How to condition brushes?

[#1]

I recently had asked what some good eye brushes were.  I remember seeing something about conditioning brushes.  Most of my eye brushes are natural hair so what kind of conditioner should I use on them so that they're softer?  Does any hair conditioner work or something like baby conditioner?

[#2]

I received a bottle of Bare Escentuals brush cleaner, and I use it on every natural-hair brush that I own.  It cleans and conditions the bristles so well, that after you've reshaped the bristles and let the brush THOROUGHLY dry, the brushes are practically brand new again!  I feel like any good brush cleaner will perform the same, but I would recommend using something specific for brushes, and not a hair cleanser... Many shampoos and conditioners meant for human hair leave a residue that makes hair look amazing  but will either be detrimental to your makeup or your face!

[#3]

Hi sammiebaby,

Melissa and Julie's suggestions are perfect. I deep clean my brushes once a week using the Sephora Brush Shampoo, usually a spot cleaner is sufficient enough to use on a daily basis in between washes.

For emollient or even liquid products (like foundation), which can stain brushes, try rubbing a tiny bit of olive oil onto your brush before shampooing them.

[#4]

Hi Sammiebaby,

Washing your brushes with a brush shampoo will definitely help them to stay soft and fluffy but after washing you can treat them with your own hair mask--this keeps them ultra plush. I like to use the Living Proof restore mask--it makes your brushes smell great too! Keep in mind that this technique only works on natural hair brushes.

Hope this helps keep your brushes in tip-top shape!

Cheers,

Helen

[#5]

Hi Sammiebaby,

I suggest using a very small of ultra gentle conditioner on your brushes. If you brushes are synthetic you do not need to condition them. Over time natural hair brushes can become dry and porous. Adding moisturizer back to them in a great idea however, you have to be careful about hydrating them too much!

[#6]

Hi Sammiebaby,

Yes, conditioning your brushes are crucial to prolong the life of them. Most brush cleaner shampoo work well to deeply cleanse and condition them as well. I would avoid using hair shampoo if they have sulfate as that will dry your bristles. If you are in a pinch, then ultra gentle baby shampoo can work, but here are some suggestions of brush shampoo that I've liked.

Sephora Collection Purifying Brush Shampoo

http://www.sephora.com/purifying-brush-shampoo-P208012?skuId=1069954

Also, CinemaSecrets makes a really awesome daily brush cleaner that will remove all residue and also keep your brushes conditions. You can find them online or at specialty beauty stores.