How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

We paint, contour, and flush our faces with makeup brushes every day, but how often are those brushes being cleaned after the fact? Turns out, not enough. (Shocker.) According to dermatologists and makeup artists, we should be sudsing up our tools on a weekly basis — at least — in order to prevent bacteria buildup, which can ultimately led to unwanted breakouts. We here at Neonfix have to clean our brushes after EVERY client. We are a bit OCD. Read on to find out how to clean up your makeup brushes the right way.

First of all, how often should you clean your makeup brushes?

Most dermatologists will tell you to soak your tools, especially foundation and concealer brushes, once a week — at minimum — to prevent product buildup. Because these brushes are used on your face, the cleaner, the better, says Bobbi Brown. "Brushes that are used around the eyes should be cleaned at least twice a month," she says. "All others can be washed once a month." We definitely think you should wash weekly if not daily.

According to makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci, soaping up your makeup brushes regularly can extend the life of the bristles and make for a better makeup application. "Brush hairs and sponges are porous, so they hold onto oils, debris, and bacteria," she says. "If your brushes are dirty, your application will be spotty and blending will be difficult."

What should you use to clean your makeup brushes?

The best (and most thorough) method for cleaning your tools requires only water and either a basic shampoo (nothing with too much protein /keratin which can stick to brush hairs and make it difficult to apply product.), gentle soap (regular soap formulas can dry out the brush's bristles, especially if they are made of natural hair) or brush cleanser. (Easy, peasy.)

How do you actually clean the brushes?

Follow these seven steps for cleaner, good-as-new brushes and blenders.

1. Wet the bristles with lukewarm water.

2. Place a drop of makeup brush cleanser, shampoo or soap into the palm of your hand.

3. Gently massage the tips of the bristles in your palm.

4. Rinse the bristles.

5. Squeeze out the excess moisture with a clean towel.

6. Reshape the brush head.

7. Let the brush dry with its bristles hanging off the edge of a counter, thereby allowing it to dry in the correct shape. Never let your brushes dry on a towel — the bristles can become mildewed.

Mid-wash, keep the base of the brush head away from soap and water. The bristles are glued to the base, and water and detergent can cause the glue to disintegrate and the bristles to come loose and shed. Do not dry vertically — this will cause water to leak into the ferrule [the piece that joins the bristles to the wand], which will also loosen the glue and lead to bristle loss.

Do you recommend any makeup brush cleaning products?

Three products stand out: My personal favorite is the Mac Cosmetics Brush Cleanser, the 2X Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove and Vera Mona Color Switch.

-Jhenelle Hill

ISSA MAC Cosmetics Summer. . .heat proofing your makeup. . .

Photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Barely there makeup down to a science--from glowing skin to groomed brows and tinted lips.

The emphasis on natural, barely there makeup is more evident than ever this year. Beauty experts and opinion makers are fixated on creating looks that highlight glowing skin. And were not talking about the overly “strobed” cheekbones of reality TV stars. The direction this season subscribes to the kind of glow that one gets post-workout or after a thorough facial. Think pinkish-gold flush. Dewy finish. Minimal coverage. And maybe, a show of adorable freckles.

Glowing Skin In Seconds. Start with MAC’s Strobe Tone Up Cushion Compact SPF 50. A spin off from the beauty label’s iconic Strobe Cream, this compact creates luminous radiant skin that easily glides onto skin. Fine pearl particles helps to achieve that glow from within. Use a sponge, brush or fingers when applying all over the face or on elevated parts. Top off your look with a spritz of MAC’s Prep and Prime Fix. This mother of all water mists now comes in two variants: Goldlite (for a bronzed finish) and Pinklite (for a subtle flush). Prep and Prime Fix is specifically formulated to hydrate and refresh skin, leaving a soft sheen. It may either be used alone or as a setting agent.

Photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

MAC Strobe Tone Up Cushion Compact

Photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

MAC Strobe Prep and Prime Fix Plus comes in Goldlite or Pinklite for a radiant, sheer finish

Brows For The Win. To compliment a look that celebrates skin that breathes, MAC makeup artists say, “eyebrows on-fleek are so last year.” For a while there, it felt like hyper-stenciled brows would be a beauty staple. It appears, however, as though women today are keen on celebrating their natural beauty and that would include brows that are less than perfect but well groomed. This is not to say that strays are not on-point. On the contrary, with this new direction, it is essential that one is able to keep brows shaped and in place.

We each have a distinct way of styling brows. Some like to fill them while others are partial to recreating texture. The Eyebrow Styler from MAC aids in precision application so that users are able to create hair-like strokes. A spoolie on the other end of the pencil makes it easy to groom and blend this long-wear formula. MAC’s Shape and Shade Tint, meanwhile, is a dual ended pen ideal for filling in brows. A sponge tip feature makes it easy to shape brows and keep them in place.

Industry Profile: Maria Borges

Maria Borges, the 22-year-old model from Angola in southern Africa, has only been modeling for about three-and-a-half years. But with two Victoria’s Secret fashion shows; a Givenchy campaign (and multiple Givenchy exclusives); editorials in W, Vanity Fair and Vogue Italia, to name but a few, and most recently, her first cover for L’Officiel Singapore, she’s enjoyed a jam-packed career thus far. (And she’s made her family very proud: “They are going crazy about my pictures,” she said.)

Borges, repped by Supreme, has lived in Manhattan for several years. In heavily-accented English (she’s taking classes to learn the language), she described her mind-set when working the runways: “I’m selling this dress, so it’s the best dress on the runway. If they dress me like a boy, I have to walk like a boy — let’s do it. And if I’m wearing Victoria’s Secret lingerie, then I’m a sexy, beautiful woman.”

WWD: How did you start modeling?
Maria Borges: I was in a competition for Elite Model Look. I didn’t win. Sometimes you lose. It happens. So I didn’t win, but it was a good opportunity to travel to Portugal, and I met one of my agents there. I did a fashion show in Portugal for the first time. I started modeling when I was 17, almost 18. Later, I signed with Supreme.

WWD: Did you ever think about becoming a model?
M.B.: People would say, “You’re skinny, you’re tall.” I’m a size zero. People told me, “You should try!”

WWD: How did your family feel about your modeling career in the beginning?
M.B.: I grew up with my sister. My mom died when I was 11. My sister took care of me; she’s 27 now. And she had to decide about my life: does she let me travel when I’m 17 years old? In the end, she trusted me. I said, “Ok, I’m glad you believe in me and that I give you the confidence.”

WWD: What was it like growing up in Angola?
M.B.: I was a quiet schoolgirl. I never lived in the city. I lived in a quiet little town. I went from school to home. I always loved science. I was studying to become a doctor. Now, life took me to a different side. I love fashion.

WWD: What do you like to do for fun in New York?
M.B.: I like to go to the movie theater with friends and with my boyfriend. I met my boyfriend here, and I’m so in love with him. I love to go to museums like MoMA. I love walking around Wall Street or seeing the Statue of Liberty.

WWD: Was there a moment when you felt like you really made it?
M.B.: The most important thing that happened in my life was to be an exclusive for Givenchy. Opening Giorgio Armani in Milan was a dream come true — and Versace couture, too. Every show that I’ve walked, every client that I’ve had, I love them all so much. When I first started, I was a runway girl. Now I’m doing everything — campaigns, editorials. I shot my first cover with Steven Klein for L’Officiel Singapore. He chose eight girls and each one has her own cover. Naomi [Campbell] is on one of the covers — she is my icon.

WWD: Did you meet her?
M.B.: I met her at the DVF fashion show in 2012. [Stylist] Edward Enninful introduced me to her. I love him so much. I said, “Please, can you ask Naomi to take a picture with me?” He said, “Don’t worry.” He asked for me. And she was nice.

WWD: Are there any other models you look up to?
M.B.: I love Kate Moss. She’s the greatest. Linda Evangelista…Cindy Crawford…all the supermodel icons. I love to try to pose like they did.

WWD: You’ve walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show twice now. What was that like?
M.B.: I always thought I was too skinny for the Victoria’s Secret show. But I was healthy, and my agent said, “You should try.” I took myself to the gym and worked out, gave myself nice legs, a beautiful body. I went and tried out and thank God, I got it. I had worked with Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou (Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show creative director) and John Pfeiffer (the show’s casting director) in the past. They knew me, and that helped me to become a Victoria’s Secret girl.

WWD: Have you always felt comfortable in front of the camera?
M.B.: Photographers help the models a lot. Steven Klein, he taught me. He said, “You don’t have to try so much — just relax and move slowly.” Each photographer, they help me. They teach you how to be comfortable.

WWD: What are some of your goals?
M.B.: My career really only started two years ago, so I still have a lot of things to do. I’m dreaming to continue working, to help my family and to finish my university.

WWD: Do you remember your favorite hair and makeup look from a show or photoshoot?
M.B.: The greatest makeup ever I think was for Dior Couture back in 2012. They used this supershiny lipstick. You could barely move your mouth….It felt so heavy. Don’t eat, don’t smile, don’t speak…but it looked beautiful!

WWD: If you could give a new girl advice, what would it be?
M.B.: Listen to your bookers. Be friendly to everyone. Be punctual at castings and shoots. Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, don’t do any crazy diets! And never give up on your dreams.

Source

Maria Borges

Courtesy of Supreme Management

Lauren Conrad's New Hair . . . or lack there of

By the time you finish reading this, Lauren Conrad will probably have chopped off another inch of her hair. 

Since marrying William Tell in September, the style star has been on a one-woman mission to change up her 'do. Gone are the long, golden locks everyone lusted after during the era of The Hills. Conrad went for the chop in late October, followed by another cut a week later. And — ta-da! — she revealed yet another trim yesterday. At this rate, she'll be bald by Christmas. 

As it stands, LC has a lovely, shaggy bob that, in her words, "clears the shoulders." Feel free to print out her Instagram snap for your next salon visit, but be warned: You may not want to get too attached. Who knows what next week will bring?