How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes in Winter (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)

everything dries slower and motivation dips, it can feel like a bit of a chore. But hear me out… if your makeup isn’t sitting quite right, or your skin’s been acting up, your brushes might be the silent culprit.

Here’s how to clean them properly during the cooler months, and why doing it right can make a big difference to both your makeup and your skin.

🧼 Step 1: Wash Gently and Thoroughly

Use a gentle shampoo or a proper brush cleanser to break down makeup, oils, and bacteria. Work it through the bristles with lukewarm water (not hot, that can damage natural hair bristles), rinse until the water runs clear, and gently squeeze out the excess water with a clean towel.

🧴 Step 2: Dry Them the Right Way

Once clean, lay your brushes flat on a towel, preferably with the bristles hanging slightly over the edge of a counter so they keep their shape.Never dry them standing upright, water can run down into the handle, loosening the glue and leading to shedding or broken brushes.

☀️ Bonus Tip: Use the Winter Sun

If you get a bit of winter sun, lay your brushes in direct sunlight while they dry. The warmth speeds up the drying process (which is handy in cold weather), and the sun has natural antibacterial properties too, an extra bonus for keeping your brushes fresh and clean.

🚫 Why Using Damp Brushes is a No-No

If your brushes are still wet in the centre when you use them, a few things can happen:

• Your products can apply streaky or patchy, especially foundation or powder.

• Makeup won’t last as long because the leftover moisture can dilute your products.

• Bacteria can build up in the dampness, leading to breakouts, irritation, or other skin conditions, especially if you’re using the same brush again and again.

  
  

🧽 In Between Cleans: Use a Quick-Dry Spray

If you’re short on time and your brushes can’t dry fully overnight, use a quick-dry brush cleaner or alcohol-based spraybetween uses. It won’t replace deep cleaning, but it’s perfect for disinfecting and removing product build-up when you're in a rush. Just spritz, wipe on a clean tissue, and let air dry for a few minutes. ✨ Quick Reminder:

You don’t have to wash every single brush in one go – especially if that feels overwhelming. Just wash one or two at a time when you have a spare moment. Even doing one brush between clients, or while your tea brews, makes a difference. Little by little is better than not at all!

🖌️ Clean Brushes = Better Skin + Better Makeup

Think of your brushes like your tools – the cleaner they are, the better your makeup will look. Plus, your skin will thank you for it. Make it part of your Sunday night routine (add a candle and a face mask to make it feel less like a chore and more like self-care!).

Got any favourite brush cleaning products or tips? I’d love to hear them – feel free to comment or send me a message on Instagram.

Stay cosy and glowy, Ellie May x