Tool Time: Better with Makeup Brushes

Why You Should Use Makeup Brushes

“Tool Time” was a show within a show entitled “Home Improvement” starring Tim Allen. I enjoyed Tim “The Toolman” Taylor, Allen’s character name on the show. It was sitcom that aired throughout the nineties and although Tim Taylor did not appear to be an expert with his tools, he definitely respected them.

My favorite beauty tools are my makeup brushes. It makes the job easier, more efficient, and more precise. I never use the applicators that come with the makeup products. While they basically get the job done, you will find better results by investing in a set of professional makeup brushes.

Yes, you can maneuver a screw with a butter knife or hammer a nail with a shoe, but we know it takes longer, not as precise, and doesn’t quite work as well. The same is true with your makeup brushes. Each has a specific job and gets the job done so much better.

Just as The Toolman respected his gadgets, you should do the same with your brushes. Be sure to keep them clean, otherwise they will have bacteria buildup, causing breakouts in your complexion. Not the look for which you’re going. When you treat your brushes well, it becomes a great return on your investment because they will last many years.

Caring for Your Brushes

After each use, I gently cleanse my brushes with a daily brush cleanser. It just takes a couple of minutes. Simply spray the cleanser on a paper towel and wipe the brush bristles on it until it’s clear.

Occasionally, you will need to do a deeper cleanse. I use the same facial cleanser for my brushes that I use in my skincare routine. This is my process:

Wet the bristles in warm water and have a drop of cleanser in the palm in your hand. Gently swish the brush to cleanse it. Rinse and repeat until all the makeup is out. I air dry my brushes on a towel for a couple of hours. Then I set them brush side-up in my designated makeup-mug to dry completely.

Important tip: Do not allow water to come into contact to where the bristles meet the casing of the brush handle. The water will dissolve the glue and the bristles will fall out. Trust me. Live and learn. Also, do not dry the brushes with the bristles upward when they are very wet. Same concept. Water can drip into the casing and the bristles fall out.

Enjoy your brushes. You will find it to be an easier and faster process and when you properly care for the brushes, they will become your favorite tools for many years to come.