Okay, so here’s the thing. As MUAs, we know the struggle of trying to keep brushes in top shape without them looking like they’ve seen better days after a few uses. Seriously, how do they get so… stiff? 😩 But don’t worry, I’ve got your back, and we’re gonna talk about all the hacks you need to keep your brushes soft, fluffy, and, more importantly, effective for the long haul!
- Don’t Overwash, But Don’t Underwash Either! 😅
I get it, you want your brushes to be fresh and clean, but washing them every day? Nah, that’s a recipe for disaster. Frequent washing can strip them of their natural softness. Aim for a good cleaning session about once a week—more if you’re using the brush a lot for heavy-duty work (hello, clients!). Just be sure to clean those brushes properly after every use if you’re using them for different clients to avoid cross-contamination. - Use the Right Soap, My Friend. 🧼
Listen, don’t use just any random soap. No, no, no. Your brushes deserve better! Find a gentle brush cleaner or baby shampoo (yes, baby shampoo) because they’re soft on the bristles but get the job done. Don’t use harsh cleaners that’ll break down the fibers over time. Keep it gentle! - The Right Drying Method Is A Game Changer. 💨
Let’s be real—air drying is the way to go. But you need to be strategic about it. Always lay your brushes flat (never stand them up in a cup). Why? Because when you store them upright, water can seep into the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles), and that’s where the damage happens. So, lay them flat and let them air dry naturally.
MUA’s tip: You can hang them upside down in a brush holder or use a drying rack that keeps the bristles off the surface. That way, air circulates around them better.
- Keep ‘Em Fluffy with a Brush Conditioner 💆♀️
Yeah, it’s a thing! Brush conditioners are like a spa day for your brushes. They’ll help keep the bristles soft and prevent them from getting too stiff. Don’t go overboard, though—just a little dab will do the trick. Apply it after cleaning, and gently comb through the bristles to keep them looking fluffy and soft. - Don’t Let Them Sit in Your Kit Too Long (Without Some TLC) 🧳
Your brushes get a workout on the regular, but don’t forget about them after a gig. If they’ve been sitting in your kit for a while, give them some love by gently cleaning them even if you haven’t used them. Dust and grime can build up, and that’ll leave you with brushes that feel rough or even smell bad. #NotCute - Protect Them From Damage in Your Kit 🔒
This one is huge—don’t just toss your brushes in your kit without any protection. The bristles get squished, bent, and sometimes even damaged. That’s a NO-NO. Invest in some good brush rolls or holders that keep them in shape. You’ll thank yourself when they’re still fluffy and soft months later. - Clean Between Clients Like a Pro 🙌
You’re a pro, and pros clean between clients. It’s simple: Spot clean with a brush cleaner in between clients to keep things hygienic and your brushes feeling fresh. Plus, you won’t be using the same product on different faces, so your brushes will stay in tip-top shape. - Avoid Overloading Your Brushes 💅
Oh, this is a big one, trust me! We’re all guilty of loading up brushes with too much product. It’s easy to go overboard, especially with powders or foundation. But applying too much product can make your brushes stiff and make cleaning harder. Just dip lightly, build up if you need to, and clean it off properly afterward. - Don’t Forget the Handle! 🤚
I know, I know, you’re all about those bristles, but don’t forget the handle. Clean your brush handles, too! Dirt and oil can build up on them, and you don’t want that stuff transferring to your clean brushes or onto your clients. A quick wipe down with a disinfectant wipe works wonders! - Give Them a Loving Touch With a Brush Shaper 🖤
After cleaning, if your brushes have gone a little haywire or their bristles aren’t holding their shape, invest in a brush shaper or a brush comb. Gently reshape them, and they’ll stay soft and in perfect form for your next makeup masterpiece.
So, there you have it! 👏 If you follow these simple tips, you’ll be holding on to those fluffy, soft brushes for way longer than you thought. Trust me, your brushes—and your clients—will thank you for the love you give them.
And hey, the next time you’re feeling the urge to toss them in the drawer and forget about them, just remember: a little TLC goes a long way, and you’ll be ready to do flawless makeup every time. 💕
