how to clean SN brushes

[casey m.]

Hello!!! Can anyone give any tips on the best and easiest way to clean SN brushes? Thanks!

[mgmsrk]

I use 2 methods a quick cleaning method and full cleaning. I use baby shampoo to deep clean my bushes (SN and others) about once or twice a month. In between I use a spray on cleaner from a recipe I found on youtube by Enkore. I use that as needed. I also keep a microfiber cloth with my makeup to wipe off eye colors from the brushes, that’s a tip I got here.

I have read that Jen uses rubbing alcohol to clean her brushes.

[JenW]

If I have time to let the brushes dry (which I am the 'queen of backup brushes'), I wash with Dr. Bronner's Lavendar liquid soap. I would only consider using 90% isopropyl alcohol on synthetic brushes, and then just a swiping kind of a process rather than a 'dunking and swirling'. Natural hair brushes will dry out from cleaning in alcohol. I did start out using baby shampoo on my natural hair brushes before I had any synthetics, and discovered there was a buildup on them (I have hard water, too), and then switched to Dr. Bronner's. Baby shampoo might not build up on synthetics. I can't really say anything from experience on that one.

I do mine every two weeks or so, and I recommend mild soap, or even your face cleanser. I put a dab of soap in my palm and get the brush damp and swirl the brush in my palm. It takes a bit to rinse and then squeeze out as much water as possible. I dry them on a microfiber towel and then I lay them flat to dry. I have had some brushes need regluing to the handle over time (not any form Karen, yet). I just look at it as the wear and tear assiciated with the whole usage and cleaning process. I do use the alcohol on my synthetic dispensing brush, just because I don't want to unload the powders. For eyebrushes between colors, I just swipe off on a cloth, but wash every two weeks. For regluing brushes, I use E6000 clear glue and it works like a charm.

[~*mikie*~]

I use African Black Soap to clean all my brushes. It's what I use to wash my face every day, & every trace of makeup comes off easily. I figure if it leaves no residue on my face & gets it really clean, then I certainly can trust it on my brushes. I wash a few brushes every few days...but I have a *lot* of brushes, ROFL! I wet my brush under running water, swish it across the soap, then swish the brush around in my swirly dish & both get cleaned at once. I rinse & then do it again (only takes seconds) & rinse very well. I squeeze out excess water, then squeeze it again in a towel I reserve JUST for the purpose..& my last step it to "fluff out" the brush again (basically brushing the towel so the synthetic fibers separate for faster drying) before putting up to dry. I don't dry flat (except e/s brushes). I bought a pretty (small) ceramic bowl that I throw ("other") lippies in & I can balance a couple brushes on the outer rims of the bowl,lol. (That way they are totally suspended in air & dry more quickly.) My flat-top bukis actually stand of their bristles to dry.

mikie

[casey m.]

Thanks for the great tips!!! Very helpful indeed!

[zeebs]

I also find Dr. Bronner's to be the best method.