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Proper makeup brush maintenance is crucial for keeping your brushes looking pristine and clean. Here are some tips you should follow when taking care of your brushes:

Tip 1: Get rid of any cracked make-up and keep your trays clean. Everything should be spotless looking!

Tip 2: Wash your brushes after every use. The more you wash your brushes, they will become softer and feel better. Keep your used brushes in a separate pack.

According to TIGI make-up artist and educator, Julie Pope, "For a deep clean I prefer to use a moisturizing shampoo. Just a small amount in a shallow dish with some water. Then swirl around your brush and rinse. Repeat as many times as needed. Make sure to always angle your brushes bristle side down so no water or soap builds up and wears way the adhesive."

Tip 3: If you're short on time, use a spray brush cleaner after every use -- it's fast and it sanitizes, says Pope.

Tip 4: It's all about the texture of your brushes. You can determine the quality of a brush by how it feels. Try using synthetic brushes for applying creams, and natural brushes for powders. Natural brushes have better absorption and hold the powder better.

Tip 5: Good brushes go bad if you don't maintain them. With regular cleansing and proper storage they will last you years, if not a lifetime.

Tip 6: Replace a brush when it loses its shape or becomes stinky -- this happens when your brushes get neglected.

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