How often should I wash make-up brushes?
March 10th, 2010 | 
Author: lorette
Author: lorette
I’m starting a collection of M.A.C make-up brushes and I got 6 new ones and the belt-bag thing for Christmas. I also got the brush cleanser. I have used the brushes 4 or 5 times since I got them and I was wondering how often I should wash them?
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Ideally after each application. Especially foundation brushes. You are applying these brushes directly to your face and, don’t take this the wrong way, but your face is covered with bacteria and dirt even after cleansing, the longer you leave them uncleaned the more likely they are to breed nasties that can damage your skin.
Considering you have a cleanser specifically made for brushes you don’t have to worry about damaging the bristles/ fibres, application will also be easier because you won’t have product build-up.
Cleaning makeup brushes is a necessity. 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 are on your face. Then there is the dust in the air that just lands on a resting brush. Bacteria can make a home in dirty makeup brushes, so this buildup must be removed on a regular basis. Here’s how to do it.
Sable Brushes
Mix lukewarm water with a drop of your chosen cleanser and swish it. Swish your brush through the foamy water and then dump the water out. Keep making a new mix and swishing the brush through it until the water no longer gets discolored.
Rinse the brush gently under softly flowing water. It is also ok to swish the brush through plain water in a separate cup.
If the brush is thick, gently squeeze it between a folded lint-free cloth.
Place the brush on a level surface to air dry, making sure the bristles hang freely over the edge.
Nylon Brushes
Wet the brush and take a dollop of your chosen cleanser and gently work your cleanser into the bristles with your fingers. Do not rub up the shaft of the bristles, either go down repeatedly or gently rub from side to side.
Rinse under softly flowing water.
If the nylon brush is thick, it is ok to squeeze it between the folds of a lint-free cloth.
Place the brush on a level surface with the bristles hanging freely over the edge.
Tips
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.
If it’s possible, brushes love to be hung up so bristles point to the floor.
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.
Things You’ll Need
A very gentle oil-free cleanser (everything from baby shampoo to Cetaphil has been used by various aspiring artists) Make sure it’s oil-free.
The brushes, of course
A lint-free cloth
A source of water that is not high-pressure
Sable brushes require a cup that fits them
Warnings
Never set a wet brush upright on its handle!
Do not use heat on your brushes! Let them dry at their own pace
Here is a quick way of giving your brushes a clean. Then once a week you could give them a proper soak.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uT8LpwDjwNI
well the brush cleanser is for qucik cleaing and people who really want to take care of there brushes wash them after every use the cool thing about the mac brush cleaner is is also conditions your brushes so they become softer and healthier but i would wash your brushes after every use becuase if you do a smokey eye and the next day you do a neutrel look you dont want acces black coming off!
I spot clean mine after every use. I use MAC’s brush cleaner for that. & then every Sunday, I deep clean them. I use any baby shampoo.
Don’t let water go into the metal part of the brush. Dry them upside down or lay them flat to dry.
go to http://www.youtube.com and search makeup brush cleaning. they have good videos on there, in case you are unsure.
twice a week
Once a week.