How one smart idea turned into a hospitality favorite (and a bathroom essential).
Long before “makeup washcloths” became a must-have item in hotels and homes, there was just one man with a problem to solve.
In the late 2000s, Barton Brass, founder and CEO of The Turkish Towel Company, was hearing the same complaint again and again from his hospitality partners: guests were ruining pristine white towels with mascara and makeup stains. Even high-end resorts couldn’t keep up with the constant replacement costs.
As someone who’s spent his career perfecting luxurious, long-lasting textiles, Barton saw an opportunity for a simple—but brilliant—solution. His idea? Create a dedicated black makeup washcloth that felt as soft and indulgent as a spa towel, but could handle even the toughest eyeliner and lipstick stains without a trace.
In 2009, The Turkish Towel Company introduced the Makeup Washcloth to the hospitality market. The response was immediate. Hotels and bed-and-breakfasts loved the way it preserved their bright white towel sets and made guests feel pampered and seen. The concept caught on so quickly that the company trademarked it in 2012—cementing its place as the original, authentic Makeup Washcloth.
But the story didn’t end there. Guests started calling the company after their stays, asking where they could buy the same washcloths for home use. The reason was simple: they were durable, plush, and beautifully made. Crafted from 100% Turkish cotton, they’re soft on the skin, yet strong enough to stand up to daily use. And because they’re designed with practicality in mind, they hide makeup stains effortlessly—no more guilty tossing of “ruined” towels.
Today, what began as a hospitality innovation has become a favorite among consumers. Makeup artists, skincare enthusiasts, and eco-conscious households alike praise the Makeup Washcloth for extending the life of their towels, simplifying laundry, and adding a touch of boutique-hotel luxury to their daily routines.
It’s also a small sustainability win: by using these colorfast, long-lasting washcloths, customers reduce textile waste and unnecessary replacements. And like every product from The Turkish Towel Company, each Makeup Washcloth is made to last—woven with care, tested for durability, and designed for comfort.
As Barton often says, “Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most lasting.” What started as a clever fix for hotel housekeeping became a beloved essential in homes across the country—proof that when you combine craftsmanship, practicality, and a touch of inspiration, everyday items can become something truly exceptional.