rinse out makeup residue. (Always down—never let water seep into the handle. That’s how bristles loosen and heartbreak begins.)

Step 2: Suds It Up

Apply a small amount of brush cleanser or baby shampoo to your palm or brush mat. Swirl the brush in circular motions to work up a lather. For sponges like our Flawless Finish Makeup Sponge, give them a little squeeze massage.

Step 3: Rinse & Repeat

Rinse again until the water runs totally clear. You might need a second round for denser brushes like the Powder Brush or Bronzer Brush.

Step 4: Dry Like a Boss

Gently squeeze out excess water with a clean towel, reshape the bristles, and lay flat to dry—ideally with the brush head hanging off the edge of a counter. Never dry them upright or you risk moisture damaging the base.

How Often Should You Be Cleaning?

Let’s break it down:

• Foundation & Concealer Brushes (hi Real Flawless Foundation Brush and Secret Camouflage Brush): 1x per week
• Eye Brushes (like the Flat Eye Liner Brush or Eye Crease Brush): 2x per week if you’re switching colors often
• Powder Brushes (looking at you Glow Powder Brush): Every 1–2 weeks
• Sponges & Puffs: After every use or at least 2–3x a week (especially the Velour Puff and Makeup Sponge)

Drying & Storing Tips to Keep Them Fresh

Once your brushes are squeaky clean:

• Dry Flat: Always. Keep that bristle shape sharp.
• Avoid Heat: No hairdryers or heaters.
• Store Upright: Once dry, use a brush cup or holder to keep your tools clean, upright, and Insta-worthy.
• Traveling? Pop them in a breathable pouch to avoid bacteria buildup.

---

Bonus Brush Tips

• Want a mid-week refresh? Use a quick-drying brush spray between deep cleans.
• Don’t forget your lash tools and accessories like the Artist Eyelash Curler and Pencil Sharpener—wipe them down with alcohol weekly.
• For stubborn pigments (we see you, smoky eye moment), a textured cleaning mat makes all the difference.

The Final Takeaway

If your makeup routine is a form of self-care (and it totally is), consider brush cleaning part of that ritual. Your skin, your product payoff, and your flawless finish will thank you.

So pour a glass of wine, throw on a podcast, and show your Laura Mercier tools some love. Clean brushes = real flawless results.