How To Clean Makeup Brushes

Let's face it! Professional makeup brushes are an investment.  And, like any other investment, we want a great return on that investment.  One of best ways to ensure that will happen is proper brush care. One of the best things you can do for your brushes is to clean them - regularly.  Clean them when they are first purchased and clean them on a regular basis to remove:

	Old makeup
	Dirt & debris
	Bacteria
	Oils
	Dead skin cells

One of the greatest benefits to keeping your brushes clean is softness! Yes, did you realize that makeup buildup, especially foundation, makes your brushes feel scratchy? If you have sensitive skin, cleaning your brushes regularly will help them stay soft and lush! Your skin will thank you!

How often should you clean your brushes?  Ideally, everyday. But, who has time for that? So, here are a few guidelines:

	Foundation Brushes - minimum once a week
	Brushes used for finishing powders and bronzers - once a week
	Blush Brushes - one a week
	Eyeshadow Brushes - every 2-3 days
	Eyeliner Brushes - after every use especially if you use an eyeliner sealant.

For those that suffer with acne, you will greatly benefit from keeping your foundation brushes clean at all times. To cut down on cleaning time, rotate brushes so you always have a fresh clean one to use.

How to clean your brushes:

First, you want to wet the hairs under the faucet with tepid to warm water with the hairs pointing downwards - this will help prevent any water getting in to the ferrule (metal part) or down in to the handle for brushes that don’t have ferrules.

Next you want to use a mild shampoo, liquid hand soap, pure castile soap or our favorite - California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash.  Squirt a little soap on your fingers and apply it to the hairs from ferrule to hair tips. Gently squeeze the hairs from ferrule to hair tips over and over adding a little water at a time.  Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear.  Make sure when you are rinsing to keep the brush hairs pointing down.

After your brushes have a good bath, brush them off a little on a clean paper towel and lay them to dry on their side on a paper towel or a regular towel. It is also a good idea to reshape the brush at this point in time to prevent splaying. Lay kabuki’s and any other stand-up brush on their side. Never leave them to dry brush hairs up in a brush holder.  The water can run down in to the ferrule and loosen the glue holding the brush together over time.

Lastly, let brushes dry completely before using.  Dry time will depend on size and brush density.

Keeping your brushes in good condition by washing frequently will provide you with years of beautiful makeup application!  Now that's a great investment!