How to Clean Makeup Brushes and Dry Them Without Bending the Bristles

Wash your makeup brushes after your last application of the day so you have room to let them dry flat. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing brushes every seven to ten days.

Set up a drying spot first

Lay a clean towel near the edge of a counter. The handle will rest on the towel with the brush head extending beyond the edge. If you need a dense foundation brush in the morning, wash that one first. Its center can stay damp after the outer bristles feel dry.

Wash the tips, keeping the handle out of the bowl

Rinse the bristle tips under lukewarm running water. Dilute gentle shampoo in a small bowl of water. Swirl the tips in the mixture and work it gently through the bristles against your palm. Keep the metal joint out of the bowl to protect the glue holding the head together.

Rinse, reshape and check the center

Rinse and repeat if the water still carries color. Press out excess water with a clean paper towel, reshape the head and lay it at the counter edge. Drying it upright can send water down inside the handle. Before putting it away, gently part the bristles to check the center.

A fingertip application example: TULA eye balm

Reference · American Academy of Dermatology