When is the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes?

Dirty Makeup Brushes Carry Bacteria and Will Not Give You a Flawless Look

Makeup brushes absorb oils, product and skin debris making them the perfect host for bacteria. Which can cause clogged pores and breaks outs.  In addition, when they are overloaded with makeup, they become less effective. Cleaning regularly inhibits bacteria growth and prevents bristle corrosion.

All makeup brushes need regular washing. How often depends  how often you use them and the type of brush it is.  Liner brushes should be washed or at least rinsed, every time you use them.  Eyeshadow brushes can be washed less often (once a week is probably ok).  All other brushes, like Bare Escentuals Face Brush or the Kabuki, can usually go a week between cleaning. To help you go longer in between washings, gently buff your brush onto a clean towel to help remove makeup and oils after each use.

What is the best way to clean brushes?

    * Run warm water either in a sink or bowl and have some good quality liquid hand soap(foaming soap works well) or a gentle baby shampoo.  You don't want to use anything that would be drying on your bristles.
    * Dip the head of the brush in the clean water, being careful not to immerse the whole brush into the water.  You do not water to get into the handle area, especially if they are wood as it can cause them to root or mold.
    * Gently work some of the shampoo or soap into the brush.  I put a some of cleanser into the palm of my hand and then gently swirl my brush into it.  This helps to get rid of any stubborn makeup. Your face brushes tend to be greasy and will need to be thoroughly massaged to ensure the cleanser is worked all the way through.
    * Rinse under running warm water, checking to make sure the water runs clear.  If not, repeat as needed to insure your brush is free of all makeup, oil and cleanser.
    * Finally, condition them.  (Remember, they are made of hair!) I like to keep them conditioning for a few minutes. This may seem like an unnecessary step, but this will keep your bristles soft. Rinse with COLD water.  Why cold?  It causes the fibers to tighten and lie flat.

Drying

This is a crucial step to ensure that your brushes maintain great shape and condition. Once you are happy that you brush is clean, gently press out water using paper or cloth towel. Then  reshape the brush by gently pull the bristles back into shape using your thumb and index finger. Powder brushes really benefit from being pulled through the circle made by your thumb and index finger. Smaller brushes can simply be pressed between the pad of you thumb and your index fingertip. In gently pulling the bristles in this way, you remove the excess water and ensure that the brush retains it shape.

DON'T AIR DRY BRUSH UPRIGHT!!  Remember, water can seep into wooden handles and cause them to rot & mold!  Water can also loosen the adhesives and can cause your brushes to shed! Instead, lay them down so that the handle is supported but head of the brush hangs over the surface.  I simply let me brushes hang over the sink.  This allows air to flow through the brushes and whatever is left can drip right into the sink.  Brushes should dry more quickly and naturally using this method. You can also hang them upside down.  Place a rubber band on the handle and hang to dry.

I usually clean my brushes at night.  This will allow ample drying time and they will be ready for your next use!

Storing

At this point you want to keep your precious brushes clean.  The best way to do that is by storing them in a  makeup bag.  I love the Bare Escentuals makeup bag.  It is generous in size and can accommodate a lot of brushes and they are ready to go for travel. A large mug or little flower pot will work well, too.  If using a open container, you will want to store them with the bristle pointing up.  This will prevent your brush heads from being crushed or damaged.  Give them room to breathe!! You don't want to over crowd them in whatever storage container you have.

There you have - if you follow these simply steps, you are sure to have brushes that will last for years.

If you found this guide helpful, I would appreciate you taking just a moment to vote for it!!
Thanks!!

Looking for great brushes - check out  My Boutique for a large selection