Washing our brushes is pretty high up there on our list of things we don’t want to do – but you gotta do what you gotta do. There are a number of benefits that come with washing your brushes more often and you should aim to do so at least once per week.

Washing your brushes helps get rid of any bacteria and product buildup, which could cause problems for your skin and contribute to breakouts. Not to mention, your makeup looks way better when you work with clean brushes. The best way to wash a foundation brush? Here are a few tips to guide you through it!

Use dish soap or baby shampoo

You can always count on dish detergent for getting your brushes squeaky clean. Dish soap works wonders for clearing away any dirt, grime, or stubborn product like oil-based foundations from your makeup brushes. That said, we do prefer to use baby shampoo on natural brushes because it’s much gentler on the bristles!

Clean your brushes with face cleanser

After using dish soap or baby shampoo to wash your foundation brush, wash it again with your favorite face wash. Since face cleansers are designed to be used on skin, it’s a good idea to use one to clear away any lingering substances that may potentially irritate your skin.

Swirl your brushes on a silicone cleaning mat

If you don’t have a silicone cleaning mat, the back of your hand will do. Using a silicone cleaning mat is an optional step but it def makes things a lot easier.

Dip your brush into a cup filled with lukewarm water and soap. Swirl your brush over the mat to remove any product buildup. The grooves on the surface of the mat will help you get to all the crevices in your brush.

Reshape your brushes and lay them flat

After your final rinse, use your hands to squeeze out any excess water from the bristles. Use your fingers to reshape the bristles and then lay your brush on a flat towel to dry.