Ways to clean makeup brushes
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:37 am

Hi, just wondering whether people have their own methods for cleaning makeup brushes or do they buy ready made formulas? Thanks!

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2007 9:20 am

Hi
I use a ready made product that comes in a spray bottle. I know there are many brands out there and I did not spend a ton of money on mine. I just like the option to spray the brushes (I do them at night, so they are dry by the morning), rinse them in warm water and then shake shake shake them really hard to get off all the water (I do it in the shower, so not to make a mess). Then I put them in an upright canister so they can air dry. I do notice after I clean my brushes, they always seem softer on my face, eyes. Do keep in mind, that they do get wore out after so many cleanings. I have expensive brushes and I notice loose hairs and stuff after months. But you have to clean them right?

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2007 9:42 am

I use CoverFX cleaning solution - it has tea tree oil in it and it does a GREAT job.

I used to use baby shampoo on my brushes as it is gentle on the hair (would you call this hair...??) and air dry lying down. Lying down so that water doesn't seep back into the "head" part of the brush. They dry very well this way and I haven't had any problems.

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2007 12:06 pm

I love MAC brush cleaner! On my 3rd bottle.

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2007 12:07 pm

I wash my brushes with my face cleanser.

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:05 pm

I use California Baby shampoo -- I think it's the sensitive formula.

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:08 pm

i know mac and bb have the special product for cleaning brushs. some people use shampoo to clean brush.

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:10 pm

I use Burt's Bees Baby Bee Hair & Body Wash shampoo to clean my makeup brushes.

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2007 5:05 pm

Ladies,
I have a followup question that does not warrant a new thread...when you buy a new brush, do you wash it before first use? I can't help wondering about leftover chemicals used in processing, especially when it comes to synthetic brushes.

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2007 5:06 pm

I have purchased a number of brush cleaners in the past. However, I have been told by both Chanel and Trish McEvoy reps that they wash their own brushes with a gentle shampoo. That is what I do now (although not as frequently as I should!) and haven't had any problems with my brushes.

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2007 5:09 pm

Another vote for the MAC cleaner ... but baby shampoo is awesome too. And soooooooo much cheaper!

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2007 5:17 pm

nadjazz wrote:

Ladies,
I have a followup question that does not warrant a new thread...when you buy a new brush, do you wash it before first use? I can't help wondering about leftover chemicals used in processing, especially when it comes to synthetic brushes.

Always!

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2007 5:20 pm

i usually clean my brushes with either shower foam or shampoo. Wink

this was a method my regular MA taught me. then use tower to *press* out the water in the brush & leave it to dry.

free skin care · Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:24 am

I wash makeup brush with hand soap. it works good.

free skin care · Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:54 pm

Mild shampoos and soaps are good but apparently one should make sure no glycerine in it (from Asquirrel website).
I use Trish McEvoy brush wash once a week, shake the brush out, then roll in a clean towel, then leave to dry flat on a sweater rack (gives circulation but supports the brush head so the hairs don't dry out of whack). Leaves my brushes very clean and lovel and soft. You shouldn't ever leave them upright to dry as water gets into the ferrule. I also have a brush cleaner which is I use to spray clean/wipe after every use but these are very chemically.
P.S. Yes I do wash my brushes before first use but I do that with anything I buy (clothes etc)

Fri Apr 27, 2007 6:07 am

Thanks for all the replies! I was considering getting the MAC one before reading your posts. Just wondering for all those who use shampoo, do you dilute it or use it neat?

Fri Apr 27, 2007 3:49 pm

i used to use shampoo but switched to the bare minerals brush cleaner which is sold at my local bare escentuals store. i got it as a sample and love it!

free skin care · Sat Apr 28, 2007 12:21 am

skincarefreak wrote:

I wash my brushes with my face cleanser.

me too!

free skin care · Sat Apr 28, 2007 5:01 am

Jesselyn wrote:

Thanks for all the replies! I was considering getting the MAC one before reading your posts. Just wondering for all those who use shampoo, do you dilute it or use it neat?

I use the shampoo neat.

free skin care · Thu May 17, 2007 12:19 am

Bobbi Brown has brush cleanser, which is good.

Thu May 17, 2007 1:42 am

I use MAC cleaner! Its great as I can feel all the color comes off from the brush immediately! Definitely worth it! Very Happy

free skin care · Thu May 17, 2007 5:55 am

I usually let the brushes sit in eye makeup remover to get rid of excess makeup then clean them with shampoo.

free skin care · Thu May 17, 2007 7:25 am

After reading this thread the other day I cleaned my flat-top JI brush w/ some mild shampoo. It cleaned it well but the bristles seem to be a bit more spread out than before. Can someone tell me when you're cleaning them, exactly how do you do it so I know I'm doing it correctly, thanks!

free skin care · Thu May 17, 2007 7:49 am

dancar3 wrote:

After reading this thread the other day I cleaned my flat-top JI brush w/ some mild shampoo. It cleaned it well but the bristles seem to be a bit more spread out than before. Can someone tell me when you're cleaning them, exactly how do you do it so I know I'm doing it correctly, thanks!

dancar3, I use a gentle shampoo to clean my makeup brushes once a week with the same methods used to clean my sable watercolor brushes; brushes have lasted me for a long time.

1. Place a dime size amount of gentle, sulfate-free shampoo in your left hand.
2. With brush in right hand and bristles slanted toward the bottom of the sink, rinse your brush under warm to tepid water. Be sure the bristles are thoroughly wet and do your best NOT to get the ferrule [ metal part that attaches the bristles to the handle ] too wet.
3. Now swirl the brush into your cupped left hand to distribute shampoo throughout. You should see the powder or paint coming out as you rinse under running water. Don't be afraid to use your fingers to separate the bristles and really make sure particles are being removed. Continue to rinse until it's clear.
4. Flick the brush over sink, then squeeze lightly to remove more. Gently reshape the brush, then set it on it's side with the bristles either hanging over the sink or counter to allow air to circulate. Never!! Shock

dry your brushes by placing into a cup with the brush head pointing up - this causes water to run into the ferrule, which will eventually cause bristles to loosen and fall out.
5. If I notice that my watercolor brushes are not springing as quickly to a point as they usually do, I'll condition them with a few drops of extra virgin olive oil.

I hope this helps! Very Happy

free skin care · Thu May 17, 2007 7:54 am

I just use baby shampoo, gentle and works well.

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