The beauty world is all about steps. There are the steps we undergo for skincare, be it a simple cleanse-tone-moisturize regimen or a more intense 10-step skincare routine. The way we apply makeup is likewise wonderfully regimented, with base makeup done in multiple layers, and eyes and lips mirroring the same care.
Nonetheless, there’s one vital thing that can really set us up for success, when done right. And that crucial step is how we clean and maintain proper hygiene for the trove of cosmetics and brushes we lovingly own and use on the daily.
We all know we should, but when things get hectic, sanitizing our cosmetics and tools often falls by the wayside. While the consequences of not cleaning properly might be minor annoyances such as a flawed makeup application or streaky foundation, there can also be long-term risks like the development of infections.
Thankfully, keeping our beauty goodies clean is easy enough, so long as we do it properly and regularly. Here, we talk to professional makeup artists Muriel Vega Perez and Ara Fernando, as well as makeup-artist-turned-beauty-founder Momoi Supe, to get the lowdown on how to keep everything in tip-top shape.
“I use spatulas and spoolies, so there’s no double dipping, and I mostly use airbrush makeup to make it more sanitary. Powder palettes go through spray sanitation, and go under a UV light too before every job.”—makeup artist Ara Fernando
Tricks of the Trade
Cosmetics and brushes are the tools of the trade for makeup artists, making them experts at how to keep them clean. Ara Fernando, who’s been in the industry for 20 years, has naturally developed a system. She cleans her tools before each job, and likewise has a set of brushes on hand for every client. “I use spatulas and spoolies, so there’s no double dipping, and I mostly use airbrush makeup to make it more sanitary. Powder palettes go through spray sanitation, and go under a UV light too before every job,” she reveals.
As for another makeup veteran with more than 10 years under his belt, Muriel Vega Perez subscribes to the same routine. “I always bring multiple brush sets to every work day, and I make sure I have at least five brush sets so clients will have allocated brushes for them,” he shares. This also prevents colors from getting mixed up, allowing these creatives to execute their desired looks seamlessly.
Nonetheless, there are instances when Vega Perez has had to clean brushes on the fly. “In the case I need to re-use a brush, I use brush cleaners and 99 percent alcohol to clean it. Or I use disposable applicators for the lips and eyelids,” he shares.
How Often Should Brushes Be Deep Cleaned?
Momoi Supe, founder of Strokes Beauty Lab, is an adamant believer in keeping our tools pristine. “As a former makeup artist, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of clean brushes—not only for achieving a flawless application, but also for maintaining healthy, radiant skin,” he shares. As such, he and his friend Emman Concepcion, also a celebrated makeup artist, created the Strokes Makeup Brush Cleaner and Sanitizer. The professional-grade formula helps in dissolving cream and powder build-up from brushes while still keeping them soft. Rinse-free and quick-drying, it can also be sprayed directly onto brushes, before they’re swirled onto paper towels to remove residue.
For personal brushes, on the other hand, Supe recommends doing a deep clean at least once a week, and using a brush sanitizer in between washes. Meanwhile, sponges should be cleansed after each use, and replaced every three months.
Fernando, who has worked with magazines, brides, and private clients, among others, uses a gentle clarifying shampoo and conditioner for brushes in between jobs. Vega Perez likewise cleans his brushes after each client, using brush soap and cleanser, before air-drying them. He then finishes off his routine with antiseptic brush and cosmetic cleansers from Nippon Philippines and Teviant, or the use of UV light sanitation.
How Long Does Makeup Last?
The lifespan of our makeup products often depends on the type, and how well they’re taken care of. Most professionals do reckon that products like mascara, or others used in the sensitive eye area, should be tossed every three to six months. Meanwhile, Fernando shares that liquids can last a year or two, while powder products can be used for around two years as long as they’re kept sanitary.
At times, it can also depend on how the product looks and feels and we should go with our gut. “For lipsticks, if they start to smell off or feel dry, it’s definitely time to say goodbye,” declares Supe. The same is true for any product that changes in color, texture, smell, or begins to separate or clump.
Brushes on the other hand, can last for years, especially when well taken care of. “[But] if they begin to shed or lose their shape, it might be time to treat yourself to a fresh set,” says Supe.
Hygiene Horror Stories
So what happens when you don’t keep your cosmetics and brushes clean? A lot it seems, based on a few alarming anecdotes from our pros. “Bacteria can easily be transferred from one client to another especially for eye and lip products, It can lead to styes, pink eye, mouth sores and even warts,” shares Fernando, who’s even encountered a client who got pink eye from an unsanitary makeup artist. “There’s also the usual rash or allergy from makeup that’s expired or old.”
So adamant is Fernando against cross-contamination, that she has a lot of rules with regards to her makeup. “Clients and models aren’t allowed to touch my things, too,” she declares.
Supe also recalls a client who hadn’t washed her foundation brush in months, because she didn’t know how and was scared of ruining it. “I can’t even imagine how much makeup, oil, and bacteria had built up over time. It was honestly terrifying to think about what her skin had been exposed to,” he shares.
He’s also encountered models who had shown up to shoots with clogged pores and breakouts, because they were using dirty foundation sponges. “They’d been washing them occasionally, but not thoroughly,” he reveals. “It was such a simple thing to fix, but they had no idea how much it was affecting their skin. These instances really drive home the importance of makeup hygiene. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about taking care of your skin.”
Fresh & Clean Faves
With everyone’s busy schedules, we need all the help we can get in keeping our cosmetics and tools clean. Here are some top picks we love, including a few recommendations from the experts.
Supe believes that being meticulous about hygiene not only protects one’s clients, but also ensures the best results. But you don’t have to be a pro to level up your routine, and incorporate a dedicated product for cleaning your tools like the Strokes Makeup Brush Cleaner and Sanitizer. And while it can be used for on-the-go sanitizing, for a more thorough job you can pour the cleanser onto a small dish before swirling it. This allows the product to really penetrate into the bristles and melt makeup buildup.
Teviant’s Beauty Sanitizer is another nifty find, and is designed to easily disinfect cosmetics and tools while keeping them in great condition. It kills germs and bacteria, while getting rid of unwanted odors by keeping things fresh and imparting a light, pleasant scent. As a bonus, you can also spritz it onto eyewear and pouches to help keep them clean.
Another product you can try is MAC’s Brush Cleanser, which is formulated to clean and condition brush fibers and keep high-quality tools in great condition. It provides a thorough cleanse, and brushes dry faster and can remain pliable for longer.
To get into the nooks and crannies of your brushes, one helpful tool is the Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleansing Glove. Just apply a cleanser onto a wet or damp brush, and swirl it onto the glove to get the tiny bristles to work their magic. Pair it with the SigMagic Brushampoo Brush Cleanser to really get your fave tools spick and span.
Prefer a more nature-inspired, vegan option? The Jane Iredale Botanical Brush Cleaner features a quick-drying formula made with alcohol and witch hazel, enriched with grapefruit oil and seaweed extracts. It effortlessly dissolves makeup buildup, oil, and grime—leaving your brushes clean, refreshed, and ready for flawless application.
Shop our picks:
Strokes Makeup Brush Cleaner & Sanitizer by Emman C.
P498 (60ml), Lazada
M.A.C Brush Cleanser
P1,100, Rustan’s The Beauty Source
Sigma Spa® Express Brush Cleaning Glove
P1,950, Sephora
SigMagic Brushampoo Brush Cleanser
P1,350, Sephora
Teviant Beauty Sanitizer
P450, Teviant
