Brush accessories
Brush accessories: cleaning and storing your makeup brushes
Your brushes last years instead of months if you clean them properly, let them dry the right way and then store them dry and protected. That is exactly what these accessories are for. At Boozyshop you will find everything for it in one place: liquid brush cleanser, brush soap, cleaning mats, drying solutions, brush holders, brush belts, brush shields and organizers.
Why clean and store your brushes properly?
A mix of foundation, powder, skin oil and dead skin cells builds up in the bristles of your brush. That is not only unhygienic, it also works against you: a saturated brush picks up new product less well and lays colour down unevenly, which makes blending much harder. Dried product stiffens the bristles and pushes them out of shape, and that is why brushes look worn out sooner than they really are. Storing them badly does the same: bristles that get squashed or put away damp never come back into shape.
How often should you clean makeup brushes?
For brushes you use with liquid and cream products, like your foundation and concealer brush, once a week is the rule of thumb. Brushes for powder, blush or eyeshadow can go a little longer, but count on a thorough wash every week or two there as well. Sponges need more attention: those are best washed after every use.
How do you clean makeup brushes?
Wet the bristles under lukewarm water and keep the brush pointing down. Then work some brush cleanser or brush soap into the bristles, for example in the palm of your hand or on a cleaning mat, and move in circles until the lather no longer picks up colour. Rinse well, still with the bristles pointing down, gently squeeze out the water and reshape the bristles into their original shape.
Brush cleanser, brush soap or a cleaning mat?
A liquid brush cleanser is the quickest and works well for doing your whole collection in one go. A solid brush soap lasts a long time and is easy to dose precisely, especially on dense foundation brushes. A cleaning mat is not a cleanser but a tool: the ridges and nubs rub the product out of the bristles without you having to scrub hard, and that is exactly what a dense brush needs. Plenty of people use a mat together with a cleanser.
Cleaning brushes without water
If you want to switch quickly between two colours, a spray or dry cleanser is handy. You spray or dab the bristles, wipe them on a tissue and you can use the brush again within a minute. Do keep in mind: this kind of quick clean is meant for powder products and does not replace the weekly wash.
How do you dry your brushes?
Never leave brushes standing upright with the bristles facing up. The water then sinks into the metal ferrule, attacks the glue holding the bristles in place and over time bristles start falling out. Lay them flat with the bristles over the edge of your sink, or use a drying rack or holder that hangs them upside down.
A brush holder for your bathroom or vanity
A brush holder is the easiest way to store your brushes. You stand them upright with the bristles facing up, so no moisture runs down into the metal part and the shape of the brush stays intact. Looking for something for a big collection? Go for a roomy holder where you sort your brushes by type: face on one side, eyes on the other. That way you always grab the right one straight away.
Brush belt and brush bag for on the go
Taking your brushes to a shoot, a wedding or away for the weekend? Then you want them protected in transit. A brush belt rolls your brushes into separate slots so they do not squash each other, and it is handy when you work standing up: everything is within reach. For a smaller set a brush bag or pouch is enough, as long as the bristles are not pressed against the side.
A brush shield keeps your brush in shape
A brush shield is a silicone sleeve you slide over the bristles. You use it after cleaning, while the brush still needs to dry, and when you travel. It holds the bristles together in their original shape, so a fluffy blender stays fluffy and a precise liner stays precise. Small tool, big difference in the long run.
Order on your vanity with an organizer
A clear organizer shows you at a glance what you have, which saves you searching. Handy if you want to store pencils, sponges and fine brushes alongside your brushes: everything sits sorted next to each other and your brushes no longer end up under a pile.
What you are better off not doing
Do not use boiling water or harsh soap, because they dry out synthetic bristles. Do not submerge the brush up to the handle either, or moisture gets into the ferrule. And only put your brushes away once they are completely dry: a damp brush in a closed pouch is an ideal spot for bacteria.
Shop brush accessories at Boozyshop
Ready to get your brushes back to new and give them a permanent spot? Discover the brush cleansers, brush soaps, cleaning mats, holders, brush belts and brush shields at Boozyshop. Order before 8 PM, shipped today. Not sure what suits your brushes? Our beauty experts are happy to help via chat or email.