Its easy to say, most people don't take care of their makeup brushes. You don't have to be an artist or even someone who uses them everyday to have to know how to properly care for them!
For example... Have you ever had a random pimple on your face, in a place you would not normally have a break-out? It's very possible that you need to clean your brushes.
When you don't clean your brushes, bacteria builds up and as a result you are constantly moving bacteria around on your face, daily! Cleaning your brushes is something that takes about 5 min. extra a day, and an extra 10 minutes (Max) every 2-3 weeks.
First thing, I highly recommend using a daily ANTIBACTERIAL brush cleaner. Disinfecting and protecting your brushes actually prolongs your brush life! I would recommend this brush cleaner from Sephora. The travel size is 2 oz. and is only 6$ or a 6.75 oz is 14$ and would last you at least 6 months if not a year.
To Use: Spray cleaner onto a tissue, or directly onto the brush about 3 sprays to make sure the bristles are saturated. After that, just rub off onto the tissue and you will see the makeup coming off. Repeat until there is no makeup showing up on the tissue.
When this is done daily, the task of keeping your brushes clean is much faster and easier.
Second thing, is just as important as the first. Deep Cleaning. This is to be done preferably once a week, but at least once every two weeks. Think of it as a detox for your brushes. You are ridding them of anything you can and cannot see that is harmful for your face. I would recommend this Brush Shampoo from Sephora. Prices and Sizes are the same as the daily cleaner.
To use: Pump shampoo 1-2 times into the palm of your hand. Take your brush and saturate it with water. Take the brush and swirl it around in your hand and watch as the makeup melts right off your brush (That is the best part!). Rinse brush under warm water, making sure ALL of the shampoo is out. If not, it will leave a sort of residue feel to the brush. Repeat until the water runs clear when rinsed out.
While doing this process it is very important to use gentle swirling motions, and to try to keep the form of the brush in tact. You don't want to damage your brush shape, and some brush hair is more gentle than others.
When you are done shampooing your brush lay it on a towel or tissue to dry for several hours, letting all of the water evaporate out.
Those are the two brush cleaning basics. If you are in a hurry on a certain day and do have time to do even the spray cleaner, then try using makeup brush wipes, also available at Sephora for $3-9.Wipes like WetOnes could also work. Sephora also just came out with slide-on brush protectors to safely store your brushes, and protect their shape right after cleaning them ($8).
Tips on what NOT to do..
-Do NOT try to blow dry your brushes so you can use them after. Doing so, could cause heat damage to the hair, and also make them to fluffy to use.
-#1 Mistake in the Do NOT do category is using hair shampoo or conditioner to clean brushes. BIG no no. Hair shampoos have other additives in them that can cause your bush hairs to possibly break, but also frizz, and become course. If you are in a serious pinch, use a baby shampoo that is very gentle.
-With certain animal hair brushes (such as Bare Minerals brushes) you need to find conditioning brush cleaners or use baby conditioners added to the shampoo to keep them from drying out and becoming course.
I believe I have covered everything on brush care basics. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment, and I will try to answer it for you! In doing these steps, I know your face will thank me. Your makeup will go on better, your skin will be clearer, and your brushes will last longer!
