Makeup Brushes - How I Clean & Care For Them

[@sarahmunoz14]

Michele, I was watching Stephanie Nicole's interview with the guy from Muse on their new brushes. I believe he said baby shampoo isn't actually good for brushes because babies have more acidic skin and the shampoo made for them can be drying. Just a thought.

[@TheMicheleWang]

Thank you Sarah! Information like this is great - thank you for sharing. I haven't found much difference between using baby shampoo and other brush-specific cleaner, but it could be because I wet wash them so infrequently. I think as a pro, you'd have to really be careful with that sort of thing since you're washing so much more often. But maybe I'll switch to something even more gentle once I'm done with this bottle! xoxo

[@teacheschem]

I think she was the one that said African black soap and follow with Aloe Vera gel? Or maybe that was Tarababyz 🤔

[@irisk934]

I watched that video by Stephanie Nicole too, it was eye-opening

[@zorayastar]

Spectroscopy That was Tara 😊 I use that soap and love it.

[@emmahandford7804]

I seen that video too. But then I’ve watched a Wayne Goss video where he says to wash his brushes with baby shampoo.. Who knows

[@karingroom6106]

Thank you for another helpful video. I find it really impressive that you upload more quality content while holding an outside job than most You Tubers that call this their career. Keep them coming!

[@TheMicheleWang]

Thank you so much Karin!

[@michellecaudill7936]

What do you think of Meyers and olive oil

[@kerritotty8378]

How do you dry/reshape the Sonia G large fan brush? Do you put the brush guards over it? Does it splay out if you don’t use something on it? By the way....LOVE the Sonia g brushes! ❤️❤️

[@TheMicheleWang]

I put the brush guards over them, and they pop back into shape once I take them off. I've left them without the guards and they seemed to keep their shape nicely, too, but generally I put the guards on them. Aren't the brushes GREAT?!!!

[@lalacarroll431]

Hi Michele, Thank you ☺️ for this video! I really enjoy washing my brushes (weird to some I’m sure) I’ve been making a big mistake by laying them down on a towel like the one you have and leave them to dry overnight! I’m definitely going to pick up the Sigma holder(s) I do keep my main brushes in a container like you showed but the rest in a cup! I definitely learned so much in this video! Thank you so much ☺️

[@GretchenVaughn]

LaLa Carroll Sonia G actually does lay them flat, with the bristles off the edge of her vanity. She did a pretty extensive blog post which was posted after this.

[@caleydopr]

Between uses I use the Vera Mona Color Switch instead of the microfiber cloth, I spray clean the synthetic ones but not my natural hair brushes. Love the Apothecary soap and the sigma tower I hang them the same way you do because I feel the elastic make them dry slower and thanks for brush guard link I found 150 for $6.- I’ve been paying so much for them 🙈. As for storage I recently purchased the Cosmo Cube with lid and now I don’t have to bother with dust or cat hairs Thanks for yet another great video.

[@jewelnabq01]

I love the Vera Mona Color Switch as well for everyday cleaning, I do feel they may be a bit rough on the more delicate squirrel hair brushes though. That is when I use the microfiber cloth. I need to try the Apothecary Soap. I love the brush guards as well.

[@brittanyjeants]

Hi Michele. My Smith eyeshadow brushes look crazy and out of control!!! Do you know how I can get them back into shape?

[@TheMicheleWang]

You can use brush nets. Beautylish and Amazon have some. But mine look crazy too. Not a big fan of their brushes.

[@evai6783]

Michele have you tried the Bobbi Brown oil brush cleaning spray? I use it for natural hair brushes after every use. Then you swirl them on a kitchen towel. However for foundation brushes I would wash these after every use.

[@TheMicheleWang]

I haven't! I will definitely have to look into that. I like the sound of that spray and BB's brushes are natural-haired (for now) so I trust they're probably gentle enough. Thank you so much for the rec!

[@zorayastar]

Great tips! I clean mine similarly to you. I feel like I wash mine too often though. I need to buy a micro fiber towel and brush them off right after. That holder to dry them is better than mine, I'll have to check it out! 😘💜💜💜

[@denisemarie6131]

Definitely get a microfibre cloth. I've started using one and a lot of the product comes off, and it's pretty gentle too. I used to use old scraps of denim to clean off my brushes. I can still use those for more liquid or gel based products. But for powders, the microfibre cloth is a gem. And I would suggest to purchase a nice one so it has good grab. And read about washing them....

[@zorayastar]

Denise Marie Thank you! I'll definitely look into that. 💜💜

[@GretchenVaughn]

I've found there's a significant difference between the Beauty Blender Pro solid cleanser and the regular solid. It cleans quickly, gets the stains out of anything and conditions the bristles. One container has lasted me two years! I break off pieces and put them in a different container so I'm not wetting the entire thing each time. I was pleasantly surprised to find out Sonia G uses the same with her brushes. I also follow her method of drying the brushes on a flat surface, with the bristles hanging over the edge. She said she makes brush guards out of paper towel and scotch tape if a brush needs it. Interesting to find out that she uses such simple and inexpensive methods.

[@nanaazili4703]

Thank you for sharing. I am so getting the clothobeauty mesh cover. For my natural brush, I will use a cleansing oil to break down the makeup and follow it with a non foaming cleanser. I use this method especially on my foundations brushes to remove the pigment of the foundation. My brushes are as white as new.

[@TheMicheleWang]

That's great! What kind of cleansing oil and non foaming cleanser do you use? I'm always looking to try new products! xoxo

[@fannyblackrose4925]

I love to lay it flat in my muji acrylic too. With that plastic protector, make sure ur brush dry completely if not will stain and ruin the beautiful ferrule. Do you have any tips for real technique sticky rubber handle?

[@TheMicheleWang]

Hi Fanny!! I only have one Real Techniques brush and the handle isn't rubber. Is it like the nars packaging? I'm wondering if something like Fantastic or those Clorox Wipes would help.

[@fannyblackrose4925]

Michele Wang yes , and I have one urban decay palette too like that 😅🤪 thank you. I’ll try to find what’s inside that Clorox wipes and hopefully I could find something similar here 😁 in Indonesia. ❤️✨

[@randischwartz7505]

Terrific video Michele! I have been eyeing that large gold ring on your left ring finger in so many of your videos. Who is the designer? It is gorgeous!

[@TheMicheleWang]

Thank you! The designer is Lucifer Vir Honestus - a milanese team. xoxo

[@randischwartz7505]

Michele Wang Thanks!

[@emmahandford7804]

Hi Michele, how do you wash the Sonia G fan brushes? Do they keep their shape?

[@TheMicheleWang]

I was them the same as the others, and they do keep their shape. I put those brush guards over them once they're completely dry and lay them down in a drawer. Once the brush guard comes off, I fluff it a little by running across my arm and voila! They're back to their original shape.

[@gatitam2875]

Great video, I am hoping to purchase my 1st set of natural hair brushes (Sonia G). 1 question, do you think a brush roll is ok for storing them?

[@TheMicheleWang]

Yes they’re fine. They may get a little misshapen if they sit in there too long but you can leave them out for awhile and spritz with a no rinse brush cleanser if they don’t snap back into place.

[@hannahroebem2820]

I would put a brush guard over them to protect them from getting misshapen (the brushguard has good sturdy ones)

[@cristinarisso8668]

Quick question if you happen to have some time: which is the softest.. as in increeeeeeeeedibly soft brush for cream, liquid concealers? My under eye area is soooo sensitive and i have not yet found a dreamily soft brush for my concealer :)

[@TheMicheleWang]

Hmmm, wow that's tough since so many concealer type brushes are designed to be so stiff. And very soft bristles aren't meant for liquid/cream products b/c the hairs will break. I think in my collection I'd have to say the synthetic Zoeva 110 is probably the softest! And I've been using it a lot for concealer. I'm going to keep thinking on this though!

[@cristinarisso8668]

oh, wonderful , i am in Germany and Zoeva is super cheap ;) Thank you

[@cristinarisso8668]

Michele, sorry for being back , but just got back from the shop and the 110 is quite big for the undereye area. Any other suggestion please??? :)))))))

[@melissalightstone7185]

Do you have any Artis palm brushes to review? Thanks!

[@anieciawilliams735]

I use the same soap i have the rose sent and perfer it over my beauty bleader solid. Wayne G. recommend it to clean his brushes which was why i bought it in the first place. I also use the sigma mat to clean my brushes vs my hand and try to be gentle with that. I totally agree about the sigma brush tower. I have both and combined them. I found the elastic to tight and cut all the small brushes elastic off and left about half for the larger brushes. I cut all of my brush guards in two or three to get more and apply them to my brushes before i insert them on the brush tower. I used to faithfully use mac brush cleaner but not anymore, now it's to spot clean when i feel the towel technique isnt working. Great video as always.

[@irisk934]

I am so excited to watch this video! I have been hesitant to buy truly pricey brushes because I know that I would be afraid to wash them. I just feel like I'm so rough with my brushes. Thank you so much for making this video Michele! 💕💕💕

[@MysteereousMyssie]

This was a fun and informative video! I definitely wash my natural hair brushes more frequently than recommended. I have sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin (yay), so I generally only use my face brushes 2 - 3 times each. I do wipe them off on microfiber towels after each use. When they are too dirty to continue using, the brushes sit in a glass jar until whenever I feel like cleaning them. I've invested in multiple versions of my squirrel hair brushes, and I rotate them to avoid washing them to death. When I wash, I use clean apothecary and my fingers to massage the bristles. Then, I apply a little conditioner (w/e I'm using on my hair atm), and let it sit while I wash the remaining brushes. This also helps me not wash my brushes to death, since I have to rinse them again, anyway. After rinsing, I dry them with a microfiber towel, and lay them flat on my dresser top, with the bristles hanging over the edge. I found this cuts drying by 2/3rds in some cases. I've never tried hanging them upside down.

[@JND-zf4sg]

Might I add, going clock wise and counter clock wise on the microfiber towel with natural hair brushes, will assure equal wear on all bristles. You can do this on all brushes, i find it especially benificial for natural hair brushes.

[@TheMicheleWang]

What a wonderful piece of advice! Thank you so much!! I think I may do that subconsciously, but that is excellent. Thank you!

[@denisemarie6131]

I have used castille soap. Is this not recommended? I'm thinking it's gentle enough...

[@TheMicheleWang]

I believe it is recommended! I'll have to try that soon.

[@hannahroebem2820]

Hey michelle just a few questions. What detergent/soap do you use on your TF big brushes and can i lay them down to dry? Just bought 4 of the TF brushes they are beautiful but i don't want to destroy them with cleaning them

[@TheMicheleWang]

Hi Hannah! I would say first - don’t wash them too often. Use one of those sprays for in between washings. And I use baby shampoo about every 6-8 weeks. Some have commented that baby shampoo may be too strong but it’s worked for me. Solid brush cleansers are great too! And def try to dry upside down!

[@hannahroebem2820]

Michele Wang would the mac brush cleanser (pink one) be oke? For quick cleanse on the tf brushes? I am so so happy i finally bought them and don't want to destroy them

[@hannahroebem2820]

Hey michelle I am starting to buy more high end brushes like wg snd sg, your video's are very helpful thank you! But I always lay my brushes laying on the ridge of my table so, laying down and air floating around them with a brush guard. I see mel t doing that as well, is that not alright? I really don't want to spend another $$ on an item to dry my brushes. I mean,...laying them down doesn't get water in the glue part does it? I think sonia lays them down as well?

[@TheMicheleWang]

I think laying down is fine. I would just fling the brush with a flick to make sure you get all the water out of the ferrule area. If you're careful while washing and don't let water run heavily over the ferrule part, it should be fine. I'm just in the habit of drying them upside down from my painting days 😃

[@gia6743]

Hi Michele I wash all my brushes the same way you do except I need to start cleaning them in between washing with a spray cleaner and cloth. I always wash them even all my natural hair brushes with water I use Nivea baby soft shampoo and bath liquid soap which you have to order from overseas they don't sell it in the United States. I also hang my brushes up side down using clothes clips with a hanger attached to the clip it is all in one so that I hang them off the shower rod it is very easy with that special clip. How often do you wash your natural brushes with water?

[@Thelastluthien]

I just stumbled upon your channel and I’m loving it

[@irisk934]

I absolutely love my Sigma drying brush Tower. It's just so handy for putting brushes upside down. I used to use baby shampoo but I didn't think it was cleaning my brushes very effectively. And then I heard from another KZbinr about zote soap, which is available at Walmart as well as the Dollar Tree store near me. I was really skeptical at first because I believe it's laundry soap so I thought it would be too harsh. But when I tried it on my cheaper brushes, it left them clean and surprisingly soft. So that's all I use now. But again, I don't have super spendy brushes. I use brushes from Sigma, Real techniques, Sephora elf, and Mac. Nothing from Tom Ford, hakuho do, or Wayne Goss or Sonya G. At least not yet!.

[@JND-zf4sg]

I just received the Z-1, there is an ominous chemical smell that has worsened since cleaning. Did you have any issue with yours?

[@hannahroebem2820]

I was reading about them and it said they use a protection spray or something so you have to wash them before first use, maybe you need to do that even twice? I always wash my brushes before first use. The Z-1 has been sold out on the beautylish website for a while now, that is the only brush that is missing from the Z collection and I can't wait until I can get my hands on it

[@ThePamelaJordan]

I have to invest in some of those sleeves and a brush holder.

[@JenniferHRoss]

I wipe mine daily on my Artis brush cleanser thingy (which is basically an overpriced and undersized microfiber terry towel cloth), and I give them a spray with my Sephora daily brush cleaner. The tea tree oil has the antibacterial properties I need. When I wash them, I use my Philosophy Purity Made Simple and use the silicone rubbery side of a Sephora face cleansing brush. I figure long-wearing foundations need the oil and make-up busting power of a make-up removing cleanser, and the oil may help with the natural bristles. I have been laying them on a towel to dry but will now have to McGiver some kind of contraption to hang them upside down. Hmmm.... I wonder if I could combine bulldog clips and my yarn swift for drying purposes....

[@TheMicheleWang]

😂 Yes put that yarn swift to good use!! I worry about clips because I don't want to dent the handles, but if you have strong handles or don't care, that could be perfect!!

[@tanjai2854]

Thank you for this video!!! I’m so lazy when it comes to cleaning brushes but you’re the voice of my conscience! 😁👌👌👌💕💕💕💕💕💕💕 And that your skin...always so beautiful and glowy!!!

[@larang9318]

I want to come back and say thank you for the brush guard recommendation! They just arrived and it's exactly what I need.

[@kathleencoomans8210]

Hi Michelle, thanks for this and can you tell me whether our thickest Sonia g brush handle will fit in a lipgloss holder?

[@danielleh6806]

I love the Apothecary brush cleaner it is a great shampoo.

[@larang9318]

I rarely wet wash my natural brushes, and don't like the idea of the spray wash for some reason. And I use whatever shampoo or mild hand soap I have. Maybe once every two weeks I use a Ben Nye powder (cheap) and swirl my brushes in it to get rid of the color (after pouring it out of course). Works for me so far.

[@gia6743]

Michele the Benjabel brush tree is the best if you are looking for a drying tree which I own and don't use. I just wrap in a paper towel and use clothes clips with a hanger and dry them on my shower rod.

[@randischwartz7505]

I use Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap for my brushes. I watched a KZbin video in the past recommending it and it seems to work great!

[@LilyPondWater]

I hate the feeling of microfiber on my hands 😭

[@elainebines6803]

Karla Lilley yes! i thought it was only me 😱

[@valerievalagator6780]

Oh I agree Karla, it is just such an unnerving texture!

[@elainebines6803]

i have invested in the Sonia G because of you, and i am so pleased! i also enjoy Bobbi brown brushes and tom ford on my wish list. i have gotten a couple of beauty blender soaps which I'm currently enjoying, that came in packs (say two bb sponges and soap came with it) I'm not tempted to fork out for the soap alone. Microfibre gives me a funny feeling - i know that sounds strange but there you go. I will be buying the baby shampoo - if it's good enough for you and Mario - it's good enough for me 😘 - i tend to do same as you on a muslin cloth and as they are for my use only - i don't wash my good natural hair brushes often. Thank you for the tips - i will definitely try and clean my brushes as soon as I'm done

[@jinyoungchoi1437]

You must've read my mind because I think I washed my wayne goss brush wrong and it's kind of destroyed

[@hannahroebem2820]

What did you do to them? Feel so sorry for you because wg brushes are fantastic

[@carao9108]

Ah ha moment of the day: I have those brush guards and it never occurred to me to cut them in half so they fit the brush better. LOL.

[@MarTina-on1ti]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mayabeading]

I really enjoy your videos. You have a lot of knowledge and explain things very well. Your brush tips are unique and helpful. Thank you for being a beauty blogger! Now, I am writing today because I was thrilled that you mentioned Muji. I feel like there are very few who know how wonderful the Muji products are. I discovered them some years ago in Japan. I am so happy they are available in the US, finally. I live in Hawaii, so am waiting for a shop to open here, we have lots of Japanese tourists, so I think they might open here for the tourists (Uni-Qlo is opening soon). For now, I just have to shop there when I go to Paris or London, or Japan of course.

[@kassiatoure4756]

❤️❤️😊😊

[@hannahroebem2820]

Still wondering if i should buy the TF brushes....

[@TheMicheleWang]

Hi Hannah! I would say because I just confirmed over the weekend that they are indeed moving over to synthetic bristles. So if you're interested in the current lineup, get them while you can! xoxo

[@hannahroebem2820]

Michele Wang i don't understand why he is changing a good thing?? I am not paying €124 for synthetic brushes so i will have to get at least the bronzer brush and the 13, thanks for informing me :)