In addition to product buildup, the natural transfer of oils and air pollutants from your face to the brush can cause bacteria to collect on the brush. These bacteria can cause acne and irritation when transferred back on to the face. To prevent this, cleanse your brushes once a week. Use a gentle soap or brush cleanser and massage into the hairs of the brush until old product begins to dissolve. Holding the brush down, rinse with water until soap is removed and the water runs clear. Repeat if necessary. Dry brushes on a flat surface to maintain shape and structure.

You can use a dish soap on your synthetic brushes to help dissolve heavier product buildup such as liquid and cream foundations. This will help cut through the oils and grease and get your brush extra clean, which is especially important for the face brushes. If you find that your natural hair brushes are not as soft as you like after washing, use a gentle conditioner to help soften the hair. Let it sit for a couple minutes and rinse just like you would with the hair on your head!

If you need to sanitize your brushes between use but do not have enough time to wash them with soap and water, you can spray them down with an alcohol based brush cleanser. This will kill the bacteria, but make sure to give your brushes a deep cleansing soon after to help remove additional product buildup.

If you find that the alcohol spray is drying out your natural hair brushes, again give them a conditioning and they will come back to life!

DO NOT:

• Soak brushes in any liquid, even if it is labeled brush cleanser. Water in the ferrule can damage the wood handle as well as dissolve the glue holding the brush hairs in place.

• Do not stand the brushes up while drying, as again water can get in the ferrule and damage the brush.

• Do not blow on your brushes to remove excess powder! This can transfer bacteria from your mouth onto the brush, which ends up on your face. A simple tap on a hard surface will do!