How I Clean and Dry Makeup Brushes

Cleaning my makeup brushes used to be (well, and still is) one of my least favorite things to do.

For several reasons...

First of all, it just takes too long. Between cleaning them and waiting for them to dry, it's a process. If I leave them on the counter to dry overnight, they're usually still damp the next morning. Ever tried to use a damp makeup brush in blush or face powder? Not cute.

Another reason is that no matter how careful and gentle you are while cleaning them, or how carefully you lay them out to dry and reshape them, they'll always look a bit different. Especially natural hair brushes. Makes sense since they're, well, natural hair. Imagine letting your hair naturally dry overnight. Hey, sometimes it can be cute, but it sure doesn't look the same as it did before you washed it (that is, if you had it straightened before washing it, as makeup bristles are always straight).

Then there is just the actual task of cleaning them. Unless someone invents an automatic brush cleaner (which I don't forsee happening), this will always be a chore to me.

Ok, we get it. Cleaning brushes is no fun.

Considering I've found some ways around these little problems above, I figured it was time to update you guys with how I currently clean and dry them. Especially since I've found a way to dry them even faster. Over the past several months, I've been using a new product that actually dries them in 4-6 hours. No joke. It also keeps the brushes in their original shape which is exciting. Another exciting extra- If you click here for the Dry n' Shape and enter the coupon code TIFFANY5 at checkout, you'll save $5 on it. Which makes it even more affordable. That is pretty exciting as well.

Some of you may not find this all as exciting as I do. But I really dislike cleaning brushes. Did I mention that already? ...or that I think this is exciting? ;)

Here's a video demonstration of how I clean my brushes. Yep, I take you guys to my sink. Now that is exciting.

How To Use Make-Up Brushes

Make-up for many of us is a form of art. To perform this art we need the right tools, such as cosmetic brushes or applicators. Makeup brushes are as important as the color that is applied. High-quality brushes will greatly contribute to the premium feel of your face!

Synthetic or natural fibers?

Very good quality brushes are from so-called taklon. Taklon is a common name for the synthetic fiber used in making cosmetic brushes. These are smooth, soft and somewhat fragile fibers, polyester derivatives devoid of any protein or allergen and are therefore used in cosmetic industry as a replacement for the brushes from animal hair.

With modern technologies making of synthetic brushes has become very sophisticated and the brushes of taklon are recommended for application of lipstick, concealer, liquid foundation and other creamy texture. The reason is that the synthetic fibers of taklon are correct and are easier to clean, and thus avoid the formation of bacteria. Natural fibers are irregular and subject to the "draw" of the impurities that are difficult to clean.

Natural fibers used in making brushes are pony, goat or badger hair. Brushes made of natural fibers are recommend to apply eye shadows, blush and powder. These brushes do not change shape over time, have a softer touch, better affect the make-up, which is evenly applied to the face ...

No to cheap brushes!

Avoid buying cheap brushes made of synthetic fibers, they are harsh and will eventually become more coarse and will irritate your face. Using these brushes you won't achieve balanced and natural appearance. Consider buying make-up brushes as a investment because it will last a very long time with a proper maintenance.

Maintenance and cleaning

You need to disinfect brushes after each use or at least several times a week with a mixture of water and alcohol (70:30) and wipe with a dry cloth. Once a week or every two weeks wash them with gentle shampoo and warm water. Allow them to dry.

Basic make-up brushes

Concealer brush - small brush in rectangular shape, with firm and dense fibers. This brush can be used for creamy eyeshadow.

Eye shadow brush - available in several forms, shorter brush fibers means application intensity is stronger.

Blush brush - you should have it because with the applicator you get with the blush you can't apply blush evenly and natural.

Lipstick brush - made of hard fiber, evenly applies lipstick on lips.

Powder brush - a big, broad brush with thick fibers for an even finish.

Foundation brush - it is very similar to the concealer brush, only bigger. You can apply foundation with your fingers or a sponge, it is a matter of choice.

Lash and brow comb - properly shaped eyebrows and combed perfectly frame the eyes.

Sigma Discount Code!

Being an avid online shopper, I've come to appreciate a good discount code. When sigmabeauty.com shared this code with me, I knew you all would be excited! Here are the details:

$20 off the "Premium Professional brush kit with roll". Enter PREMIUM at checkout at sigmabeauty.com
*offer expires Oct. 31, 2010*

Happy shopping!
-Tiffany

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

We all know that quality makeup brushes can be quite an investment. Makeup brushes, to me, are just as important as the cosmetics themselves where overall results are concerned. Properly cleaning them not only keeps the brushes themselves nice and well-conditioned, but it can keep your skin cleaner and clearer as well. Keep your brushes performing their best by following a few easy cleaning tips and methods from my tutorial below so they'll stay perfect for years to come!




-Tiffany

Sigma Makeup Brushes

Finding quality brushes for affordable prices can be difficult. Recently I was introduced to Sigma, a company that sells high quality face and eye makeup brushes. Since receiving them, I've used every single one and cleaned them as well. They work and hold up beautifully and while they are MAC-comparable, I actually prefer some of them to my actual MAC brushes! These are definitely my new babies.
I received the Sigma Makeup Professional Brushes Kit-Complete (with the brush roll), which contains 12 very high quality eye and face brushes. The complete kit with 12 brushes and a very high quality brush roll is $79. You can also purchase the brushes only without the roll for $64, which is great for brushes of this quality. Imagine what you would spend on 12 MAC brushes! This averages out to about $5 a brush. Amazing. I also received the SS182 kabuki-style brush which is a fabulous brush as well and goes for $16.

Check out my video review!