Quality: According to Mehta, avoid overly rough brushes and those prone to shedding. "There’s nothing worse than brush hairs all over your face, mixed into your makeup,” she says. Ensure the handles are sturdy and the bristles are soft, densely packed, and securely held by the brush ferrule.
Formula: Consider the type of formula you’ll be using the brush with. Mehta explains that natural hair brushes work best for powder formulas, while synthetic hairs are ideal for creams or liquids, as synthetic bristles are nonabsorbent.
Function: Mehta encourages you to ask: what will the brush be used for, and how much coverage are you hoping to achieve? Flat, dense brushes are great for heavier coverage since they deposit more product or pigment. Meanwhile, fluffy brushes distribute product more evenly, blend harsh edges, and create softer coverage. “This general rule applies whether you’re working with foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, bronzer, blush, etc. Angled brushes are perfect for chiseling cheeks or creating sharp lines, like eyeliner or brows,” she says.
Size: Mehta explains that smaller brushes provide more precision, while larger brushes are best for covering bigger areas where control isn’t as as important. For example, use bigger brushes for lightly powdering the face or creating a diffused blush look.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes
For daily use, Mehta recommends easily spot-cleaning your brushes between applications. “I love Cinema Secrets brush cleaner for this. Just spray a couple of spritzes on the brush, then swirl it on a tissue, towel, or napkin until clean. It does a great job of breaking down product and is quick and easy to use.”
Westman, on the other hand, prefers using a clear, mild soap to avoid dyeing the bristles. “It only takes a few minutes, and I like to use Parian Spirit when cleaning each brush. Simply spritz, wipe on a cloth or paper towel, and lay flat to dry before storing.”
For a deeper clean, Mehta recommends wetting the bristles in warm (not hot) water. “Avoid getting the ferrule or handles wet.” Work brush soap or a fragrance-free gentle shampoo into the bristles, massaging and swirling them on your hand or a textured brush cleaning mat to break down product buildup. Rinse thoroughly, squeeze out excess water, and lightly reshape the bristles. Lay the brushes flat to dry (not standing!) on a clean towel. This prevents water from entering the ferrule and loosening the glue, which can cause shedding or damage to the brush. “I like to have the bristles over the edge of a counter to prevent flattening as they dry.”
How often should you clean makeup brushes?
Mehta says that, ideally, you should clean your brushes after every use to minimize bacteria, but she acknowledges that most people don’t. At the very least, she suggests cleaning your personal liquid or cream brushes after 1-3 uses and powder brushes at least weekly. “Liquids and creams harbor bacteria at a higher rate than powders. A deep clean should be done at minimum once a month,” she advises. Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your brushes but also helps prevent breakouts and ensures smoother makeup application overall.
Meet The Experts
- Troy Surratt is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of makeup brand Surratt
- Gucci Westman is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of beauty brand Westman Atelier
- Katie Jane Hughes is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Dua Lipa
- Amrita Mehta is a celebrity makeup artist working between New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco
- Sonia G is a Swiss entrepreneur and creator of Sonia G. Brushes
- Takuya Fujiyama is the CEO of Fude Beauty
- Osahiro Maruyama is the managing director at artisan brush company Shaquda
