[Tips] How to Take Care of Your Makeup Brushes

How-to Clean your Makeup Brushes & Take Care of Your Brushes

How-to Clean your Makeup Brushes

Start by choosing either a mild shampoo or brush cleanser. There is a slew of brush cleansers designed with makeup in mind from just about every brand that also has brushes (and some that don’t!). You can also use a mild shampoo that’s designed for human hair as well.  Either method works just as well–it depends on what you like.

Shampooing requires at least an eight hour window for drying (a little less for eye brushes, a little longer for denser, larger brushes); brush cleansers are often alcohol-based and can be used as a spot cleaner between applications or dry within minutes as opposed to hours.

If you use brush cleanser, read the instructions. I know, that sounds way too basic, and almost like a cop out, but brush cleansers vary in technique. Some brush cleansers require water, others don’t. For instance, Sephora’s Brush Shampoo works much like a shampoo and requires the same process, while on the other hand, shu uemura’s Brush Cleanser has you pour the brush cleanser into a small glass, swirl the brush in it, and then press the brushes against a towel to reshape. Often, an alcohol-based cleanser is a process that doesn’t need water and will also dry faster than cleansers that need water.  Lay flat on a towel to dry.  Always lay your brushes flat (or clothes-pin them so they hang with brushes pointed downward) to avoid water getting into the handle and ferrule (which can cause rust or deterioration of the brush).

If you use shampoo, begin by wetting the brush you want to clean with lukewarm water (never hot) and then dip in shampoo/cleanser. Brush the brush back and forth to absorb the shampoo and start to work up a lather/foam. With larger brushes (like for powder or blush), I also like to squirt a little shampoo into the center of the brush and really work up the lather. After you’ve worked the shampoo into the brush, gently run it under water and repeat the back and forth brushing motion until the water runs clean (and there are no signs of suds, either). Gently squeeze out any excess water and lay flat on a towel to dry.  Always lay your brushes flat (or clothes-pin them so they hang with brushes pointed downward) to avoid water getting into the handle and ferrule (which can cause rust or deterioration of the brush).

If your brushes are incredibly dirty or stained, try using an oil-based product, either jojoba oil or a marketed “cleansing oil” (Bobbi Brown, MAC, and shu uemura all make one). Apply a little bit to the brush, swirl and work it in, and then add a bit of lukewarm water. Swirl some more, get a little lather going, and then rinse until the water runs clean.

Once you’ve made the investment in brushes, take care of that investment by regularly washing and cleaning your brushes. Regular maintenance of your brushes will provide you with years of use, but it will also keep your makeup, brushes, and routine more sanitary. It is particularly important to regularly wash face brushes if you are acne-prone — it is best to do so after every use, especially with brushes that have been used in cream or liquids.

How-to Take Care of Your Makeup Brushes

Clean your brushes frequently to avoid bacteria or product build-up. Regular cleanings keep your brushes in better working order. Brushes used with creams or liquids (anything emollient) should be washed shortly after use, particularly if using a brush with lipstick or gloss. The stickiness of gloss can often gunk up a brush and make a real pain to get it out if you don’t clean it quickly!

Stand brushes upright or laying flat. (When they are dry!  Lay them flat when wet to dry.)  Doing this will help them retain their shape and keep bristles from splaying every which way. Keep brushes out of direct sunlight to help maintain their quality and keep them from fading.

Avoid staining your brushes by washing them immediately after using white or light colored brushes. Even though sometimes you can manage to find a way to remove or significant remove a stain later on, I’ve found the easiest way to combat staining is simply to nip it in the bud!

Always re-shape your brushes after you’ve washed them. Your brushes will dry in the shape they are left wet, so you’ll want to shape them into the shape you expect while they’re wet or damp so they’re the right shape when you go to use them the next time.

Never blow-dry or use direct sunlight to dry your brushes, as it can cause permanent damage to your brushes. If you are pressed for time, opt for an alcohol-based cleanser and spray or dampen a paper towel and then sweep the brush against the paper towel until it’s clean. Alcohol-based cleansers have a much faster drying time compared to brush cleansers or cleansing methods that require shampoos and/or water.

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