The best way to take care of your brushes is to use them. No seriously: unused brushes can become more brittle and start to shed. Using and caring for them daily will make them last the longest. To make your brushes last:
ON THE DAILY
- After using your brushes in powder, lightly tap off any remaining product. If you can still see some remaining in the bristles, gently clean the brush with a soft, dry tissue or soft cloth, doing your best not to rub the bristles harshly.
- After using your brushes in liquid or cream, gently swipe off any excess product onto the back of your hand. If you still feel more product remains, use a soft tissue or cloth to very gently pat and squeeze the product from the brush, starting at the metal ferrule and working toward the tip of the brush. Once you feel a sufficient amount of product has been removed, use your fingers to gently ensure the brush is back to its original shape.
FOR A DEEPER CLEAN
There's no true rule for how often you should wash your brushes. If you're seeing excess amounts of product build-up, clumps or beads of makeup in the bristles, or the brush isn't performing as it typically does, it's time to wash your brush. An "off" smell is also a dead giveaway.
- Grab an unscented soap or brush shampoo. Use lukewarm water to wet the bristles, then create a foam with the soap and lukewarm water in the palm of your hand. Gently clean the brush in the palm of your hand using gentle circular motions before rinsing away the soap.
- Gently squeeze the excess water out of the brush and repeat the process until the water running out of the brush is clear and free of makeup. When squeezing the brush, start from the metal ferrule and move upwards toward the tips of the bristles. Once all of the excess water is out of the brush, use a clean towel to gently press the bristles and further remove the water.
- Once the brush is just damp, use your fingers to gently reshape the brush into its original shape. Lay the brush flat in away from heat and direct sunlight to dry.
Note: it's recommended to avoid using alcohol to clean brushes as much as you can; it dries them out and makes them brittle!