How to care for makeup brushes may seem like a self-explanatory topic, but there is actually a right way and a wrong way to take care of your brushes. How to care for makeup brushes is relatively easy, and will ensure your brushes will remain in good condition for a long period of time. Caring for your makeup brushes is an important step in caring for your skin as well. Makeup brushes can be pricey, so it’s important to keep them in good shape! Follow these easy steps to take the best care of your makeup brushes.
How to care for makeup brushes starts with cleanliness. Since shampooing your brushes on a daily basis can be very time consuming, sanitizing spray is a great way to keep your brushes clean in between shampooing. Quick dry sanitizing sprays will remove product build-up from your brushes while killing bacteria that can cause breakouts on the surface of your skin. After using your brushes, spritz them with a sanitizing spray designed for makeup brushes and gently wipe the bristles across a clean paper towel to remove product. Using isopropyl alcohol also achieves the same results, but it can be a bit damaging to your brushes in the long run.
It is important to shampoo your brushes as often as possible. Some people do this every week, while others prefer once a month. You can wait longer to shampoo your brushes if you are using a sanitizing spray in between shampoos, otherwise it’s best to not go longer than a month without shampooing your brushes.
When shampooing your brushes, it is important to use an antibacterial shampoo or soap. If you don’t use an antibacterial shampoo, you will only remove product from your brushes, not bacteria. Killing the bacteria is an important step in maintaining clear skin, especially if you ever lend your brush to someone. Always sanitize your brushes in between use on multiple people. Shampoo your brushes under running water. Always keep the bristles pointing downward. If water seeps into the handle, it can loosen the glue holding the bristles together and ruin your brush. Lather the soap gently into the bristles, and then rinse them until the water runs clear.
After you’ve shampooed your brushes, gently squeeze out any excess water. Then, lay them flat on a towel or paper towel to dry. For best results, lay the towel on the edge of the table or countertop so that the bristled end of the brush can hang off the side. This allows air to flow through the bristles so they dry more thoroughly and quickly. Keep your brushes flat until they are dry.
Makeup brushes should be stored in a clean, dry place in order to keep them clean and germ-free. Cosmetics bags have a tendency to be dirty with loose powder dust and bacteria. Whenever possible, keep your brushes in their own container or even upright in a container on your countertop.
Makeup brushes can be made out of natural hair or synthetic fibers. It’s important to note which type of brushes you have, because different fibers work best with different products. Brushes with natural hair bristles are best when used with powdered makeup products. Since natural hair is porous, it can be damaging to the brush to apply cream or liquid products with it. Synthetic fibers are better suited to apply cream and liquid makeup products such as foundations and concealers.
Leaving your makeup brushes in liquid is hard on the materials of the brush and can damage the brush over time. It’s best to shampoo your brushes regularly, rather than let them sit in a cleaning solvent for long periods of time. Always store your brushes in a clean, dry space.
Caring for your makeup brushes will extend the life of your brushes and help you maintain clear skin. These easy steps will ensure the livelihood of your brushes. Clean brushes also make for a neater makeup application, since multiple colors won’t be mixing together on your brush. What steps do you take to care for your makeup brushes?