Nothing excites us quite like the thrill of brand new face makeup brushes when they’re pristine and have those soft bristles. Excuse us as we swoon. While you may or may not share our same enthusiasm for beauty tools, rest assured, we have you covered if you’re looking for some new makeup brushes. That said, the options are plentiful, so it’s important to know which brush you should be using for every makeup product. To help you with your search, check out our all-encompassing makeup brush guide, ahead.
Do Face Makeup Brushes Really Make a Difference?
Having a makeup brush for nearly every step of your makeup routine can make a huge difference in the appearance of your makeup. Using the correct kind of brush, whether it’s a tapered foundation blush or a flat concealer brush, can change how your makeup applies and help give you a flawless finish. Another thing to note before picking up your tool is if it’s a natural or synthetic makeup brush. Natural makeup brushes are often made of animal hair and are known for their blending and pick-up properties, whereas synthetic makeup brushes are made of man-made materials like nylon and are great for precise and streak-free application.
How to Store Your Makeup Brushes
Don't just throw your makeup brushes loosely into a makeup kit. Not only can the top get crushed and distorted, but also a serious amount of germs live deep in the depths of your bag and can rub off onto anything in close proximity. Instead, stay organized and clean using these guidelines. The simple suggestions will make your brush display accessible, pretty and most importantly, safe.
How to Wash and Dry Your Makeup Brushes
"I suggest using a gentle shampoo like the baby variety to wash the brushes one to two at a time," says Stevi Christine, award-winning celebrity brow and makeup artist. Make sure the word "gentle" is clearly printed on the label to avoid harsh chemicals that can loosen the glue holding the bristles in place. Softly scrub the lathered-up brushes in the palm of your hand and then rinse thoroughly until the water stream runs clear (a sign that dirt and makeup have made their exit). "Then lay them flat on a paper towel to dry overnight. Do a touch test before use, as your larger brushes can take a bit longer to dry," she says.
How Often to Wash Your Makeup Brushes
The golden rule of washing brushes is to do it once a week. However, should you skip a week, don't sweat it. "At the very least, wash them once a month," Christine says. Re-using gunk and dirt-ridden brushes not only causes breakouts, but can also introduce other nasty skin reactions and allergies to your complexion. Plus, the buildup of color on your brushes means that the shade you intend to apply to your face may not be what you actually get. Cleaning them regularly means a clean face and true colors.
When to Buy Replacement Makeup Brushes
You can't generalize about a brush's expiration date. "Look at them as individuals as they need to be replaced at different times,” says Christine. “Some of the bristles are gentler than others and will start to flatten sooner." Though you may be attached to a makeup brush you've had for years, if it smells, sheds, separates or is flat, toss it immediately.
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