How Long Do Makeup Brushes Last? Lifespan and Maintenance

How Long Do Makeup Brushes Last? How Often Should You Replace Them?

How Long Do Makeup Brushes Last

We can say that makeup brushes are one of the most important products to help us apply makeup. We have to face reality and realize that the brushes we are using won’t last all eternity. When the time comes brushes lose their performance and can start to irritate the skin. In this article, we will discuss how long do makeup brushes last, what are the signs of an old makeup brush, and some helpful tips.

The Quality of a Makeup Brush

The lifespan of a makeup brush depends on the quality and products used. Higher-quality brushes use synthetic fiber bristles or high-grade natural hair bristles which are more durable than lower-quality brushes. The metal part that holds the bristles often gets loose on the low-quality brush. Quality brushes are often softer, denser, and usually more versatile, allowing you to apply more different products, with comfort and easiness. Cheaply-made brushes might have scratchy or rough bristles that can irritate the skin. If you want to know more about brushes, you should check our Types of Makeup Brushes article.

Frequency of Use

Let’s be honest, the more you use your makeup brush, the more wear it receives. If the usage is daily and with heavy products, it will last about 6 months to 2 years, depending on the makeup brush quality. If the usage is less frequent, then it will last longer.

When Should You Replace Your Makeup Brushes?

You must know when to replace the makeup brush you are using. The performance deteriorates, it may roughly go on your skin, not spread evenly, and consume a lot of the makeup you’re using.

The 5 signs that indicate it’s time to replace them:

  1. Lose of Shape: Brushes may lose their original shape, over time. If the makeup brush loses shape, it may struggle to blend or apply makeup evenly.
  2. Shedding Bristles: You may notice that the brush you are using is starting to shed bristles more frequently, that’s a sign they’re reaching the end of their lifespan. Shedding bristles can lead to uneven application and ineffectiveness.
  3. Bristle Damage: Looking closely at the bristles, you may notice that the brush has signs of damage, such as fraying, splaying, or splitting. It may lead to patchy or streaky makeup application.
  4. Rough Texture: The brush bristles may start to become scratchy or rough, and can cause discomfort or irritation during application. That’s another sign to replace them.
  5. Difficulty Cleaning: If your brush doesn’t clean effectively, even after a thorough wash. It may indicate that the product residue has built up within the bristles and may reduce the performance.

How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes?

Taking care of your makeup brushes can last you double the time, than without “maintenance”. There are couple methods, of how you can clean your makeup brushes. 

Firstly, Let’s talk about regular cleaning. You should clean your brushes regularly, after every use, or at least once a week depending on how often you apply your makeup with a brush and what products you use. For regular cleaning, we suggest you use a gentle brush cleanser or mild shampoo which are meant specifically for brushes.

We can also talk about deep cleaning. Deep cleaning should occur at least once a month. To remove makeup residue, oils, and bacteria. You should clean the bristles for a longer time with more attention, and a deep brush cleanser.

In any of the cases Avoid using harsh soaps or detergents, as they can cause damage to the brush over time.

We also recommend checking The Best Makeup Brush Cleaners In 2024.

Why To Clean Your Makeup Brushes?

Well to answer it easily, people want to use products that are thoroughly cleaned and taken care of, as a part of hygiene. To get into detail, we clean our makeup brushes, so that they will last longer and you can use your makeup product like foundation with ease. Cleaning your makeup brushes reduces the risk of irritation, inflammation, and allergic reactions. Dirty brushes are often left with residue from previous mixed products, so it can affect the color accuracy and intensity of makeup products. Dirty brushes also tend to cause uneven blending.

The Brush Revival Techniques

If you are on a budget and your makeup brush has become worn or stiff, there are a couple of techniques that can help prolong their service.

  • Reshaping: after cleaning your makeup brush, try to reshape the bristles with your fingers to their original form, or as they dry use a brush protective cover to maintain the original shape.
  • Brush Conditioning: You can use hair, or brush conditioner to soften the bristles and restore their flexibility.
  • Soaking In Hot Water or Vinegar: Soaking a brush in hot water or vinegar can help restore the bristles’ softness and flexibility.
  • Trimming: Carefully trimming the damaged bristles can help restore the functionality of the brush.

How Long Do Makeup Brushes Last?

In summary, we can’t precisely tell how long makeup brushes last. It depends on what kind of brush it is, and how frequently you use it. High-quality brushes can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years. Lower-quality brushes may have a shorter lifespan, from a few months to a couple of years. Taking care of the makeup brush you’re using can increase its lifespan no matter the quality. If the makeup brush you’re using starts to irritate, we’d suggest you replace it.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top