The Right Way to Dry Makeup Brushes

September 10, 2021
Tembe Denton-Hurst
By: Tembe Denton-Hurst | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
The Right Way to Dry Your Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes are key to taking any beauty look to the next level and can truly make or break your routine. The right ones will leave you looking fresh and flawless, while the wrong choice can make you work much harder than you need to to achieve your desired makeup look. But even the best brushes need a little TLC in the form of regular maintenance to perform at their best. Follow our guide to cleaning and drying your makeup brushes below.
  • Step 1:

    Start With a Clean Towel

    Pick a flat surface with an edge (bathroom countertop, table, dresser, etc) and lay out a clean towel along the surface. After cleansing your brushes (our favorite includes the Lancôme Full Face Brush #5 and Conceal & Correct Brush #9), fold over the towel so it surrounds the brush. Next, gently press on it to sop up the excess water and give an extra squeeze to make sure they’re not soaking wet.

  • Step 2:

    Let Brushes Air Dry

    Lay brushes flat on the towel so that the bristles are hanging over the edge. You want the air to be able to circulate around the brushes so they can dry evenly and thoroughly. Allow a few hours for the brushes to dry completely before you use them. We recommend washing them before bed and letting them dry overnight.


    Many people dry their brushes in a cup, and while that seems easy, we caution against it. This causes the water to trickle down into the ferrule, which contains the glue that holds the bristles and handle together. The water loosens and ruins the glue, which in turn leads to excessive bristle shedding and shortens the lifespan of your brush.

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn

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