How often do you replace makeup brushes?

skio

Because I suck at this.

Also, do you wash them? I know nothing.

Jennifer102011

Last year I invested in a really good set of brushes and am yet to replace them. Prior to the ones I have now, I just used the brushes until they started getting bare. I use http://www.sephora.com/daily-brush-cleaner-P208011?skuId=1069947 to clean my brushes daily.

Mystery2B

Ok, I suck because I know I don't clean them often enough (although I also don't use them daily anymore). I clean them like every couple months now.

And I use them till the bristle loss rate gets too high...for my nice brushes it's like years of use. Cheap brushes a year or less. I literally have had the same blush brush since like 2003. 

misspunky

The makeup I get (Physician's Formula loose powder) comes with a kabuki brush, so I have a new one every time I get more. For my bronzer/blush brush, I invested in a Sephora brush--LOVE it--and have yet to replace it. It's lasted me a couple years so far. I really should wash it more often, I guess I just don't think about it since I put makeup only on a freshly washed face.

TarHeels&Rebels

I've had the same eyeshadow brushes since 1999.  No lie.  Victoria's Secret was working hard at the time to establish itself as a major makeup line and vying to compete with Clinique, etc, so the brushes were fantastic.  My other brushes are Estee Lauder and are 6 years old.  So yeah, $30/brush, but they've lasted a long, long time.

I don't wash as often as I should - generally only when I start to notice that I'm inexplicably breaking out.  I just use plain liquid hand soap (Softsoap) and swish them around til the water runs clear, then leave them on the edge of the sink to dry overnight.

pavingtheroad

I havent replaced mine yet but I wash them every so often.

skio

Phew, good to know I wasn't supposed to be doing this every six months or something. I just invested in a new set of eyeshadow brushes, plus a powder and kabuki. I love my blush brush so I'll try cleaning that one soon and hopefully I can stop being a slacker and take care of my new set.

Thanks for the replies!

skyllingstadl

I only replace if they seem like the quality is declining. As for washing I wash when I can tell that the application isnt so great- I also only use them on a freshly washed face but usually after a few months I can tell that they need washing and I can see a marked improvement in how my make up goes on after they are freshly washed. I use the brush cleaner that came w/ my Bare Essentuals stuff.

lauren&matt

Good golly, mine are from 1999!! No lie- Bobbie Brown. I clean them probably every 6-8 months. (not often enough, I'm sure.) And I don't plan on replacing them any time soon. They are in excellent condition.

RecoveringActor

If you take good care of your brushes... they should last you a really long time. 

As far as cleaning them, it's not just about how often you clean them but also what you clean them with.  I get an unscented glycerin based soap, and by glycerin based soap I mean the only ingredients are glycerin and palm oil.  That's it.  Get the bristles a bit wet, rub it on the soap, and work the brush with your fingers.  It's really REALLY important to not let the feral of the brush (the metal part that holds the bristles to the handle) get wet.  Because water can get up inside the feral and make loosen the glue.

When you lay them out to dry, do not stand them up.  Lay them flat to dry,  hanging off of a dresser.   

rachel801231

RecoveringActor:

If you take good care of your brushes... they should last you a really long time. 

As far as cleaning them, it's not just about how often you clean them but also what you clean them with.  I get an unscented glycerin based soap, and by glycerin based soap I mean the only ingredients are glycerin and palm oil.  That's it.  Get the bristles a bit wet, rub it on the soap, and work the brush with your fingers.  It's really REALLY important to not let the feral of the brush (the metal part that holds the bristles to the handle) get wet.  Because water can get up inside the feral and make loosen the glue.

When you lay them out to dry, do not stand them up.  Lay them flat to dry,  hanging off of a dresser.   

This totally.  Also, we tell all our clients at the makeup counter, whatever cleanser you use for your face is good enough for your makeup brushes.  When I clean brushes between clients I put a pump of cleanser in the cap and swirl the brush around and wipe it off.  Or you can rinse it under luke warm water (we don't have water at the counter so we wipe it off).  Make sure to dry the brush upside down (if you can without bending bristles) or the bristles at an angle ( prop the handle on a book)

lucy460

I replace maybe every 10 years, but I am no model to follow.

I do wash them periodically, and whenever I do, I'm amazed by how much softer they are!

doddscj1

I have had the same brushes for 6+ years and have never had to replace them! They are Mary Kay brushes, so pretty decent quality. If you take care of your brushes you won't have to replace them very often.

erollis

I have Bobbie Brown brushes also. I haven't needed to replace them yet. When they start seeming dirty to me or every two months I clean them.

MarySmithy

I replace them every year and wash them when they start to get dirty. When cleaning your makeup brushes, make sure that only the brush part gets wet and not where the brush hairs are attached to. Makeup brushes last longer when you use a protector that would save the brush hairs from being bent when stuffed inside your bag.

lovesclimbing

doddscj1 said:

I have had the same brushes for 6+ years and have never had to replace them! They are Mary Kay brushes, so pretty decent quality. If you take care of your brushes you won't have to replace them very often.

Same here!  I have the Mary Kay brush set and have had them for over five years now.  They work great and I've only washed them maybe twice in the five years.  However, some of them I rarely use.  I haven't used the powder foundation or blush brushes in a year or two.  I mostly wear Mary Kay cream eyeshadow now, which uses two other brushes that I've had for only about two years, but I use both at least 5 times a week.  (And I have never washed these.)

srcr2011

I have yet to replace mine. I have all kinds, everything from MAC to e.l.f. I have my faves and for some reason, I always reach for the e.l.f shader and blush brush. I use baby shampoo, staying away from the the ferrel as much, rinse and squeeze the water out. DON"T pull when you squeeze, but just squeeze. Use luke warm water, hot water may loosen the glue. I lay my brushes on a towel at a slight angle, handle up and let them dry completely.

EmilyAshford

I haven't replaced my 1st kabuki brush.

yay..  

I'm new into this makeup- thingie.. 

I just clean it once in a while

christinekk

Wash them with a special brush shampoo and water.  Bobbi Brown's is the best.  The "quickie" spray cleaners don't really clean your brushes.  Rinse them good, squeeze out the excess water and let air dry while they lay on their side.  Do not dry standing up in a cup.  And DO NOT put in a dishwasher or wash machine.  I used to be a makeup artist.  People have done this.   

christinekk

You can have brushes for years if you take care of them.  Precision brushes (liner, brow) should be replaced more often as they lose their shape more quickly and you won't get as good of an application.  Powder, bronzer, blush last a long time...  years.

chatita_78

I use a brush spray to clean my brushes after each application to hold me over until I wash them which I do weekly. Don't lay them on their side because that still sill swell the wood and loosen the glue. I bought a bunch of these brush guards from The Brush Guard as recommended by Michelle Phan. I http://michellephan.com/my-ultimate-diy-brush-cleaner/ The only time I've ever need to replaced my brushes was not because they were messed up, but because my makeup collection got stolen out of my car... They stole all my good stuff thinking it was a purse. It was devastating but thank goodness for renters insurance they gave me some money back. Hard to believe $900 was in my bag. SUUUCKED!!

rachb17

I think it depends on the quality of the brush. When it starts losing a lot of hairs that's when I begin to replace them. And I try to wash them once a week with shampoo and cold water and let them air dry standing up. Hope that helps!

Mrs.Rad888

The only makeup brush I've had to replace was the one DD cut the bristles from. If you buy good quality brushes and care for them, they should last forever. I have brushes I've had for over 10 years, and I'm not even that good about washing them regularly.