Makeup - Tips for makeup brushes (Bristle Types, Storage, Cleaning)

For my blog post on the different types of makeup brushes, click here. :)



BRISTLE TYPES

In general, there are different bristles for brushes. So, which one is the best to get?

Synthetic
Ideal for use with cream makeup.
It's cheap and hence affordable to replace.

Goat hair
Picks up powder easily and glides on easily too.
Goat's hair are the coarsest type of hair that is very common in makeup brushes.
Ideal for buffing and blending.

Pony hair
Ideal for use where dense colour is needed.
Ideal for use in blusher, contour and powder brushes.

Sable hair
Most durable type of brush.
Ideal for use in eyeshadow brushes as the bristles are resilient and doesn't loose the shape when you come to the corners.

So depending on which function you want your brush to have, you can choose the different type of bristles for the function. :)



STORAGE

1. Keep out of direct sunlight
Bristles wear down when exposed to direct sunlight overtime. To make sure you brushes last longer, avoid storing them in a place with direct sunlight. Also, sunlight can cause leftover products on your brushes to 'cake'.

2. Store extra (clean) brushes in a (clean) zip lock bag
You won't want germs to accumulate on brushes that you never/rarely use and when you finally decide to use them, spread the germs all over your face. Storing them in a clean, air tight zip lock bag keeps germs and bacteria away from your brushes.

3. Clean your brushes regularly before storing
It's alright to reuse brushes, but do not reuse them for too long a period before cleaning. As a general rule, I would recommend cleaning your brushes once per week.



CLEANING

If you aren't the type who wants to spend more money on a professional cleanser, all you need is a gentle soap, or baby shampoo.

Step 1: Dip the brush head into lukewarm water in a container or a cup
Step 2: Squeeze a small amount of cleanser or baby shampoo onto your palm (about a pea size) and work it into the brush
Step 3: Massage the bristles so that the soap will get through
Step 4: Rinse the brush tip in clean water, gently squeeze the brush head to remove the excess soap
Step 5: Pat the bristles dry with a clean towel and leave it over a table to dry. You may want to use a hair dryer for them to dry quicker. Do note that however do not on the heat too high as it might damage the bristles.