The Joys of Make-up Brush Cleaning

So I have to admit that brush cleaning is probably one of the most tedious chores when it comes to being a make-up artist.

You have just so many brushes, and that damn liner you love so much that doesn't budge from your eyes, never really wants to move from you make-up brush either. But the reality is it's a job that must be done, so here are my tips on how I clean my lovelies.

For me this is something I tend to do in the evening time, simply because it allows the brushes to dry gradually overnight, leaving them perfectly dry and soft by the morning.

• Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a squirt of mild baby shampoo or brush soap, gently swirl your brush tip in the water. Try to focus on the actual bristles while avoiding the part of the brush where handle meets the head, as this can loosen the glue over time. You can also gently swirl the brush in the palm of your hand to work up lather.
• To rinse, place the brush tip under running water with the handle facing downwards, or if you are less confident fill the bowl with clean lukewarm water and swirl the brush to remove soap. This is important as you don't want to flood the base of the handle where the glue for the brush fibres is held with the clamp.
• Repeat both steps until the water runs clear from the brush.
• Use a cloth to gently wipe your brush handle clean, while reshaping the fibres into their original shape as you go.
• Finally, lay your brushes flat on a cloth to dry overnight. (Never place on top of the radiator as this can affect the brush fibre glue.)
• Brushes all squeaky clean and dry, ready to paint all those gorgeous faces over again.

The rule is to keep your brushes clean; a clean brush is a happy brush.

Don't forget some of your brushes are made from real hair, so make sure to pop a bit of conditioner on them every so often to keep them in tip top condition!

I have to admit this isn't exactly one of my favourite jobs (especially if you have as many brushes as I do), but it's just so important to keep them clean.

Happy cleaning folks,

Aisling x