Hair Styling Tools

Isn’t it wonderful that we live in a time where all of the modern conveniences are right at our fingertips.  Some of these smaller modern conveniences include makeup brushes and for most of us women, we have a nice supply of make-up brushes in our drawer or make-up bags that are collecting  make-up, dust, germs, bacteria, and whatever else can latch itself onto these wonderful little instruments of beauty.

Makeup brushes are aplenty in the marketplace and can range anywhere from under $5.00 (yes there are some that cheap out there) to over $100.  So, if you are like some of us, when a particular make-up brush looks like it has bit the dust, we simply throw it away and buy a new one.  At least that is what most of us do if we didn’t spend that much for the brush in the first place.  Obviously, if you have spent a great deal more for your brushes, one can only hope that you are taking care of them.  Well, why not take care of all of your brushes no matter what the cost?  Let’s face it, in this uncertain economy now, we all need to be a little more serious about spending money.  Right???

So what exactly is proper maintenance for your make-up brushes?  There are several ways that you can clean your brushes.  Let’s start off with the most economical way.

SHAMPOO:    What  better way to save money than to use something you already have on hand.   If your brushes are natural brushes then this is the route to go.  Once a month, mix some warm water with a little shampoo.  Just swish the brushes around in the soapy water and then rinse well.  Pat dry with a towel  and then lay them out flat to air dry.  If your makeup brush is synthetic, use dish soap rather than shampoo and go through the same process.

VINEGAR & WATER:   Most households have vinegar on hand.  Use one part vinegar to two parts water.  Dip your brush into the mixture and swirl around.  Rinse with warm water, pat dry with a paper towel and then lay the brush flat on the towel to air dry.  Did you know that this concoction will also disenfect your brushes and that is great.

FACIAL CLEANSER:   Many of us have this already on hand as well.  If you do, take the cleanser and whatever instructions you follow for cleaning your face, apply to the brush.  Typically, you are rinsing your face with warm water so do the same for the makeup brush.  Again, pat dry and lay flat on a paper towel to air dry.

MAKEUP BRUSH CLEANER:   Last but not least is the Makeup Brush Cleaner which you can probably find in the marketplace at your favorite department store or beauty supply store.  There are all types and brands and price ranges.  Just follow the instructions on the bottle and you are good to go.

BABY WIPES:    Yes, you read it correctly, baby wipes.  This method is usually used just to do a quick daily swipe of the makeup brush to help reduce build-up of make-up residue and oils.   While I would not recommend this to be the only way you clean your makeup brushes, at least it is an interim measure to take before using the other recommended methods.

Of course there are many other methods one can use and perhaps there are some homemade concoctions you have already tried that work for you.  If so, PLEASE SHARE!! 

Lastly, how often should you clean your makeup brushes?  Alot depends on which brush you are referring to.  And, cleaning your makeup brushes becomes a personal preference.  At a minimum, every two weeks to a month is adequate, however, going back to that subject of saving money on buying brushes means being diligent at this process.  Therefore, I recommend with the liquid/cream makeup to do weekly, if not daily.  Powders of any type can go longer but every two weeks is probably best.  Just remember that if the buildup is not coming out of the brush and the shape of the brush is not returning back to its original shape, it just might be time to buy a new brush.