Okay, so I have slight OCD. But that should be a good thing in this industry, right? I've always been a stickler for hygiene, and my makeup artists at MAC can attest to that. So let's talk about cleaning our brushes - the shortcut way. And must I emphasize, deep cleansing is STILL the best way.
When I was born into the makeup world, I learned that the conventional way to use brush cleansers is as follows:
- Pour a minimal amount into a shallow dish – like a petri dish or large saucer (glass coasters will work)
- Dip your brush to soak it with product
- Then dry using a paper towel or a regular towel.
However, I find this quite wasteful especially for the more pricey brush cleansers.
When I was at MAC, my mentor taught me to:
- Decant cleanser into an atomizer
- Spritz onto paper towel
- Stipple the brush lightly onto the paper towel to clean
This was how I would do it for the longest time, since I
deep cleanse my brushes every time anyway. It was just to avoid bacteria growth
and such for me. It was effective – but since turning freelance, I thought,
maybe it’s not the method, but the actual cleanser! This led me to Parian
Spirit, and now, Angelo Falconi III’s formulas.
I wouldn’t be discussing the Regular Strength in too much
detail, as the latter explanation above would suffice. I will teach you though,
on how to use the Extra Strength formula.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Angelo Falconi III Extra Strength Brush Cleanser
- Plastic or glass container
- Soiled brushes
- Paper Towel
- Towel for your brushes
- Drying Rack
- Shake the bottle well. Careful when you pop the lip open, some of the product might go to your eyes.
- Find a plastic takeout container, or and old jar to place the cleanser in – preferably around 6 inches in diameter and nothing larger. Remember to recyle!
- Pour a small amount of the cleanser into the container, around less than a centimeter deep.
- Dip the brush into the liquid and gently stir, then press the brush’s sides against the container.
- You will see the gunk getting into the liquid and out of your brush. Press the sides of the brush once again against the container to take out the excess cleanser.
- Stipple the brush lightly onto the paper towel, then onto the towel.
- Place on drying rack.
I documented the first time I used the cleanser to see for myself if it worked or not. Guess what? It did! Oh, don't be afraid of the gunk transferring to the next brush - it won't! Sharing with you photos of my brushes and their before and after photos!
BEFORE |
AFTER |
I focused mainly on my blending brushes and the concealer brush I use as a lip brush as these are synthetic. Can you see the difference?! It's as good as washing my brushes!
TADA! All the foundation, concealer, cream shadow and lipstick are in this broth!
What else is there to say? If you are not that satisfied with the brush cleanser you currently have, this is definitely worth it. You have nothing to lose.
Available at Purbeauty Serendra and at all Angelo Falconi III Salons.