"As often as you can" isn't a real answer. Here's a simple, realistic schedule by brush type — and the one brush you should never let slide.
The quick schedule
- Foundation & concealer brushes — weekly. These touch the most product and sit closest to your skin. This is the non-negotiable one.
- Eye brushes — every two weeks. More often if you use cream shadows or share.
- Powder & setting brushes — every 2–3 weeks. They carry less product but still collect oil and dead skin.
Why the foundation brush matters most
A liquid-foundation brush is the perfect home for bacteria: damp, dark, and covered in skin oils. A dirty one is one of the most common (and overlooked) causes of breakouts along the cheeks and jaw.
The in-between trick
You don't need a full wash every time. A 10-second swirl on a dry-ish cleaning pad after use lifts the top layer of product and dramatically slows buildup — so your weekly deep clean is faster, too.
Pick a day, make it a habit, and your skin (and your brushes) will notice.