Comments on: How to Clean Makeup Brushes

on 2/6/2008 At the end of the day, I use a Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelette to take off my makeup. I then use the left over cloth to rub through the bristles of my liquid foundation and concealer brush. When finished, rinse well in luke warm water and use a soft cloth to remove excess water and reform bristles. Lay flat to dry overnight. Something in these towelettes have a great conditioning effect that really lasts. I used to use a special shampoo formulated for makeup brushes (black spray bottle, Sephora brand), but have stopped as I've found that this method is faster, easier, removes all of the makeup (not just some) and since I've started doing this, I haven't had to replace either brush. I haven't tried this on any of my powder brushes, as I'm not confident that the conditioner in these towelettes would be ideal for maintaining a fluffy poof.

on 11/3/2007 to the person that said to put them in your mouth and spit on them, well that is awfull and barbaric, i will stick to shampoo or baby shampoo

on 12/16/2005 I use Phisoderm to wash my make-up brushes out. I run them underneath warm water to get all of it out. The final rinse, I run them under cold water, shake and hang up the wide end brushes from a wall mounted toothbrush holder and the smaller end brushes with a rubber band on hook. This allows the water to run out and prevent mold and keep their shape.

on 11/22/2005 As a make-up artist it's really bad when my brushes go out of shape so my teacher sugested this:
After cleaning but a little leave in conditioner into the brush and mold into shape. Leave bristles over hanging bench to dry them best.

on 11/22/2005 If you are impatient, and can't wait overnight for your brushes to dry, don't dry them with a hair dryer. I did it and I had to buy a new blusher brush. Sometimes the brush is made with synthetic material, and drying it with a hair dryer can melt the brush hairs. If your brushes and made from real hair then it's not a great problem. But still be careful, don't do the same thing I did!

on 11/22/2005 I have delicate skin and have to be careful what I wash my brushes with. I use the same face wash to do this. It works great and does not leave chemicals on the brush that might make you break out later.

on 11/22/2005 I learned this trick from art brushes. Often when using detail brushes, they lose their shape...This also happens in roughly used makeup brushes, which are basically the same thing as art brushes. After much experimenting on how to keep the bristles in the right shape, we found the best way. Now this might sound weird, but trust me it works. After washing brushes completely in warm water (I found those foaming soaps work really good for cleaning them out) press the extra water out. (This works best if you know the shape of the brush.) Put the bristles in your mouth and apply a bit of spit on them, then run them through you lips to press out the shape. But don't do this if you washed them with chemicals or make up remover - just water and soap. The saliva in your mouth has a funny way of holding the bristles of the brushes together. It's a long time art trick. Allow the brushes to dry over night and they're ready to use again, holding their old shape. This technique doesn't help re-mold old brushes. Once they're dead, they're dead and it's time to buy a new one.

on 11/22/2005 I hang my brushes (especially large powder brushes) upside down, so they can drip dry. This keeps water from collecting at the base of the bristles (which can eventually loosen them and make them fall out). Try wrapping a rubber band around the handles to make them easier to hang up.

on 11/22/2005 I got this tip from a make-up artist. Dampen an old (clean) rag with rubbing alcohol and rub your brushes into the rag. As the rag gets dirty, dampen another section and repeat. Not only will this clean the brushes, but the alcolol evaporates quickly to avoid a problem with mold.

on 11/22/2005 The best place to buy brushes is an art store. Try to pick brushes with longer handles for smoother control. Also, after soaping and conditioning, use a fine-tooth comb, brush the bristles down and lay flat to dry! Never stand them on end!

on 11/22/2005 Let your brushes dry in the sunlight. It will prevent mold growth.

on 11/22/2005 Prevent mold growth! After washing and rinsing your brushes, place them at the side of the sink for best air flow.

on 11/22/2005 If your makeup brushes get overly dirty, moldy, etc., throw them away! Do not use bleach, as it will only eat away at the bristles.

on 11/22/2005 Dishwashing soap cuts makeup grease. Mix it with a little water and swish brushes until they're clean. Apply hair conditioner to soften bristles, rinse and air dry. You'll have your brushes for years to come.

on 11/22/2005 Run the makeup brush under warm water and lather up with baby shampoo. Rinse with cool water.
Dry on a paper towel for at least 24 hours. This is the easiest and cheapest way to care for any type of brush, from nylon to sable.