No matter what the quality of your makeup products might be, your makeup brushes can make or break the look. This is why you may have received the advice to invest in good quality makeup brushes. Good quality makeup brushes are softer, easier to hold and blend with, and do not leave streaks on the face. However, they can cost a good amount of money. Here are 5 ways in which you can extend the life of your makeup brushes and make them last for years.
1. Store Your Makeup Brushes Upright!
Store your makeup brushes upright with the fluffy side up to ensure that the bristles don’t get squished and do not fray. You can store them in pencil holders or a pretty coffee mug, the possibilities are endless! Make sure not to stuff the brushes together because that can damage their shape.
2. Use A Brush Guard To Prevent Fraying
In case you don’t have the space to store your brushes upright, you can store them flat in a container but make sure to use brush guard. Brush guards are plastic nettings that enclose the brush head and prevent fraying of the bristles. Brush guards also come in handy when you place your brushes in pouches during travel. Some brands such as WiseShe send a brush guard with their brushes. Otherwise, you can buy these separately. Click the Amazon link given below to buy brush guards for all your brushes!
3. Use A Brush Cleaning Spray Between Washes
Ideally, you should wash your brushes at least once a week. However, if your brushes get too grubby in between washes or you do not have enough time to wash and dry the brush then brush cleaning sprays will come to your rescue. You need to spritz some spray on the bristles of the brush and let it air dry for a minute or two. Pat the brush gently with a towel to remove excess liquid and your brush is ready to be used. In case you can’t find a brush cleaning spray, you can even use IPA solution for this step. Make sure to air dry the brush so that the alcohol evaporates before you use the brush on your face.
Please remember that these brush cleaners only remove surface level dirt and you still need to wash your brushes thoroughly as frequently as possible!
4. Use A Brush Cleaning Pad While Washing Your Makeup Brushes
Brush cleaning pads are silicone pads with grooves and ridges that help to deep clean heavily soiled brushes. They are particularly useful for foundation brushes because liquid foundation tends to seep the brushhead and settles at the roots of the bristles. This can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not washed properly. Simply wet your brush with soap solution and swirl the brush head in gentle circular motions on the pad. You will see all the product oozing onto the pad. Rinse the brush with water until the water runs clear. Voila, you have squeaky clean makeup brushes!
Check out this video for a demo!
5. Dry Your Brushes Flat On A Towel
If you do not dry your brushes in the correct manner then it could deform the shape of the brush head. The best way to dry makeup brushes is to lay them flat on a cloth towel. Rotate the brushes every hour until they are dry to retain a perfectly symmetrical shape. If you live in a humid or cold area then you can blow dry the brushes on a low-heat or cold setting but make sure not to bring the brushes too close to the drier.
By following these techniques, I have managed to make my brushes last me for almost 6 years now, and they all look brand new! Do try these tips if you want to extend the life of your brushes too!