How to look after your makeup brushes so they last

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How to look after your makeup brushes so they last

Any makeup artist will tell you that brushes are the most worthy investment in your beauty kit. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to look after your makeup brushes properly. Knowing the ins and outs of cleaning makeup brushes will preserve your tools so they last.

Neglected tools accumulate product and oils from your skin and can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Washing them regularly with a makeup brush cleaner will not only protect your brushes and guarantee a smooth makeup application, but it will safeguard your skin too.

Here are our best tips for cleaning makeup brushes and keeping them in great condition.

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General maintenance

To prevent product building up too quickly, ‘tap’, dust or wipe extra makeup off your brush with a tissue after each use. Try using Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser, which is an instant way to care for your brushes. Simply add a couple of spritzes to each side of your brush head and wipe clean with a tissue. Within seconds, your fresh, newly sanitised brush will be dry and ready to be reloaded.

It’s also a clever trick to store your brushes standing up and separate to your makeup products between uses. The inside of a cosmetic kit can be a messy place, which is not the best for the preservation of your brushes. Try storing them in a protective brush roll instead.

bh loves: Bodyography Empty Brush Roll, Artiste Make-Up Artist Brush Roll, MAC Brush Roll Small

How to wash your brushes

How often you wash your tools depends on how often you use them. As a general rule, clean your brushes at least once every month. This is because they soak up oils and bacteria with each use.

To start, rinse the bristles in tepid water. Swirl them around in the basin, but don’t soak as the water may loosen the glue binding or damage the handles.

Apply a mild, normal shampoo to the fibres and work up a gentle lather with your fingers. Be gentle but thorough, as though you’re washing your hair. Alternatively, use a specific brush cleansing solution.

bh loves: Real Techniques Makeup Brush Cleanser, Eco Tools Makeup Brush Shampoo, jane iredale Truly Pure Shampoo & Conditioner

For stubborn cream formula and foundation stains, try adding a little bi-carb soda to the basin to help them to gently dissolve.

Next, rinse your brushes well under warm, running water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and you’re certain that all the cleanser has been removed – any residue may react with your skin and stop the brush from picking up and depositing products properly.

Gently squeeze the water from your brush and return the bristles to their natural shape before laying them flat to air-dry on a towel. To prevent damage to wooden handles and the glue holding the bristles in place, do not stand brushes up while drying and keep them out of direct heat. For the quickest air-dry, lay the bristles off the edge of a table.  The same method can be used to cleanse sponge and puff applicators.

Tip: Wash your brushes in the evening and leave them to dry thoroughly overnight before you need to use them again.

How often do you wash your makeup brushes? Do you have any tips for keeping your brushes in good condition?

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