Brush Care 101

If you’re looking to start or simply rebuild your core brush wardrobe, here are the pieces you will get the most use out of: All over Shadow, Precision crease / short shader, Large powder brush, Blush brush and Eyebrow.

I would build upon that wardrobe with Face Concealer, Buffing, All Over Blending and Lash.

Finally I would accessorize with Bronzing, Precision crease / short shader, Precision eyeliner, Lip & Foundation.

Each time you use a makeup brush, it picks up both makeup and any natural oils on your face, as well as any other products that you’re wearing. Plus there’s dust in the air that lands on your resting brushes.  No one wants bacteria to become a house guest but that is just what happens in dirty brushes.  This buildup of dirt, oil, dust and bacteria must be removed on a regular basis so here’s how to do it.

Have ready: brushes, brush cleanser, paper towel and a pencil.

Fold the paper towel in half, so that it is layered.  This should prevent any bleed through from bristle transfer on to your counter and the extra cotton aids in moisture absorption.  I use a pencil to rest the necks of my brushes on – this creates air circulation for even and quick drying times.

Put a small amount of cleanser in your hand, with a little water, and swirl the brush around gently.  Repeat this step until no large amounts of make up are coming out into the water. Rinse with warm water.

After you follow the above step for each brush, squeeze excess water and lie on layered paper towel. Some of your brushes might bleed.  Some of my favourite brushes with black bristles bleed a bluish-green runoff every time I wash them.

Re-fluff the brushes as much as possible while wet, try to elevate them.  Not up and down, just with the brush head slightly lifted from the counter for air circulation. This is where the pencil comes in handy.  Why a pencil?  Because it is beveled and will not roll off of the counter.

When completely dry, re-fluff and your brushes are ready to use. This is the gentlest way to clean them and should give your brushes a long life.

Don’t forget your other tools.  Soak your Clarisonic head for 2 minutes in 70% Alcohol to kill bacteria.

Never set a wet brush upright on its handle!

Do not use heat on your brushes! Let them dry at their own pace.

If you are in a hurry, makeup remover wipes can be used as a quick way to clean brushes, but the wipes will not work as well as a good washing.

If it’s possible, brushes love to be hung up so bristles point to the floor.

If you don’t know what sort of brush you have, poke the brush into a small drop of water. Nylon brushes do not absorb very well, which is why they’re preferred for liquid makeup. A sable brush will pick the water right up.