A good brush is a purchase for life – provided it is looked after. At the same time, unwashed brushes are one of the most common causes of blemishes and skin irritation: product residue, sebum and bacteria build up in the fibres. Here is the routine make-up artists use – adapted to brushes with bamboo handles.
How often?
- Brushes for liquid and cream products (foundation, concealer, cream blush): wash thoroughly once a week. That includes the No. 4 foundation brush, the No. 7 concealer brush and the No. 13 Kabuki.
- Powder brushes (powder, blush, bronzer): every two weeks, for example No. 1 and No. 14.
- Eye brushes: weekly – and whenever you change colour, wipe them dry on a cloth in between.
- Lip brushes such as the No. 11: wipe briefly after every use, wash weekly.
With what?
Lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free shampoo or a clear soap are perfectly sufficient. Dedicated brush cleaners are handy for a quick clean in between but not necessary. Avoid hot water, alcohol and washing-up liquid: they dissolve the glue in the brush head and make natural fibres brittle.
Step by step
- Hold the brush head downwards under lukewarm water. Important: wet only the fibres, not the ferrule (the metal part) and not the bamboo handle.
- Put a drop of shampoo in your palm and swirl the brush in it until no more product comes out.
- Rinse thoroughly until the water stays clear. Gently press the fibres back into shape with your fingers – do not wring.
- Dab off excess water with a clean cloth.
Drying properly – the most important step
Lay the brushes flat on a towel with the head hanging slightly over the edge of the table so air can circulate. Never dry them upright in a cup: water runs into the ferrule, dissolves the glue and makes the handle swell. No radiator, no hairdryer. Bamboo tolerates moisture well but should not stay wet for long – wipe the handle dry after washing.
Storage
Dry brushes belong upright in an open cup or in a ventilated case, not in a closed plastic box. Our brush sets Basic Brush Creation and Eye Brush Creation come in a case where every brush has its own slot.
When a brush needs replacing
A well-kept bamboo brush lasts many years. Replace it only when fibres keep falling out, the head loses its shape or a smell remains despite cleaning. Everything else is avoidable with this routine.