The Great Brush Debate
Every beauty lover has been there: you know your brushes are due for a clean, but do they really need a full scrub-down or just a quick refresh?
There’s a fine line between “eh, they’re fine” and “how long has this foundation brush been alive?” — and understanding when to quick clean versus deep clean is the key to saving time and your skin.
Let’s break it down.
What’s a Quick Clean?
A quick clean is your everyday solution. It’s designed to remove surface makeup, oils, and bacteria between full washes.
Think of it like a dry shampoo for your brushes — it keeps things fresh and functional without a full reset.
When to Quick Clean:
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After each makeup application (especially liquid or cream products)
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Between colour changes (like switching from bronzer to blush)
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Before packing brushes for travel
Quick Clean Options
If you’re just doing a quick surface refresh between uses you might reach for a spray like our fave Top 5 below.
- Saint Jack
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Cinema Secrets Professional Brush Cleaner
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Sephora Collection No‑Rinse Brush Cleaner Spray
- NYX On The Spot Makeup Brush Cleaner Spray
- My Beauty Daily Brush Cleaner
A key thing to keep in mind here is that while alcohol-based sprays and solutions like many of the above are great for instant refreshes — they evaporate quickly and sanitise on contact. The catch? That same formula can leave bristles dry and fragile, and many rely on heavy fragrances to disguise the chemical scent of the isoprpyl alcohol used in them. And, because they only clean the surface, their benefits are best for quick touch-ups — not a true deep clean.
That's why, when you're ready for a deep clean, Lush Brush Co.’s dissolving sheets are the perfect fit. They reach deeper, lifting every trace of residue for a complete and thorough clean.
What’s a Deep Clean?
A deep clean is your monthly detox. It removes product build-up trapped deep in the bristles — the stuff you can’t see but your skin definitely feels.
Deep cleans are essential for:
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Foundation, concealer, or cream product brushes
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Brushes used daily
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Tools that feel stiff, patchy, or discoloured
It’s the equivalent of exfoliating your skin — out with the old, in with the glow.
The Deep Clean Routine
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Dissolve one Lush Brush Co. sheet in hot water.
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Bounce your brush up and down for 30 seconds making sure you allow the bristles to spread out in the base of the glass. This gets LBCo deep into your bristles for cleaning.
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When necessary (is your water latte brown?), empty, refill with another round of Lush Brush Co and repeat step 2.
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Fill your glass with clean water, and rinse.
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Gently reshape bristles.
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Lay on your Silicone Drying Mat overnight.
How Often to Clean
| Brush Type | Quick Clean | Deep Clean |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation/Concealer | Every use | Weekly |
| Powder/Blush | Every 2–3 uses | Biweekly |
| Eyeshadow | Every 3–4 uses | Monthly |
| Lip Brushes | After every use | Weekly |
A consistent quick-clean habit means you’ll spend less time deep-cleaning later — and your brushes will last longer.
Why It Matters
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Hygiene: Prevents breakouts and skin irritation.
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Performance: Cleaner brushes blend better.
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Longevity: Gentle formulas protect bristles and glue.
Skipping cleans is like painting with a crusty brush — the finish will never be flawless.
Bonus Tip — Combine the Two
Quick clean daily, deep clean monthly.
That’s it. Simple, effective, and totally sustainable.
