How Long Do Makeup Brushes Last?
Some people prefer using sponges, airbrushes, or their fingers, but when it comes to super-precise makeup application, you can’t turn to any tool other than a makeup brush.
Though they may seem like reasonably modern-day cosmetic devices, the makeup brush was actually “invented” sometime between 500 and 600 AD!
Whether you only have a couple of brushes or you have dozens in your makeup arsenal, it’s essential to know what the lifespans of your brushes are.
This knowledge can keep your skin healthy, your makeup looking fresh, and your wallet from spending money on brushes that fall short.
So, how long do makeup brushes last?
On average, makeup brushes can last between 1 and 3 years. However, this time frame can change drastically depending on how you care for your brushes, as well as the quality of the brushes themselves.
Here, we’ll break down when you should give your brushes a toss, what kind of brushes last the longest (and which ones to avoid).
And other tips to ensure you get the longest lifespan possible from your makeup brush. Let’s dive in!
The Makeup Brush Lifespan
The lifespan of your makeup brush depends primarily on one thing: its quality.
Though yes, you need to take good care of your makeup tools, especially those that you regularly use on your face.
No amount of deep cleaning or proper storage can make a makeup brush last longer if it’s already in poor shape to begin with.
Cheap Makeup Brushes
Unbranded makeup brushes or packs of makeup brushes sold at low price points are unlikely to last as long as those sold by trusted brands or reputable retailers.
We’ll break down how to tell if you’re buying a bad brush later in the article, but unfortunately, you can’t expect poor-quality products to last very long.
Depending on the frequency of use and the state of the makeup brush beforehand, a cheaply made brush can last as little as one month.
But if you can tolerate its performance, it can last up to a year.
Higher Quality Makeup Brushes
Good-quality makeup brushes don’t necessarily need to be an investment.
You can expect excellent performance from this set of brushes (from the brand e.l.f.) that won’t put a dent in your wallet.
Or, you can splurge on something a bit pricier, like this collection from Sonia Kashuk for brushes that will really last.
Higher-quality brushes come from trusted makeup brands with a notable history of care in their products.
Although there are several hidden gems to be found online (like this set from BS-MALL).
You wouldn’t be wrong to expect reputable cosmetic brands to have makeup brushes that perform better and last longer.
That’s why they’re so reputable in the first place!
Average Timeframe
With that being said, you can expect your makeup brushes, regardless of where you got them, to last you between 1 and 3 years.
Once that time is up, you should always discard them and replace them to avoid any issues.
Signs Of Poor Brush Quality
Regardless of where you’re purchasing your brushes or how much they cost, there are telltale signs to look out for when evaluating the quality of your brushes.
These can easily be spotted in store, which is why it’s better (and safer) to purchase your tools in person rather than online, especially if you’re getting brushes from a new brand.
Here are some makeup brush red flags you shouldn’t ignore:
- Poor Glue – You should never be able to pop the handle of the makeup brush off from the actual bristles, even if you’re using a lot of force and pressure.
Although you can technically reattach the handle using superglue or another adhesive, this mistake alone is enough to reveal the overall quality of the brush.
- Bristles Falling – If you pull at the bristles of your brush and notice a concerning amount of them falling out, the brush you’re holding surely isn’t one worth purchasing.
Though a bit of bristle fall is normal, especially if you’ve had the brush for a while, you shouldn’t have clumps of it falling out with every single touch or use.
- Stiff Feel – It’s normal for your brush to feel stiff if it has product on it, but if your bristles are stiff or sticking together in-store, it’s a sign of a poorly manufactured brush.
- Uneven Bristle Length – Another sign of poor quality control is if the bristles of your brush are unevenly cut.
- Poor Pigment Distribution – If everything seems alright in the store, but you notice that when you test your brush at home, it lacks in color pick-up or gives a shoddy distribution, that’s a sign of its quality as well.
Signs To Throw Your Makeup Brush Away
If you’re thinking of doing a purge of the makeup brushes that you already have in your collection, you may be wondering what the signs of an unsavable brush are.
Many makeup brush issues can be resolved with a simple clean, but a handful of issues may indicate that your tool is beyond repair.
- Change in Shape – Though a change in the shape of your bristles can be caused by improper storage or lack of washing, it can also be a sign of internal damage to the glue or bristles.
This issue cannot be resolved and will directly affect the performance of your brush.
- Physically Worn – If your brush looks like it’s on its last leg of life, it’s safe to say that you should put it to rest.
- Strange Odor – A foul smell or lingering scent on your bristles is a clear indication of bacterial growth. If it can’t be remedied by washing, tossing your brush is the safest option.
- Breaks Out – If you notice that your skin becomes red and irritated when you use your brushes.
Or if you notice your acne worsening once you remove your makeup, try ceasing the use of the brush to see if it stops the irritation. If it does, discard the brush.
- Can’t Wash It Clean – Staining is to be expected when you use your makeup brushes, especially if they’re light-colored. However, this can be washed clean.
If the pigment lingers, even after a deep clean, you should discard your brush.
How To Improve The Longevity Of Your Brushes
Once you’re satisfied with the quality of your makeup brushes and have purged your existing collection of any tools that are falling short, it’s essential to establish a proper care routine.
If there’s any single way to extend the life of your makeup brushes, it’s by taking the initiative to keep them clean and stored well.
Although it may seem like a lot of work at first, washing and storing your brushes properly can save your face from irritation.
Save you money by eliminating the need to deal with damaged brushes, and save you headaches overall.
Washing Your Brushes
All of your makeup brushes should be washed once a week.
This means that Sunday is the optimal time for you to get them prepped for the next seven days!
This is the best schedule if you use makeup every single day, but it could increase to twice a week if you use bright, bold colors regularly.
A gentle shampoo or dish soap is an excellent option for cleaning your brushes and is far more affordable than luxury “brush cleaners” that essentially do the same job.
Pump some of the cleanser into your hand, dampen the bristles of your brush, and work them into your palm. Repeat until the water runs clear and the suds are gone.
When it comes to drying your brushes, we love this tutorial by Beauty Bit on YouTube:
Other Tips
In addition to proper washing and drying, there are other tips and tricks to consider that can help extend the lifespan of your makeup brushes.
Here are just a couple:
Using The Right Brush For Your Product
Although we wouldn’t tell you how to do your makeup, you may unknowingly be damaging your makeup brush if you’re using it for the wrong purpose.
For example, using a powder brush to apply your foundation could damage the delicate bristles of the product.
If a brush is built to do a specific job, it will likely not handle another job very well.
Unless a brush is anointed as a multi-tool, you shouldn’t use it for anything other than its purpose.
Being Gentle
Makeup application should be a therapeutic process!
Use a light hand. Not only will your makeup be more precise and blended, but it can also help keep your brushes from wearing out too quickly.
Synthetic Isn’t Bad
The temptation to go for a makeup brush sourced from natural resources is very real.
You may be surprised to learn that synthetic brushes are actually a better choice if you’re looking for something longer-lasting.
Natural bristles have an expiration date and can harbor bacteria and germs far more easily than synthetic brushes, which are quite literally made to last you as long as possible.
Storing Correctly
You don’t necessarily need individual brush sleeves to keep your makeup brushes looking fresh!
Store them away from your makeup to avoid accidental stains, and ensure they’re dry when put away. You should then be in the clear.
The best areas to store them are in a makeup brush roll or in a separate, dedicated bag or container.
When washing your brushes, never leave them upright until they’re scorched.
If you do, the water can loosen the glue on the bristles, prematurely aging your tool.
Final Thoughts
To get the most out of a single makeup brush over 3 years, ensure it’s high-quality upon purchase and take extra care to extend its lifespan.
Improper cleaning and storage can affect your brushes’ lasting ability, even if you’re using luxurious products.
So, while you can splurge on the best makeup tools, they rely on your care to determine how long you can enjoy them.
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