Keep that brush clean

How do I keep my make-up brushes clean?

Keeping make-up tools clean should be a regular part of a beauty routine.

Make-up residue, oil and dirt can get trapped between brush bristles and can lead to breakouts and clogged pores.

Hair and make-up artist John Lee, 33, says keeping your brushes clean also prevents bacteria from growing on them.

He gives tips on how to clean make-up brushes:

Use a brush cleaner daily

Apply some brush cleaner onto a kitchen towel or tissue and wipe the brush on it in a single direction, either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Swiping in multiple directions will damage the brush hairs.

The brush is clean when the kitchen towel or tissue comes away clean.

Use shampoo

Regular hair shampoo can be used for deeper cleansing. Lather some shampoo in the palm and swirl the brush through the shampoo. Make sure it gets in between the bristles for a thorough clean.

Rinse the brush well and gently squeeze out as much water as possible before allowing the brush to air dry.

This can be done once a week for powder brushes. Brushes used for liquid make-up, such as lipstick or foundation, should be cleaned more often - once every two days - as bacteria grows faster with moisture.

Keep the brushes in shape

The brushes should be placed on a table with the bristles hanging over the edge so that they stay in shape as they dry.

Here are some products to help keep those bristles fresh:

1. Brush Cleanser, $23, available at all M.A.C counters

A cleanser that helps to remove excess make-up and residue while disinfecting the brushes.

2. Makeup Brush Cleanser, $35, from Clinique counters

An easy-to-use spray cleanser that can be applied directly onto the brush.

3. Brush Cleaner, $25, from Shu Uemura stores

This cleanser combines macadamia nut oil with vitamin E, which the label says effectively removes make-up residue, sterilises and protects the brush bristles.

4. Instant Brush Cleanser, $36, from Make Up For Ever, from all Sephora outlets

This alcohol-free brush cleanser cleans quickly without the need to rinse and it dries on the spot, so brushes are ready for immediate reuse.

5. Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner, $13, from Sephora

A daily brush cleaner with an anti-bacterial formula that removes dirt and excess make-up.

melheng@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on September 22, 2016.
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