Maintaining Your Makeup Brushes

While we admit it’s not something we look forward to doing, we know that cleaning our makeup brushes is a very worthwhile endeavor. Crucial for perfect makeup application and keeping skin blemish-free, proper makeup brush maintenance can make a big difference. Therefore, we asked the experts at Arch Apothecary in Chicago, Illinois, for advice on how to keep our brushes in top form; here are their recommendations:

When to clean: To reduce the chances of clogged pores and breakouts, clean your brushes at the end of each week.

How to clean: To clean your brushes, use a penny-sized amount of any type of gentle shampoo. Add the shampoo to lukewarm water, and gently wash your brushes. Be sure not to splay the brush hairs, as this will shorten the life of your brush. Lay on a clean towel to dry. Note: Jenny Patinkin’s Brush Cleanser is a great alternative to using shampoo. It is anti-bacterial, sanitizing, conditioning and extremely quick drying. Plus, it’s an all-in-one cleanser, which means you do not have to get your brushes wet.

When to toss: If after repeated use you find that your brushes are either matted in the center or no longer retain their original shape after drying, then it may be time to invest in a new set.

Expert tip from Arch Apothecary in Chicago, IL.Â