A must-have in your makeup kit, your brushes require special care. Learn how to properly care for them to prolong their shelf life and help avoid skin problems.

Types of brushes

Soft and silky natural bristle brushes made of marten, goat or pony hair are great for applying dry products like loose or bronzing powders, blushes and rouges. Synthetic bristle brushes are ideal for applying creamy textured foundations, concealers and lipsticks. And as the latter are made of nylon they are also more durable and affordable.

No matter what type of brush you use, it is important to clean it regularly to avoid bacteria buildup. On top of prolonging the life of your brushes, you’ll also avoid spreading germs that can cause pimples and even skin infections.

Daily cleaning

Ideally, you should clean your brushes after each use. But if you’re short on time, you can use an antibacterial product to disinfect them quicker. It’s especially important to disinfect brushes used for eye makeup and cream products.

Weekly cleaning

Even if you disinfect your brushes every day, a quick clean is still not enough. A deep clean at least once a week is essential.

1. If you don’t have a product that is specially formulated for washing brushes, add a few drops of unscented soap or gentle shampoo to a bowl of warm water.
2. Soak the bristles for a few minutes, then delicately scrub them in the palm of your hand using a circular motion.
3. Rinse with clean water and apply a conditioner. This will moisturize and soften the bristles.
4. Carefully rinse to remove any product residue and dry your brushes flat on a sheet of paper towel.

When your brushes are completely dry, place them back into their pouch or bag as dust can get into the bristles if you leave them out.