Let’s be honest — when’s the last time you washed your brushes?
If you’re doing mental gymnastics trying to remember… you’re not alone. A 2021 study found that 39% of makeup lovers clean their brushes less than once a month, and 22% never do it at all.
And while skipping a wash might seem harmless, here’s the (slightly gross) truth:
Makeup brushes are bacteria playgrounds. Within just a few hours, germs multiply up to 20×. That means every swipe across your skin could be spreading breakout-triggering, irritation-causing bacteria — especially if your skin’s already sensitive.
Luckily, it’s an easy fix.
Let’s break down the why, the how, and the tools to make it effortless.
What Happens When Brushes Go Feral?
Old foundation. Oils. Eyeshadow fallout. Bacteria.
All of it gets trapped in your bristles — and if you’re not washing them often, that buildup:
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Clogs pores → hello, breakouts
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Irritates skin → especially cheeks + jawline
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Triggers rosacea flare-ups
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Increases the risk of eye infections if you’re using dirty eye brushes
And let’s not forget: it ruins your makeup. Dirty brushes can cause patchy foundation, muddy blending, and colour payoff that just… flops.
Weekly Deep‑Clean in 3 Easy Steps
Okay — here’s your once-a-week deep clean routine. Doesn’t have to take more than 10 minutes:
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Swirl: Gently swirl your brush in a bowl with baby shampoo or brush cleanser.
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Rinse: Use lukewarm water and rinse until the water runs clear. (Avoid soaking the metal ferrule — it can loosen the glue.)
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Dry: Lay your brushes flat on a clean towel with the heads hanging slightly off the edge. Let air dry completely before using.
💡 Pro Tip: Want brushes that actually last longer through wash after wash?
👉 Shop our Essentials Brush Sets — pro-level tools made to withstand real routines.
Daily Quick‑Clean Hack
Between deep cleans, you still need to wipe off pigment and grime — especially if you switch colours often.
Enter the Bye Bye Makeup Remover Pads:
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Reusable microfibre discs
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Swipe away leftover makeup in seconds
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No chemicals, no dry time, no waste
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Works with just water
They’re gentle, mess-free, and super satisfying to use. (And they save your white towels.)
Because Planet > Plastics
Each Bye Bye Pad replaces up to 1,000 disposable cotton rounds or wipes.
That’s a lot less waste in landfills — and a lot more glow guilt-free.
✨ Soft tools. Strong impact.
Brushes Feeling Grimy?
📣 Add a 3-pack of Bye Bye Makeup Pads to your brush cleaning routine
→ Get 10% OFF when bundled with any Essentials Brush Set
(Use code CLEAN at the chekout)