Brush Care Guide

Welcome to our dedicated brush care guide! We have created an easy to follow, step-by-step video guide to cleaning your brushes and answer your FAQs.

Your makeup brushes are investment pieces in your skin wardrobe and are designed to deliver flawless results. Our goal is to ensure your brushes perform this way for years to come.

Clean your makeup brushes gently and effectively by scrolling our step-by-step video guide.

A gentle and fragrance-free soap is your best friend. Avoid harsh detergents—they can damage bristles and leave a residue. We love Reporia Unscented Soap from GAHNS, Sweden’s oldest personal care brand. It’s gentle, effective, and sustainable.


Hold your brush bristles downward and dampen the top 2/3 with lukewarm water. Makeup rarely reaches the base of the bristles, so avoid soaking the entire brush head. Water near the handle can weaken the glue that holds the bristles in place.


Gently swirl the bristles on the surface of your soap to create a lather. This will help break down makeup, oil, and dirt. Be gentle—scrubbing too hard can damage the bristles’ shape and performance.


Rinse the bristles thoroughly under lukewarm water, keeping the brush head pointed downward. Repeat if there’s still residue.


Gently reshape the bristles, then lay the brush flat on a clean towel to dry. For best results, place the brush handle slightly elevated to prevent water from seeping into the handle.

What is the best way to store my makeup brushes?

Great question! For an aesthetically pleasing setup, we love displaying makeup items on a level tray made of terrazzo or stone. To keep brushes and finer makeup tools organised, use a wide, low-ball whiskey glass—this not only makes selection effortless but also keeps them separate from messier products, preserving bristle integrity.

If you prefer storing makeup in a drawer, lay brushes flat in a dedicated tray. To protect your brushes, always store away from humidity and moisture, such as bathrooms or sunny windowsills.

How often should I clean my makeup brushes?

This is probably the question we get asked most frequently so we have made it simple for you!

Daily/per use – We recommend a brush ‘refresh’ or spot clean between uses if you are acne prone or have any active skin conditions which you are treating – or if you are a heavy makeup wearer. This can be effectively performed using a quick Brush Cleansing Spray, recommended here. Deeper daily cleaning is recommended only to makeup artists to ensure maintenance of hygiene standards. 

Weekly – if you are a medium to high makeup and/or foundation wearer consider a weekly clean of your key base makeup brushes to ensure brushes don’t build up with product, continuing to deliver a flawless performance. This also ensures little to no bacterial build up that can impact skin health.

Fortnightly to Monthly – Lighter makeup wearers or those who wear makeup on occasion will cleanse their brushes with less frequency. In addition, powder, loose makeup, or fluffy eyeshadow brushes that hold less dense or moist product may fall into this category.

Maintaining your brushes will both prolong their life and optimise their performance – plus, importantly, ensure no bacteria build up that can impact skin. If you feel your brushes aren’t performing optimally, as they once were, then give them a good inspection – you may need to get into cleaning mode!

How should I look after my makeup brushes when travelling?

It is important when packing your brushes to separate them from the rest of your toiletries or makeup. In addition to cleanliness, our ultra soft bristles are delicate and should be treated with care. If you don’t have an additional compact, sturdy bag to store, we suggest you wrap them in tissue or paper and roll them gently inside of a piece of clothing.

When you arrive at your destination, stand them upright in a glass for easy and clean access. Be sure to store away from heat or moisture (such as a windowsill or bathroom).

See our FAQ below for tips for quick cleansing of your brushes while on the road.

Is there a quick way to refresh my brushes between washes?

Yes! Between deep cleansing of your makeup brushes, you can remove bacterial or product buildup using a quick brush freshener. Avoid using harsh detergents or chemical-laden formulations and always follow product instructions.

Remember to keep moisture away from the base of your bristles to maintain brush integrity. We recommend using an effective quick brush freshener, formulated by one of our Scandinavian partners. You can read more and purchase it here.

How long should my makeup brushes last?

Skin Wardrobe Cosmetics makeup brushes are crafted to last and are manufactured with zero compromise on quality, materials and finish.

Following our care guide will ensure you enjoy their premium performance for years to come.