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Makeup brushes develop a lot of dirt and bacteria as we use them.  To keep our skin clean and healthy, it is very important to make sure to keep your makeup brushes and other tools clean as well.  By keeping your brushes clean and cared for, it also helps your quality brushes last much longer. 
How often you need to clean your makeup brushes does depend on factors such as:
- Do you apply makeup daily? 
- Do you apply a heavy amount of makeup for each application? 

A good rule of thumb with regular use of brushes even if it is a few days a week, is to clean them once per week for creams and liquids. For powders, you can get away with once every 2 weeks unless you use highly pigmented and bold colors also if you change colors up often. This prevents the bold colors from getting muddied up and keeps the look clean. 

Always wipe the brushes in between uses to get extra residue off. You can use a dry color removal sponge, paper towel, lint free cloth, etc.

If you do makeup on clients or anyone other than yourself using your brushes, make sure to clean them after each use. 

Here are the steps to cleaning your makeup brushes:
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1. First, wet the hairs under the faucet using warm water with the brush hairs pointing downward – this will help prevent any water from staying in the ferrule (metal part) or handle part of the brushes. Be sure the water is not too hot because it can melt the glue that keep the brush together. If the water is too cold, then it can harden the residue in the brush and it will be hard to remove. 

2. Use a makeup brush specific soap (such as Beauty Blender or Sigma) or a mild shampoo (baby shampoo).  Squirt a little soap on your fingers and apply it to the hairs from ferrule (base) to tip. Gently squeeze the hairs from ferrule to hair tips over and over while adding a little water at a time. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear. When rinsing, make sure you keep the brush hairs pointing downward.

3. After you have cleaned your brush, gently brush them on a clean paper towel or a lint free cloth and lay them to air dry on their side on a towel or on a brush drying rack hanging face down. Never let brushes dry with brush hairs up in a brush holder. The water can run down into the ferrule and over time will break down the glue holding the brush together. At this point, it’s a good idea to reshape the brush to prevent splaying. 

4. Let brushes dry completely before using. Dry time will vary, depending on size and brush density. When you remove the dry brushes from the drying rack or pick them up from the towel, I like to work them into the palm of my hand in a circular motion 1-2 times to bring the softness and/ or fluffiness back into the brush. 

Thank you for visiting our site and checking out this article. <3
Here are recommended items to invest in for your brush cleaning: Click on the photos for the purchase link.

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Beauty may be costly, but it doesn't have to be. You can employ a myriad of tips and tricks that I have also used when saving money and some I still use. Most, if not all, of these inexpensive beauty hacks, are either free or cost very little!

1. Use Baby Oil as a makeup remover: If you wear makeup, you can remove it with Baby Oil. You might never switch since it works rather well and is super budget-friendly. 
2. DIY organic facemask: If you do not like putting a plethora of chemicals on your face, then this hack will save your life. Mix fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, oils, coffee grounds, sugar and more for your mask and put it on your face for 15 to 20 minutes. Then rinse with lukewarm water for a fresh glow on your face. Different ingredients can do different things for your skin. Be sure to do your research to see which ingredients will help you meet your skin goals. 
3. Drugstore products suffice: You don't always have to be using high-end beauty products for a long-lasting makeup look. Most drugstore products, work almost the same and can save you tons of money. Drugstores such as Walgreens have given more access to good beauty products. Best drugstore makeup include: NYX and E.L.F.
4. Make Drugstore foundation look high-end: There are a number of ways that you can make your inexpensive foundation look flawless on your skin. On a clean face, you can use witch hazel as a toner, be sure to moisturize, use one primer (such as NYX The Marsh Mellow Primer). Let that set for a few minutes, apply light amount of foundation, then lightly apply translucent powder primarily under the eyes. Want to turn your foundation into tinted moisturizer (light coverage)? add moisturizer to your foundation and mix well (works well especially if your moisturizer is lightweight). 
5. Basic DIY body scrub:  Here’s how you can make yourself an organic DIY body scrub; take coffee grounds, or sugar, 1-2 drops of essential oil for scent if you prefer, and then pour the required amount of olive oil or baby oil over it. Mix well, and voila! your body scrub is ready.
6. Use lipstick as blush and eyeshadow:
It has been a practice for centuries, for women to use lipsticks on their cheeks and a little bit on the eyes. You can just use the lipstick as both and be on your way. 
7. Do your own manicure and pedicure: Manicures and pedicures can add up to a lot if you are trying to save money. You could do both at home by using a few items that are available at your home. These items include: oils, lotions, hand cream, nail file, and nail paints. You can look put together all the time without spending much money. Other items that you can purchase for a good mani/ pedi: cuticle trimmer and buffing block. 
8. Less is more: When it comes to skincare, less is more. You don’t need hundreds of products. All you need is a moisturizer (bonus if it includes SPF), witch hazel, and a cleanser to keep your skin clear.
9. Make your own lash serum: Save your pennies and apply castor, coconut oil, and opened vitamin E capsules. Mix well, and apply to your lashes with a spoolie to help with growth.
10. Best low cost mascaras: Maybelline Great Lash and Essence Lash Princess - both are on average about $5 each and do an excellent job. 

I Hope that these tips and tricks will be helpful to you. Remember to practice self care whenever you can, especially in these stressful times!

Much love to all of you, my Crit-Beauties! 

​- Lyn