Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes: How & How Often

Do you remember the last time that you cleaned your most-used makeup brushes? It is so easy to let brush hygiene fall through the cracks when everyone has such busy schedules. I leave my most-used brushes out in plain sight so that I really can't help but notice when they become dirty. Since harmful bacteria and germs seek refuge in our dirty makeup brushes, it is a good idea to wash them once a week. If you have been sick, it is a good idea to clean them even sooner since you don't want to spread those germs again and again (they are also being spread into your makeup).

Here is how I wash my brushes each week:

1) Select either a gentle and fragrance-free soap or shampoo. Select one that has no color since pigmented soaps can stain light bristles.

2) Wet the bristles and swirl the brush in your soap. Some people use a small bowl of water, and dip the bristles into the water, but I wet the bristles under running water and then use clean hands to lather the soap into the bristles. Rinse thoroughly under running water.

3) I repeat this action until the brush rinses clear, and I only use running water.

4) Gently squeeze excess water from the bristles and either let your brushes dry flat on a clean towel or hang them upside down. If you lay them flat, it is a good idea to allow the heads of the brushes to hang off the edge of a counter or table, and to rotate them periodically so that the brushes can dry uniformly and not remain damp on a the towel that will become saturated. Avoid drying your brushes upright since this can loosen the glue and can cause your bristles to fall out.

5) Once your brushes are completely dry, then return them to where you store them. I prefer to store mine upright in a cup, and therefore it is especially important that they are completely dry before I put them back in their storage cup.

6) I do not share my makeup brushes with anyone since it is a sure way to spread germs.

Westman Atelier 4-Piece Petite Brush Collection Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

Westman Atelier 4-Piece Petite Brush Collection, which launched for the holidays, has been on my radar since I first saw them. The regular price, which is $350.00, is more than I wanted to spend, and I almost purchased it during the last Sephora VIB Sale, but I didn't. Given my penchant for Westman Atelier brushes, and I have collected all of them (Reviewed HERE, and this post has links to all of the Westman Atelier brush reviews), I knew that I really wanted to get my hands on this set. While they are small versions of four of the most popular large brushes, they perform precisely the same way. I recently discovered that Nordstrom and goop are selling them for 40% off, and at $210.00 (a $140.00 savings!), I jumped and purchased the set. Nordstrom keeps selling out, and then a set or two will appear again, and therefore it is worth keeping an eye on the link that I provided. Sephora is currently selling it at the regular retail price.

According to Westman Atelier,

The only blending tools you’ll ever need, now in a limited edition mini set. Handmade in Japan, each brush features luxuriously soft, cruelty-free bristles that make application and blending easy – for an unbelievably refined finish on skin. Thoughtfully designed mini sizes make this set the perfect travel companion.

The Petite Brush Collection includes:

• Liquid Blender Brush: Refines liquid formulas.
• Blender Brush: Seamless blending for cream formulas.
• Baby Blender Brush: Precision blending for cream formulas.
• Eye Shadow II: Blends and refines eye shadow.

Each brush in the Petite Brush Collection comes with a small brush cover to protect the bristles while traveling, or while stowing away at home. The Petite Brush Collection's cylindrical box doubles as a great storage solution too! It’s made out of 100% paper and is recyclable.

Sourced from Japan: Sustainable Hardwood Birch. Sourced from a Forest Stewardship Council certified forest in Eastern Europe.

Cruelty-Free Nylon Fibers: Optimal density, softness, and function for ultra-smooth application.

These four essential brushes make achieving a seamlessly blended makeup look easy:

Petite Blender Brush (4" long): is the ideal companion for cream formulas like Super Loaded Tinted Highlight. 

Petite Baby Blender Brush (3 1/2" long): is perfect for applying cream formulas on smaller areas of the face. 

Petite Liquid Blender Brush’s (4" long): compact, rounded shape is perfect for a refined application of liquid formulas. 

The fluffy bristles of the Petite Eye Shadow II Brush (3 1/2" long): blend eye shadow seamlessly.

While I certainly didn't need to buy this set, Westman Atelier brushes are my go-to daily brushes, and since I clean them often, having these four brushes means that I can use one set while I am washing the other one. They are gorgeously soft cruelty-free bristles that are dense, effective and gentle on even the most sensitive skin. All of these brushes pick up and deposit product perfectly, and using them is a luxurious treat. 

If you love high quality cruelty-free brushes, these handmade brushes are a game-changer.

The cardboard box is very sturdy, and it offers a safe way to store the brushes at home, or while you travel.

Overall Assessment: Even on sale this is a splurge, but this was well worth every cent spent. They are ultra-luxe, incredibly effective and such a joy to use. A+

$210.00 on Sale (Regular price $350.00). Available from Nordstrom, goop and Sephora (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own. 

Copyright © 2024 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Received.

Woosh Beauty The Essential Brush Set

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

Woosh Beauty Essential Brush Set features 4 dual-ended brushes that do the work of 8 full-sized professional tools. They are cruelty-free, vegan and they are very effective. The synthetic bristles are very densely packed, but they are soft against the face, and therefore people with sensitive skin will experience no irritation. However, the bristles are not so soft as to impair efficacy. All of the brushes pick up and deposit makeup with ease, and they feel wonderfully silky as they glide across the skin. The handles are comfortable in the hand and they are well-balanced, and thus these brushes are very easy to use.

These 4 dual-ended brushes include:

• An Eye brush (for creating all eye makeup looks)
• A Perfector brush (for covering blemishes and dark spots flawlessly)
• A Contour brush (for making contouring easy and delivering natural results)
• A Blush & Blend brush (for giving your look an airbrushed finish)

Features:

• Each filament is specially treated and tipped to enhance color carrying capability.
• Made from soft, synthetic bristles that are vegan and animal cruelty-free

The Essential Eye Brush #1 (Available in the brush set, but not currently available separately): Begin with the wider, curved end of the brush to sweep eye shadow over eyelids (use Base, Define or Shine shadows). The tapered end distributes shadow softly across your lids and is gentle on your creases. Use the smaller, angled end of the brush to line, frame and shape your eyes (use Line shadow). This end can also be used to fill in or extend eyebrows.

One double-ended Essential Eye Brush. This brush has a rounded end that's shaved on one side for applying base shades all over your lid, and flat on the other side to rock color into your crease. With an angled liner brush on the opposite end, you can create tons of eye looks with this one brush! 

The Essential Perfector Brush #2 (Sold separately for $24.00 from Woosh Beauty): Begin with the smaller tip to spot treat marks with one or both of the Perfectors in the Fold Out Face, or any concealer or foundation of your choice. Use the bigger end to blot and conceal areas of discoloration and touch up the t-zon

One double-ended Essential Perfector Brush. The large bulleted end is perfect for concealing areas of discoloration and touching up your T-zone, and the small bulleted end will cover blemishes, dark veins, or smaller areas that need just a little custom coverage. 

The Essential Contour Brush #3 (Sold separately for $24.00 from Woosh Beauty): Use the smaller end to apply LIGHT colored highlighter under eyes, down the bridge of your nose, and on your forehead. Use the bigger end to apply DARK colored contour powder under cheeks, on jawline and neck

One double-ended Essential Contour Brush. Both sides of this brush are angled to naturally glide across the contours of your face. Use the larger end to apply dark-colored contour powder under cheeks, on jawline and on neck. Use the smaller end to apply light-colored highlighter under eyes, down the bridge of your nose and on your forehead.

The Essential Blush & Blend Brush #4/5 ($29.00 from Woosh Beauty): Use the smaller end of the brush to apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. (Smile to find your apples!) Use the wider end of the brush to apply blender powder all over your face, softening and blurring any harsh lines or edges (pay careful attention to your neckline to avoid a sharp line and for a more natural look). For a special glow, finish with shimmer on the smaller end of the brush as a final step.

One double-ended Essential Blush & Blend Brush. With a rounded end for perfectly applying blush, and a flat-topped end for evenly blending powder, this will quickly become a brush you can't live without.

Overall Assessment: This is a nice brush set that the makeup brush enthusiast is sure to covet.

$79.00 from Woosh Beauty (Unaffiliated Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Hourglass Nº 13 Precision Smudge Brush Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

The Hourglass Nº 13 Precision Smudge Brush is a brush that I had been considering for a while, and I finally picked it up during a recent sale. This smudge brush has very soft Taklon bristles that are gentle on the skin without sacrificing efficacy. 

This brush is ideal for smudging liner into the lower lash line, but also works well for a soft and smoky smudged effect in the upper lash line. It can be used with powder, cream or liquid products and the pointed dome fits nicely in the lash line. I often use it to soften my pencil liner or smudge powder and cream shadows into my lash line. It also blends and softens harsh lines effortlessly. The metal handle is comfortable in the hand, and it is nicely weighted for ease of use.

According to Hourglass, this is a: "Tapered dome bristles are ideal for drawing along the lower lash line."

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristle 

• Taklon is a more hygienic alternative to animal hair and an excellent alternative for those who suffer from animal hair allergies 

• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application 

• May be used to apply liquid, cream or powder products 

• Vegan and cruelty free

Directions: Use to smudge products onto skin, such as along your lashline.

The tapered dome, and its soft Taklon bristles are comfortable against even the most sensitive skin.

I have washed my brush many times, and it still has not shed a single Taklon bristle.

Overall Assessment: If you are looking for an excellent smudge brush, then look no further.

$36.00 from Hourglass, Nordstrom, Ulta, Beautylish, Bluemercury and Bloomingdale's (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Hourglass Nº 7 Finishing Brush Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

The Hourglass Nº 7 Finishing Brush is a recent splurge, but this was not out-of-the-blue, by any means. I have wanted this brush for many years now, and finally purchased it during the recent Sephora VIB Spring Sale (along with a few other things). 

This is a large, ultra-soft Kabuki-style brush with densely-packed Taklon bristles that can be used with cream, liquid and powder products. This brush is very effective at depositing foundation, blush, highlighter and bronzer, and then blending them for a seamless finish. The weighted metal handle fits into the hand perfectly and comfortably, and allows for maximum control as one maneuvers the contours of the face. This cruelty-free, and vegan, brush is just as effective as its luxury natural-hair counterparts, and it is a real pleasure to use. While this is most definitely a luxury splurge item, that I didn't need, it is now one of my most reached-for multipurpose brushes. I should note that I have washed it twice already (once before use, and once after), and it has not shed a single hair.

Directions: Swirl the brush into liquid or powder foundation until the desired amount of pigment is deposited. f using powder, tap the brush on its side to remove any excess pigment. Apply to the face in circular or sweeping motions.

According to Hourglass,

The Hourglass Nº 7 Finishing brush is a full and rounded brush, and is designed to effortlessly buff on foundation, blush or powder.

Features:

• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristle 

• Taklon is a more hygienic alternative to animal hair and an excellent alternative for those who suffer from animal hair allergies 

• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application 

• May be used to apply liquid, cream or powder products 

• Vegan and cruelty free

TO CLEAN: Gently clean brush with mild soap and water. Lay flat to dry.

Overall Assessment: This was a really great purchase for me, and I am so happy with this obsession-worthy brush. A+

$65.00 from Hourglass, Sephora, Nordstrom, bluemercury, Net-A-Porter, Neiman Marcus, Ulta, Space NK and Beautylish (Affiliate Links). Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Luxie 20-Piece Expert Artist Brush Kit

Press Sample (Affiliated Links)

If you are obsessed with cruelty-free makeup brushes that are effective, stylish and a pleasure to use, then you have probably already been introduced to Luxie, and you may even one some of their covet-worthy brushes. I, myself, have long been obsessed with makeup brushes, and I have amassed some of my most coveted tools that make it a pleasure to apply makeup. My Luxie brushes get a lot of use, and I really love them. They are soft, but not too soft that they lack efficacy, and they deposit color and blend to perfection. Whether you are a professional makeup artist, or not, the Luxie 20-Piece Expert Artist Kit is an extraordinary value and it is perfect for travel or at-home use.

Here are a few more reasons to love Luxie:

From the beginning, LUXIE has taken a greener approach and “do no harm to the Earth and its creatures”, crafting a complete collection of fan-favorite functional makeup brushes and beauty tools. One of the first to engineer an entirely vegan, high-performing makeup brush, the company has awed and inspired celebrity makeup lovers around the world since 2014 with premium tools engineered to deliver professional results.  

Now, the much awaited 20-piece LUXIE  Expert Artist Kit launches along with insight from industry pros,  Valerie Noble, Lynn Simpson, and Anthony Pazos. Giving their go to tips in creating the hottest celebrity looks for stars such as Gretchen Rossi, Khloe Kardashian, Christian Serratos (Selena), Ashley Greene (Twilight), Beyonce, Antoinette Robertson (Dear White People), Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Gretchen Rossi, and more.

With a strong commitment to giving back, LUXIE is proud to be philanthropic in any way they can. They partner with the World Wildlife Fund, helping to raise financial support for wildlife preservation, and they proudly promote equality donating to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Campaign Zero, ACLU, Reclaim the Block, and Grassroots Law Project. LUXIE also believes that “when you look good, you feel good,” and seeks to empower women by regularly donating products to the San Jose Women’s Shelter, along with volunteering time at the area’s Second Harvest Food Bank.

According to Luxie,

The Luxie Expert Artist Kit was created by a community of passionate professionals looking to assemble the ideal kit for any situation. From the stage to the screen, this set has you covered with a wide array of tools designed for advanced looks and technical application. Even the bag itself doubles as a handy belt to keep this kit on as you work. Join our community of Experts and Enthusiasts with this amazing assortment.

Luxie 20-Piece Expert Artist Kit Includes:

502 Large Powder- A must-have to set any face makeup with powder

520 Tapered Face Brush- Bronzer, blush, or other purposes that fit for the makeup look

522 Tapered Highlighting Brush- Ideal for applying powder highlighting products to the tops of your cheekbones, bridge of your nose, above the brow, and Cupid’s bow for a perfect glowing complexion.

504 large Angled Brush- Use this angled brush to apply your favorite powder or cream blush, bronzer, or contour products to your cheeks or the hollows of your face to define and accentuate your best features.

512 Small Contouring Brush- Ideal for applying cream or powder contour products to the hollows of your cheeks and face for a perfectly defined look.

530 Flat Top Kabuki Brush- Use this brush to buff in cream, powder, and liquid foundations for a sheer to full coverage airbrushed finish.

532 Round Top Kabuki Brush- Mostly adding for when people use cream products

Precision Blender Sponge (Brown)- Blending out face makeup for final touches or applying foundation

Detail Blender Sponge (Pink)- Blending out inner corners, small spaces, small details

205 Tapered Blending Brush- Bigger blending brush for the whole eyelid

213 Eye shading Brush- Applying on initial shadows

231 Small Tapered Blending Brush- Use this small brush to create depth and definition in the crease and outer corners while still blending out harsh lines

207 Medium Angled Shader Brush- Use for many functions for the eyes or contouring the nose.

223 Short Shader Brush- Perfect for packing on your favorite eyeshadows and pigments or carving out a cut crease with cream eyeshadow or concealer.\

221 Flat Definer Brush- Ideal for smudging out cream or powder products on your upper and lower lashlines.

217 Pencil Eye Brush- The perfect tool to define your outer corner while smudging out harsh lines for a smoky look.

215 Small Angle Brush- This a firm, dense brush that can be used with cream or powder eyeshadow to precisely line your eye or create the perfect wing.

201 Spoolie Brush- Ideal for shaping and grooming brows before makeup application, and to brush out the excess powder, pencil, or pomade. 

219 Eyeliner Brush- This thin, firm but flexible brush drawing perfect eyeliner with gel products

Makeup Belt Bag- This innovation bag is designed to hold all your favorite beauty tools. It is for efficiency, ease, and practicality. Features 24 brush pockets and 2 larger pockets, ensuring all your essentials are ready when you need them. 

On the side, it has a zipped pouch attached by snap buttons and a small zipper pocket. They are great for holding eyeshadow palettes, blender sponges, and more!

The pro makeup set, and makeup bag, is perfect for professional and home use, travel and storage to keep your set protected.

The brushes fit snuggly in the bag, and there are plenty of Zipper compartments to store anything you need.

The detachable small makeup bag is a brilliant addition, and it snaps to the large makeup bag for added convenience.

The makeup bag is sturdy, durable and attractive. 

There is a large zipper compartment that has lots of space.

Here you can see the size of the small detachable makeup bag in relation to the large bag.

Overall Assessment: This is a really amazing kit, and I highly recommend it. However, if you only need a few brushes you simply can't go wrong buying Luxie brushes individually.

$225.00 for the Luxie Expert Artist Kit from Luxie (Unaffiliated Link). Luxie Brushes can also be purchased at Nordstrom, Macy's, Luxie Beauty Amazon Store, LookFantastic and Revolve (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

HOURGLASS No. 3 All-Over Shadow Brush Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

HOURGLASS No. 3 All-Over Shadow Brush is yet another recent purchase that I made. Once again, I had been contemplating this brush for a while, and finally decided to treat myself. This vegan and cruelty-free medium sized eyeshadow brush, with its soft Taklon bristles, features a nicely weighted metal handle that offers perfect control and balance. The bristles are velvety soft against the skin, and yet not so soft as to be ineffective. It picks up and deposits shadows effortlessly, and can be used for powder, liquid and cream products. It also is quite effective in is ability to blend shadows, and it is very easy to clean. I have washed mine three times, and I haven't lost a single bristle.

According to Hourglass,

The Hourglass Nº 3 All Over Eye Shadow brush seamlessly applies, layers and blends powder eye shadow over the entire lid.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristle.

• Taklon is a more hygienic alternative to animal hair and an excellent alternative for those who suffer from animal hair allergies.

• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application. 

• May be used to apply liquid, cream or powder products.

• Vegan and cruelty free.

Overall Assessment: This was a lovely gift to myself, and once again I wish that I had purchased this brush sooner since I reach for it all of the time.

$36.00 from HOURGLASS, Nordstrom, Sephora, Beautylish, Space NK, Bluemercury, Ulta, Harvey Nichols and Cult Beauty (Affiliate Links).

Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2020 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO AIRBRUSH PERFECTOR #51 | REVIEW

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I have been online stalking the Sephora Collection Pro Airbrush Perfector #51 for about a year, and didn't purchase it until now principally because I already had more than enough multipurpose foundation and blending brushes, but I kept returning to this one because it really resonated with me. I love that the brush itself is quite compact, it measure a little under 4" inches in length, and that it comes with its own plastic case to protect it while traveling. In fact, between its compact size and plastic case, it is the perfect travel companion.

This brush has densely packed cruelty-free synthetic bristles with a beveled edge, making it a perfect blender brush that can efficiently get into hard-to-reach places. The bristles are soft, but not so soft as to be ineffective. It picks up, lays down and blends out products to perfection, and it truly does achieve an airbrush finish– as the name suggests. It can be used to apply foundation, bronzer, highlighter and finishing powder, and I have found that it works equally well with cream, liquid, and powder formulas. That said, I tend to use it the most to apply foundation, and because the bristles are synthetic it does not waste foundation by unwanted absorption. The dense plastic handle is comfortable in the hand, and the brush is quite well-balanced and user-friendly.

According to Sephora,

A multi-use, multi-formula precision brush that can be used all over the face to achieve flawless results. This brush allows you to apply any of your complexion products from foundation to contour products to highlighter and blush. It's the perfect universal complexion brush that fits in your makeup bag. It can be used with creams, liquids, powders, and translucent powder formulas.
This product is not tested on animals.

Suggested Usage: Place product on one side of the brush. Blend in one direction for fuller coverage. Use the clean side to buff off any excess product or sheer out coverage. To use as a contour brush: Place product on half of the tip of the brush and blend in an angular motion in one direction. Can also be used to apply bronzer our highlighter to décolleté.

Note the extent to which the bristles are densely packed.

Overall Assessment: I love this brush, and the only regret that I have is waiting so long to buy it. 

Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own.

$34.00 from Sephora (Affiliate Links).

Copyright © 2019 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.