How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes and Other Beauty Tools

2. Natural vs. Synthetic

Natural brushes are reserved for dry makeup applications and are best cleaned with lukewarm water and gentle soap once a week. Synthetic brushes are typically used for wet makeup, such as cream blushes or lip liners. They need to be washed every other day because that wetness is a breeding place for bacteria. To clean, use an alcohol-based brush cleaner, because it breaks down the wax and grease build-up. While you can keep natural makeup brushes for years, you need to replace synthetic brushes every quarter or sooner.