Dirt and oil from the skin combined with powder accumulate in the brushes we use frequently, and without regular cleaning action, they can cause skin irritation and breakouts. Well, not really, according to the professional beauty artists who create fresh makeup canvases for stars every day. 'You can just NOT clean makeup brushes, right?' I say as my brush looks like it's taken on a new identity with the amount of makeup on it. Cleaning makeup brushes is one of those laundry list annoyances that rarely seems like something that has to be done right now. Doing your makeup is all fun and games until you realize.yes, you actually do have to clean your makeup brushes.