Dirty Brushes, Dirty Energy: How to Wash Makeup Brushes the Right Way

You wouldn’t use a dirty towel on your face, so why are your makeup brushes any different? If you’ve been wondering how to wash makeup brushes (or how often you should actually be doing it), this is your gentle nudge and spiritual intervention 💫

Just like your skin craves hydration and your soul craves stillness, your tools crave cleanliness. Here’s why, and how, to make this ritual part of your skin care and energetic hygiene.

Why You Need to Wash Your Makeup Brushes

Let’s start with the science. Makeup brushes are basically little spongy bacteria hotels, especially if you store them in your bathroom or makeup bag.

When left unwashed, brushes collect:

• Sebum + sweat from your skin

• Dead skin cells (yup, even the ones you can’t see)

• Product buildup (foundation, concealer, powders)

• Environmental pollutants and bacteria (gross but true)

Using dirty brushes can lead to:

• Breakouts and congestion

• Worsened texture and dullness

• Compromised barrier function (you know we’re all about barrier health)

• Even staph infections in extreme cases

And energetically? Applying your glow products with dusty, grimy brushes is like putting crystals in your bra without cleansing them first. Not cute.

How Often Should You Wash Them?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Foundation + concealer brushes: 1x/week

• Powder + blush brushes: Every 1–2 weeks

• Eye brushes: 2x/month (or more often if you’re using rich pigment or cream shadow)

And if you’ve had a breakout? Wash everything immediately to avoid spreading bacteria across your face like it’s Coachella confetti.

How to Wash Makeup Brushes (Without Ruining Them)

It’s not just about if you wash them, it’s how. Here's your simple, spa-approved ritual:

1. Wet the bristles only: Keep the ferrule (metal part) and handle dry to avoid loosening the glue.

2. Lather with gentle soap: Use a sulfate-free cleanser or brush-specific soap. We love using our Soothing Relief Balm as a nourishing option that won’t strip your bristles or your vibe.

3. Swirl + massage: In the palm of your hand or on a silicone cleansing mat. Watch the pigment swirl out—it’s both disgusting and satisfying.

4. Rinse thoroughly: Until water runs clear. You want squeaky clean, not squeaky dry.

5. Dry like a goddess: Lay brushes flat on a towel with bristles hanging off the edge of the counter to air dry overnight. Never dry upright (water seeps down into the handle = brush death).

Bonus: Infuse Your Brush Care with Ritual

After washing, spritz your brushes with a little rosewater or set them on a selenite charging plate. When we say beauty is energetic, we mean it.

And if you’re looking to truly elevate your body care rituals, pair this moment with a few deep breaths, soothing music, and a few drops of ISUN Sacred Aromablend Oil. You’ll never look at brush cleaning as a chore again.

Clean brushes = clear skin = aligned energy. Bookmark this, send it to your BFF, and make it your Sunday night vibe.