With all the content available online these days, it can be hard to figure out what’s real and what’s hype. While we don’t always have the answers, we have a direct line to people who do — which is why we present to you our series The Internet Made Me Ask, where we have experts break down the truth about some of the buzziest trends on our timelines, like how often you should wash jeans. Makeup brushes do a lot of work — namely sweeping foundation, blush, powder, and other cosmetics onto your face day after day — yet many people rarely think about cleaning them. It’s an easy chore to put off, especially since freshly washed brushes can take up to 24 hours to dry. The only problem with that is that skipping regular cleanings can affect both how your makeup looks and the health of your skin. “Not cleaning makeup brushes can lead to makeup buildup on the brush hairs, which can negatively affect the softness of the bristles over time and lead to a patchy or streaky application,” says Eric Vosburg, a New York City-based makeup artist. “And due to the high moisture content from liquid and cream products, bacteria can easily form and grow, which can cause the contaminated tools to spread bacteria around the skin, leading to acne.” How often should you actually be washing them? I posed that very question to Vosburg and other professional makeup artists and got tips on the best way to actually wash them and recommendations on tools that can help you get the job done. As a general rule, Vosburg recommends cleaning them once a week to reduce product buildup and keep bristles in good condition. Brushes used with liquid or cream formulas, like foundation and concealer, tend to collect residue and moisture faster than those used with powders, so they need attention more frequently — you may be able to stretch wash time on powder brushes to every two weeks. Certain situations also call for extra cleanings. If you’ve recently been sick, wash your brushes once you’ve recovered to avoid transferring germs back onto your skin or into your makeup products. And if you’re dealing with acne or breakouts, more frequent cleaning can help limit the spread of bacteria and fungus and prevent reinfection, says Zac Hart, a New York City-based hair and makeup artist. To help you get your makeup brushes as clean as possible, I asked Vosburg and Hart what types of products can be helpful. I then sourced highly-rated options within the categories they recommended. All of the products below have at least a four-star average rating from more than a thousand shoppers. Vosburg says a simple, mild bar soap is a great cleanser for makeup brushes because you can simply swirl your brush over it to work up a lather. A fragrance-free option from Cetaphil is designed for dry, sensitive skin, so it cleans gently and can help lift away makeup residue while being easy on both synthetic and natural bristles. I’ve been using this cleanser on my makeup brushes for years. I like that it’s gentle enough for my most expensive brushes while still getting them super clean. The sulfate-free liquid formula lathers easily and cuts through stubborn foundation and concealer buildup. It works just as well on sponges, and its light lavender scent leaves tools smelling fresh.