Brush Cleaning and Caring
Brush Care
Your Artist Atelier brushes are crafted by master artisans in Seoul, using 100% premium, ultra-soft fibres chosen for their performance on skin. With the right care, they'll stay as soft, precise, and flawless as the day they arrived.
Think of brush care the way you'd think of caring for anything truly well-made. A little attention, done consistently, keeps them performing beautifully for years.
Why It Matters
Makeup residue, oils, and bacteria build up in brush fibres with every use. Over time, that affects more than hygiene — it compromises blending, alters colour payoff, and puts unnecessary stress on the bristles.
Clean brushes blend better. They pick up colour more accurately, apply more evenly, and feel softer on your skin. Caring for your Artist Atelier brushes isn't just maintenance — it's how you protect your investment and get the most out of every application.
Daily Spot Cleaning
After each use, a quick spot clean keeps your brushes fresh and ready for the next application — especially important when switching between products or shades.
Spritz a small amount of 99% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) onto a clean tissue or cloth. Gently swipe the brush across it in short, downward strokes until the fibres run clean. Allow to air dry for a few minutes before using again.
This is the same technique used by professional makeup artists on set — fast, effective, and gentle enough for daily use.
Weekly Deep Clean
Once a week, or whenever brushes feel heavy with product, give them a proper cleanse.
What you'll need: A gentle antibacterial soap or dedicated brush cleanser, lukewarm water, and a clean towel.
- Wet the bristles with lukewarm water, keeping the ferrule (the metal collar) and handle dry. Water sitting in the ferrule loosens the glue over time.
- Work a small amount of soap gently through the bristles using your fingertips or a textured cleaning mat. Use slow, circular motions — no scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly under running water, again keeping water away from the ferrule.
- Gently squeeze out excess water with a clean towel. Never wring or twist.
- Reshape the bristles with your fingers and lay flat or hang to dry (see below).
Drying — The Right Way
How you dry your brushes matters just as much as how you clean them.
After washing, always lay brushes flat on a clean towel to dry, or hang them bristle-side down using a brush holder or drying rack. This lets air circulate evenly and prevents water from migrating into the ferrule.
Never stand wet brushes upright in a cup — water travels down into the handle, weakening the glue bond and shortening the life of the brush. Never use a hairdryer or place brushes near direct heat. High temperatures damage ultra-soft fibres and can cause permanent shedding.
Allow brushes to dry fully before storing or using — ideally overnight.
Storage
Store your Artist Atelier brushes in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. A brush roll, case, or dedicated brush cup with the bristles facing up works beautifully for everyday access.Avoid cramming brushes together in a way that bends the bristles out of shape. The fibres have a natural memory — keeping them straight and supported means they'll hold their form wash after wash.
What to Avoid
A few things to keep in mind to protect your brushes long-term:
- Avoid soaking bristles or submerging the ferrule in water
- Never use harsh detergents, alcohol-based cleansers for deep cleans, or anything containing acetone
- Avoid drying brushes standing upright or near heat sources
- Don't use brushes with hands that are still wet — excess moisture affects product pick-up and can introduce bacteria
- Resist the urge to pull or tug at loose bristles — if shedding occurs, contact us
Brushes crafted with care deserve to be cared for. These simple habits take minutes and make all the difference — to your skin, your application, and the life of your tools.