Cosmetic Brushes & How to Clean Them

Let’s talk about makeup brushes and how to clean them!

My favorite are the makeup brushes from Beautycounter and that isn’t just because I sell them but they are seriously the highest quality brushes I’ve ever owned. I’ve gone through a lot of makeup brushes in my cosmetics lifetime.

They are inspired by artist paintbrushes and weighted at the bristles to help you apply color in an ergonomic fashion. They also feature an elongated metal ring where the brush head meets the handle to help keep moisture away when washing—and therefore extend the life of your tools. Most cosmetic brushes on the market are commonly made from squirrel, mink, sable pony or camel hair. Yuck!

Here is what I like best about them:

100% cruelty free, animal hair free, and allergy free.
Bristles made from Taklon, a soft and flexible synthetic polyester-derived fiber.
Easy to clean.
Works with both cream and powder makeup products.
Long lasting.
The fibers don’t fall out.
Handles and ferrule (the metal part that holds the brushes in the handle with glue) don’t get bent or chipped or otherwise fall apart.

WHAT THEY DO

Fan Powder Brush ($39): Oversized fan brush, designed to be used with bronzer, powder highlighter, and finishing powder. For an all-over application, dip the brush into powder, tap off any excess, and buff into the skin. For a more precise application, sweep the edge of the brush over the high points or contours of the face. I don’t actually have this one yet but plan to buy it soon to use for highlighting.

Powder Brush ($39): All-purpose face brush, designed to be used with bronzer and finishing powder. Press the brush into powder, tap off any excess, then press and blend into the skin. I use it for blush and highlighter.

Angled Blush Brush ($35): Soft angled brush, designed to be used with blush and bronzer. Press the brush into powder, and tap off the excess. To apply blush, smile while pressing and blending blush onto the apples of the cheeks, extending along the cheekbones. To contour, press and blend along the contours of the face.

Flat Complexion Brush ($33): Flathead brush, designed to be used with liquid foundation or concealer. Dip the brush in the product and apply to the center of face with a light dabbing motion. Blend outward in light, even strokes. Build and blend until you achieve desired coverage. This is the brush I use to spread my Dew Skin SPF 20 Tinted Moisturizer, Tint Skin Foundation, and Concealer.

Retractable Foundation Brush ($35): Soft dome-shaped brush, designed to be used with liquid foundation and tinted moisturizer. Dispense product into the palm of the hand, and swirl the bristles in it. Dab the product onto skin before blending outward with even strokes. I have never used this for foundation. I need to try that soon. I use it for my Loose Powder.

Crease Eye Brush ($25): Dome-shaped brush, designed for applying eyeshadow into the crease of the eye. Press the brush into eyeshadow, tap off any excess, and sweep and blend into the contours of the eyelids.

All-Over Eye Brush ($25): Rounded brush, designed for applying eyeshadow across the lids. Press the brush into eyeshadow, tap off any excess, and sweep and blend onto the eyelids.

Precision Brush ($23): Small flathead brush, designed for lining eyes with dampened eyeshadow, covering imperfections with concealer, or as a lip brush.

Essential Brush Collection ($98): This collection features the 4 makeup brushes that are essential to every makeup kit: Fan Powder Brush, Angled Blush Brush, All-Over Eye Brush, and the Crease Eye Brush.

*All prices are in U.S. Dollars

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES
(and not just the ones from Beautycounter)

I use hot water and dampen all the bristles. I then keep the hot water running and in the bottom of my sink, I lay this silicone brush cleaning mat ($7).

It is great because it has suction cups on the bottom that stick to the sink so it doesn’t move.

I then squirt this Ecotools Makeup Brush Cleansing Shampoo ($6) (but you could use any shampoo or makeup remover) on the cleaning mat and then swirl my brushes around the mat. The hot water combined with cleanser and mat really get that makeup off the brushes.

Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear. Your water is going to get very dirty. Depending on how many brushes you have and how much makeup is on them you may need to add more shampoo.

Pat excess moisture into a clean towel, then lay flat to dry. Do not stand them up with the brush at the top to dry as water can then run down into the ferrule and start to break down the glue.

Clean brushes monthly to help avoid bacteria growth. Your skin will like that a whole lot better too. 😉

If you are looking for something to clean your smaller brushes daily between shampoo cleaning I love this color removal sponge ($6.50). I carry it in my makeup case and it’s great for when you switch out colors. If you wore brown eyeshadow one day and the next you are wearing purple you swish your brush around on that black part and it removes all the brown color from the brush! It works amazingly to get the color off the brush! The little white sponge in the middle is if you wanted to moisten your brush to apply your eyeshadow wet.

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NEED HELP?
If you’re not sure which skincare items or cosmetics may be right for you or your skin type (and you don’t already have a Beautycounter consultant!), just complete this form or email me with some details about your skin and products you’re interested in and I’ll get back to you within about 72-hours with my best recommendations.

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