How Do You Clean Make-up Brushes?

[skbs]

i use eye makeup remover and then cream facial cleanser.... then I flick each bruch to get them to come to a "point" to dry..... I air dry them stainding Up in a cup... I have done this for years and have had no problem. I use Mary Kay brushes and Mary Kay TimeWise Cleanser.... I recently switched to BODY SHOP Vitamin A cleanser and had no troubles.... using the Mary Kay eye makeup remover.....

[BagongBuhay]

Lots of good suggestions! Keep 'em coming, the more the merrier. It's great trading tips!

[Claire_F]

I use the Bare Escentuals cleaner called Well Cared For - just lather some up and rinse it under running water. Works like a charm. However, I do use the Bare Minerals makeup, which may make it easier to clean (doesn't gum up the brushes).

I've heard good things about baby shampoo as well.

[LynnePatrice]

Originally Posted by scorpy01

I use a very mild, fragrance-free liquid facial cleanser to gently wash my brushes. Never immerse them in water and be very careful to wash only the exposed brush without allowing water to get near the glue that holds the brush in the handle.

And never allow your brushes to dry with the brush part up. You should hang them upside down to dry them. A number of years ago I came up with my only little contraption to air dry my brushes upside down. I used a hanger, rubber bands, a toe separator and butterfly hair clips. Here's a picture of it.



I fasten the clips and toe separator to the hanger with rubber bands then hang the brushes wherever they fit best. That hook is for my bathrobe, right over a heat register so warm air helps to dry them in the winter.

A friend of mine used a hanger designed for belts or ties with rubber bands to hang her brushes. Here's a picture of her setup.



I'm sure if someone ever decides to manufacture something like that, they'd charge about $20 or so. But you can make it with stuff around your house for free.

This answer is the best one. This is how I do it as well.

Mild facial cleanser is best, especially for foundation brushes
Hang upside down. NEVER dry upright.

[pitt_transplant]

Originally Posted by alicenevada

I put baby shampoo in my hand, swirl the brush around, and then rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water. Then I lay them flat to dry on a towel.. I use coastal Scents brushes and i havent had any problems w/them not working properly afterwards.

I do pretty much the same but I use hot water in a shot glass with a dot soap for my natural bristle. I ruined fake plastic bristled brushes this way so if you have synthetic use warm or cold. I also try to use bottled water/filtered water because it cleans better and doesn't stiffen the brushes as much.

- dot of baby shampoo
- hot water
- swirl around
- soak 10 minutes or so (yes I immerse it all the way up the shaft of the bristle
- spray out with high faucet OR with water pik
- tap dry
- if stiff - spritz with a little leave in conditioner and swirl around in palm and fingers to soften
- reshape and pat dry while reshaping.

I do that 1x week
Daily I I have this mini martini spritzer that I spray rubbing alcohol on the brush and wipe it off with tissue. I don't know if you are suppose to do this but it has helped me stay away from breakouts when using brushes.

[LynnePatrice]

I don't think the leave in conditioner is a good idea. It could make some break out.

[MargoKey]

I'm with Flamingo on this one. I use a little shampoo and wash and rinse until the water's clear. Then I lean them against something so they're sort of standing up. They're usually dry by morning.

I do go one step further, though, and use a little conditioner. I rinse it out really well and it leaves the brushes really soft. I've used Bare Escentuals brushes (and makeup) for many years and have never had a problem with washing the brushes this way.

PS -- please forgive me if this is a duplicate post; I lost my original!