Product Reviews & Consumer Advice

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Quality makeup brushes can sometimes be quite an investment, but many women find that a good brush will make it easier to apply makeup evenly and will yield the best results. However, if the brushes are not properly cared for they can quickly become covered with old makeup, dead skin cells, oils and even bacteria. This will cause problems when applying makeup and can even cause skin to breakout from clogged pores and irritation. This problem can be remedied by cleaning the powder brushes on a regular basis. However, it is important to understand the correct cleaning techniques as improper techniques can lead to misshapen brushes or lost bristles.

Before cleaning the brushes, find out the best cleaning product to be used. If there were not specific instructions included with the brush, it is recommended to use a gentle, perfume and dye free cleanser. This can include hand soap, some shampoos and baby shampoo. You should never wash a brush with something that you would be uncomfortable washing your own skin with.

To clean your brushes, they should first be thoroughly rinsed under warm water. This will wash away excess dirt and help loosen up any particles that are stuck to the bristles. After it is completely wet, gently apply the cleaning product and massage through the bristles. Because brush bristles are weaker when wet, you should take care not to bend or pull on them to hard as this could cause them to break. If you scrub the bristles they can lose their shape and make it difficult to apply makeup correctly.

After the cleaning product has been massaged into the entire brush it needs to be completely rinsed off. Any leftover products can easily irritate the skin or causes the bristles to lump together. Rinse under warm water several times until the water runs completely clear. The brush will then need to be properly reshaped. Lay the brush on a clean towel and smooth out the brush’s bristles. For extremely fluffy brushes, you may consider standing it up on end to ensure that there are not flat sides after it dries. Do not attempt to use any brush before it is completely dry. This can ruin the brush and also transfer contaminants into your makeup.

With proper care and cleaning, a quality powder brush can last for several years. If you are ever unsure how to care for a brush, consult the manufacturer’s website or talk to experts at a makeup counter or specialty store like Sephora.